By Scooter_McG
As was expected from these two rivals, the NFC Championship Game was a torrid and feisty affair, with both teams playing a physical brand of football and giving no quarter. But despite leading by 10 points entering the fourth quarter the 49ers were unable to hold on and ultimately went down to the Rams 20 to 17.
This is a game where both teams missed chances. The 49ers could have taken an early lead if Jimmy G hadn't overthrown Kittle on their opening possession, who only had to outrun the safety to score. The Rams missed a few opportunities in the first half also, with an INT on 3rd and goal and then a dropped pass in the end zone later in the half.
But for the 49ers, the opportunity that will no doubt be keeping one Jaquiski Tartt up at night will be dropping the easiest of INTs on a long bomb by Stafford that hit Tartt in the numbers with nobody around him. If that INT was taken, with just over 8 minutes left on the game clock, the 49ers would have had the ball in good field position with a 3 point lead. Instead, the Rams would drive the ball down the field and score the game tying FG. It's a shame for Tartt, as other than that blemish he had a pretty good game.
In the end the Rams were the better team throughout the majority of the contest and deserved the win. The 49ers were outplayed in the first half quite comprehensively yet went into the break up by 3, courtesy of the above missed chances I outlined. And when the 49ers extended that lead by a TD late in the 3rd quarter, off the back of two impressive stops on 3rd and 4th and short for a turnover on downs, it felt like the 49ers were now getting on top.
Even after the Rams easily marched down field to cut the lead by 3, the 49ers still looked to have the game in the palm of their hands as they marched the ball past midfield and had the ball on 2nd and 1 in Rams territory. But the 49ers then failed to convert on 2nd and 3rd downs, with two run attempts stuffed for a loss and no gain. The Tartt dropped INT would occur early the next series and the momentum then swung entirely to the Rams as the closed out the game.
The Rams game plan for this one was perfect, it has to be said. They did a great job taking away the 49ers running game throughout the contest, preventing the 49ers getting into a rhythm on offense and forcing the team into numerous 3rd and longs. The Rams also neutralised the 49ers pass rush early by going to a lot of quick game, which resulted in some very long drives that got the 49ers D gassed and presented some opportunities deep later in the game. It was impressive that the 49ers were able to keep finding ways to stay in the game and prevent the Rams from building a big lead.
The game draws to a close what has been one of the most roller coaster seasons I can recall for the 49ers. Starting the season 2 and 4, then dropping to 3 and 5 following an embarrassing loss to the under strength Cardinals, the team looked lost and no chance of making the playoffs. They were continually finding ways to beat themselves. But their resurgence in the second half of the season was stunning and a testament to the resolve and resilience of both the players and coaching staff. To then get to the NFC Championship Game with two hard fought wins over the Cowboys and Packers was a well deserved reward for the team that refused to quit.
The game also likely draws to a close Jimmy Garoppolo's time with the 49ers. While nobody will ever confuse Jimmy G as a great QB, he finishes his career with the 49ers as one of the team's winningest QBs ever. He took the team to two NFC Championship Games in his two mostly healthy seasons with the team, including one win. But unfortunately he was unable to bring home the Super Bowl win. Say what you want about him, he's been a class act with the 49ers and deserves praise in particular for the way he handled himself this season despite knowing the team had drafted his future replacement.
With that said, thanks to everyone that has contributed to making this blog a fun one. I've really enjoyed putting these pre and post game reports together and being able to discuss the team's ups and downs with you all. Can't wait to do it again next season!
But now the offseason awaits, and it should be a fascinating one as we see how the team looks to manage their cap and transition to their new starting QB Trey Lance. But we will have plenty of time to discuss all of that in the coming weeks and months.
Can we finally stop pretending that we can win it all with an average QB? Can we officially end that stupid Jimmy Garoppolo charade?
ReplyDeleteLike, you can't keep covering up for your QB and expect to keep wining big games in today's NFL! You just Can't!
The 49ers consistently trotted out a QB who was a handicap for the offense, and somehow, they made it to the NFC Championship game. just imagine how good this team could have been with an above average QB. What a shame!
I feel bad for the defense and Deebo. I don't feel bad for Kyle, because I believe you reap what you sow! If you don't trust your QB as a HC, you aren't winning the Super Bowl. That's just a FACT!
I'm out.
ReplyDeleteI'll catch you guys before the draft, unless of course, Garoppolo is still a Niner, in which case I don't know when I'll see you.
Have a good winter, guys! GO Niners - 2022/23
And thanks for your hard work Scooter, Razor, and the rest of you guys!
DeletePeace!
I'd like to thank Scooter for his timely and thoughtful write-ups and also to Razor for keeping the topics moving throughout the week.
ReplyDeleteIt has been a great season that began in an underwhelming fashion but got better and better in the second half of the season and definitely grew into a memorable post-season.
On to an interesting off-season.
One more quick post, just so you guys don't think I am the only one. here is a quote from Kyle Posey, over at SBNation:
ReplyDelete“I thought Shanahan coached cowardly in the fourth quarter.” – Kyle Posey
It's called "CHOKING"! Kyle simply doesn't understand how to finish games, especially with late double digit leads. IMO, it's because he has no guts, and he coaches scared, or as Kyle put it - "COWARDLY"!
The only thing he could potentially be called out for being "cowardly" in this game was not going for it on fourth and 2. Maybe he should have. But they were up by 3 and Tartt dropped the INT on the next series. It wasn't Kyle's decision there that cost them.
DeleteI don't see anything else you can criticise him for being "cowardly". What, did you want him to pass more? Take more deep shots? In case you weren't paying attention, the 49ers OL was getting monstered in pass pro in the 2nd half. They actually tried to pass far more in this game but the pass pro failed them far too often. Compton got showed up a few times.
I counted NINE Rams defenders in the box, and Kyle ran right into the teeth of their defense. Also, he had multiple one-on-one opportunities for his wideouts, and he didn't call a single deep shot. He coached conservatively early, and then he coached "not to lose", trying to just hold onto a lead like he always does in big games, rather than trying to put his opponents away.
DeleteKyle CHOKED BAD twice this season. Once, when he decided to roll with Jimmy, and completely shut Trey down. And twice, when he couldn't hold onto the lead late in the biggest game, as usual.
What do those two things have in common? No guts.
No guts, no glory, Scooter.
I understand that Kyle doesn't trust Jimmy. I get that, Scooter. But you can't expect to go all the way with training wheels on your starting QB! Can't do it. Not in 2021/22!
DeleteTypical. A strong case of "when it works he is a genius, when it doesn't he is an idiot" going on here. And as usual, when it doesn't work, it is the usual crowd that "know better". Nevermind that just last week they iced the game doing the same thing.
Delete2nd and 1 and 3rd and 2, on a team that won its way to the playoffs off the back of running the ball, but yeah, he is a "coward" for trusting in his running game.
Dude, they literally just went to the NFCCG and took it to the wire. Against an excellent Rams team. Sometimes you lose to other really good teams.
Actually, this sounds more like a case of "if they don't win the SB every year they suck" going on. Either way, you are completely out of touch on this and have been all season.
"Genius"? I never called Kyle a genius. I've called him a genius Offensive play-caller. I've never called him a genius head coach.
DeleteAnd unfortunately, his inability to hold double digit leads late in big games, means I probably need to reassess his status as a play-caller.
To be honest, I'm not sure he has the "cojones" to be called a genius at anything!
DeleteI do feel confident calling him a great play-caller / play-designer. Genius? Nah!
Cool. The HC that took his team to two NFCCGs in the past 3 years is rubbish. Good to know. Happy hunting for a better team and HC to support.
DeleteBTW, yah, he should have gone for it on 4th, but again, that's a lack of cojones. And probably even worse, why was he running the exact same play behind Trent, with a bad ankle, as he got stuffed on last week? Kyle was certainly not on his A game tonight, but that's not why I am upset. People have bad games. It's when they make decisions out of fear, that I have a problem with.
DeleteAgain, it's play calling scared that Kyle needs to find a way to get past this, or he's going to keep coming up short. It's becoming his legacy. Nobody cares who lost a conference championship, and you don't get kudos for choking.
DeleteOr as Kyle Posey over at SBNation put it, coaching cowardly. Kyle has a lot of strong qualities as a football coach. No question about that. But coaching scared is not one of his better qualities, and unfortunately, it's costing him his legacy!
DeleteWe don't agree on a lot of things, Scooter, but hopefully we agree that CHAMPIONS STEP UP and make plays when it matters most?
DeleteBefore the season started I didn't think this team was winning the NFC or SB no matter who they started at QB.
DeleteThen given the start they had I didn't think they'd nake the playoffs.
Getting as close to making the SB as they did was very impressive imo. Complaining about the coaching given where they got to is completely nuts.
Also, Kyle needs to learn clock management. Especially in regards to using timeouts BEFORE the 2 minute warning, in BOTH halves:
DeleteWith 2:38 left in the game, Rams running back Sony Michel was tackled for a one-yard loss, putting the ball at the San Francisco 12-yard line.
And then, the clock just ran and ran and ran. The 49ers had all three of their timeouts left, the Rams weren’t done running plays before their final field goal attempt, and it was to their distinct advantage to let the clock to until the two-minute warning.
And Shanahan, with those three timeouts in his pocket, let the Rams do just that. Instead of giving his team more time when it mattered most, Shanahan, for whatever reason, gave his old buddy Sean McVay the biggest late Christmas present possible.
Scooter, this is two BIG choke jobs in the two biggest games over the last 3 years! Kyle's two for two, as a Niners HC, and that's after choking in the Super Bowl after being up 28-3, with the Falcons, just a few years earlier. That's his legacy up to now. Nobody cares who came up short in the NFC Championship game, except for the fact that it's yet ANOTHER Shanahan COLAPSE, after being up double digits late.
DeleteL.E.G.A.C.Y.
So why is this a pattern? I think it's TWO WORDS: Coaching Scared
DeleteOh I did. I definitely thought this was a Super Bowl caliber roster. for sure.
DeleteI thought the only thing holding this team back from winning a Super bowl this year, would be the same thing that held them back in 2019.
And it ends up that I was right ... again!
And his decision to go with Jimmy this season, instead of the more talented rookie, was the ULTIMATE example of coaching scared, IMO!
DeleteBOTTOM LINE, Scooter:
DeleteSean McVay got it right this season in moving off of Mathew Stafford, while Kyle Shanahan got it wrong, sticking with the same QB who couldn't stay healthy, and already cost his team a Super bowl in 2019!
Game. set. Match.
Goodnight!
Sorry 49, You are all up in your feelings right now.
DeleteAs a fan am I upset they lost? Hell yes, But I never thought this team was talented enough to win the SB. They came through and played far better than I thought they would.
I don't put this on Jimmy, he is who he is. He is a qb that needs help (this basically applies to all but about 7 qbs). So when the running game struggles to get 2 yards a carry because the Oline is getting owned. It's extremely problematic. One of the benefits a healthy Mostert gave this team, was run blitzing him was a bad idea as he was a house call waiting to happen. They didn't have that this year, so they were forced to use their best receiving option as a regular RB. That's a double whammy as it removes a receiving threat. They really need an explosive back in the backfield next year.
This offseason if they can bring back their Dline, shore up their Oline and try to add a solid corner their team could be much better this year. But the icing on the cake would be an explosive back imo.
Jimmy was so bad this postseason, and the thing is Scooter, he was bad in the 2019 postseason, and he was healthy back then.
ReplyDeleteThat's on Kyle, because he had a choice at QB this season, and he chose to go the conservative route at QB, with a guy Kyle already knew he probably couldn't win the big one with.
I feel really bad for Deebo! He deserved better at QB!
ReplyDeletePainfull loss it could have gone either way.
ReplyDeleteIn general in was a good season cuz we got in the NFC championship game.
Probably this was the game to much against the Rams.
Sure Jimmy has a excellent Win record here but dont forget we are the 49ers one of the few teams who won MULTIPLE SB's and that's the standard.
In big games Kyle hasnt found the right recept yet is it of going to conservative or QB cant manage it?
TBD
I don't know about anyone else, but the way the second half of this season went makes me feel this team is just about to go on a run of deep playoff/ SB runs. The character of the team is very strong and they have a nucleus of very talented players they should be able to keep together for some time.
ReplyDeleteThey now have a bunch of excellent young guys to build around in Deebo, Bosa, Warner, Kittle, Aiyuk and Mitchell, as well as some other young guys that have shown some promise as starters or depth pieces in Greenlaw, Al-Shaair, Thomas, Jennings and Hufanga. They have some excellent or very good vets that still have a few more years at the top of their game in Trent Williams, Armstead, Ward and Juice. Those guys have mostly all been there through the teams two NFCCG runs in the past three years, and now know how to win.
They have a group of other pretty good players, though for many their contract status is up in the air. But I suspect they will look to bring back as many as possible.
And, importantly, they have their young, highly talented QBOTF already in place to take over next season, who got a taste of the NFL this year as well as getting to watch how a vet leads the team.
For mine there are really three key areas they need to figure out for next year. The OL, which has Tomlinson coming off contract, McGlinchey coming off a very serious injury, and Mack on the wrong side of 35, should be a priority. CB depth/ competition to challenge Moseley and Thomas and get a long term nickel solution with Williams off contract. And DL to complement Bosa and Armstead, with a few important role players like Jones and Key off contract and Kinlaw yet to prove he can stay healthy and be a force.
Get those three things sorted and assuming Lance is who they thinkmhe is, this team should be set for a few years.
Certainly agree, and thanks for all your articles, Scooter.
DeleteAnd how can I forget thanking Razor? Best to you too, bud.
DeleteAlso chiming in with my thanks to Scooter and Razor for their blogging and analysis during this most remarkable of seasons. Scooter, I can only imagine what hours you keep, what with your timely contributions from half a world away, you need to go pro! (whatever that means these days)
DeleteThanks guys, glad you've enjoyed the content!
DeleteI agree Scooter-McG. The core of this team is very talented, relatively young and signed or soon to be signed long term. The key is obviously Lance and how soon/if he can reach a level that allows them to contend moving forward. He has all the physical skill, intelligence and work ethic it appears so hopefully he takes them to finish line.
DeleteYeah George those dudes doing a good job
ReplyDeleteNiners made a gallant run the SB. Already looking forward to FA and the draft.
ReplyDeleteNote: 49reasons you made a bet and you lost, besides losing the bet you have lost your word and a man without his word is no man at all, and cannot be trusted. Please find another team to root for, the Niners DESERVE BETTER.
Amen.
DeleteKyle Shanahan's narrow mindedness cost this talented team another potential Super Bowl, IMO. Here is a quick reminder of Kyle's fatal personality flaw:
ReplyDelete"The 49ers set up the Rams’ game-tying field goal drive in the fourth quarter of the NFC Championship Game with a punt in Rams territory on fourth-and-2. Kyle Shanahan never even considered going for it."
"Shanahan admitted after the game that he was never thinking of going for it, even when he sent the offense onto the field to attempt to get the Rams to jump offside."
“We were never thinking about going for that,” Shanahan said.
"Shanahan should have thought about it: A two-yard gain would have given the 49ers first-and-10 at the Rams’ 43-yard line, and they would have been only a few more yards from getting into range for a Robbie Gould field goal."
So why didn’t he think about it?
“WE JUST DIDN'T WANT TO,” he said. “We were up three points and didn’t think it was the right decision.”
34 posts 21 by 49Reasons i thought he was gone? please give it a rest
ReplyDeleteJimmy Garoppolo went 3 for 9 for 30 yards and an INT in 4th quarter of the NFC Championship game. In 6 playoff starts, Garoppolo has a 28.0 Passer Rating in the 4th quarter, that ranks DEAD LAST among 69 QBs w/ 30+ 4th quarter passes in playoffs, dating back to 1991!
ReplyDeleteWOW. It’s no wonder SportsCasting posted this ominous headline just a little over one week ago:
“Jimmy Garoppolo’s Fourth Quarter Curse Could Spell Doom for the 49ers Again"
It’s almost as if we are clairvoyant, isn’t it?
So I ask all of you guys this one simple question:
DeleteWHO AMONG US SAW THIS COMING?
Raise your right hand and say "I", if you were among the like-minded people like myself, who predicted that Jimmy would, once again, ultimately fold under pressure when the chips were down this season.
"I"
Psychosocial symptoms:
DeleteExcessive agitation
Excessive irritability
Psychosis
Prolonged manic episodes
https://www.sonorabehavioral.com/addiction/meth/symptoms-causes/
Yep.
In defense of Jimmy G, Kyle and the 49ers organization put him in a very difficult position this season. Jimmy essentially became a "LAME DUCK" or "DEAD MAN WALKING" after the 49ers drafted Lance at the end of April. I would call this decision Kyle's "ORIGINAL SIN", but the fact of the matter is it was Jimmy poor play in big games, as well as his utter inability to stay healthy, that prompted the 49ers to move on from Jimmy in the first place. It's like the old saying goes - "FOOL ME ONCE, SHAME ON YOU, FOOL ME TWICE, SHAME ON ME" ....
DeleteThat said, Jimmy did handle an impossible situation with exceptional professionalism. I wouldn't exactly call Jimmy the consummate pro, because he never takes responsibility when he does play poorly, and it's his inability to self reflect, and "self correct", that is the catalyst for his lack of growth on the football field.
For me though, it goes back to what I was saying during the pre-season. I believe Kyle made a fatal decision which ultimately doomed the 49ers before the season even started. The 49ers simply spent too many resources on Lance to then sit him behind a QB who had already proven himself incapable of getting the 49ers over the hump, even when healthy. The cost of this "COWARDLY" decision not only hurt the 49ers chances this season, IMO, but also put the team in a tough situation going into the early portion of next season. In other words, Kyle potentially doomed his team's Super Bowl chances not only this season, by riding a QB he knew he couldn't trust, but also risked getting off to another slow start again next season, as Lance works thru his "inevitable growing pains."
But that's ultimately who Kyle is as a HC. He's stubborn, and narrow minded to a fault, and that's the main reason why Kyle "CAN'T COACH HIMSELF OUT OF A PAPER BAG" when his team has a double digit lead late late in the biggest games. And that's a real shame because Super Bowl windows don't usually stay wide open for very long, and if the 49ers get off to another slow start next season, they could be potentially WASTING two seasons, back to back, despite having the most talented roster outside of the one position Kyle has been unable to solve - the QUARTERBACK position!
DEEBO SAMUEL DESERVED BETTER!
BTW guys, just so you know I am not exaggerating, Jimmy Garoppolo had, once again, one of the three LOWEST grades of all of the 49ers offensive players last night, according to PFF!
ReplyDeleteI hope we can all agree that .... THAT'S SIMPLY NOT GOOD ENOUGH!
Didn't expect them to be a contender, but it doesn't excuse not capitalizing on their opportunity. Now, maybe this was the best case scenario for the 49ers brass. Jimmy G era ends in the same fashion as Smith's did for KC. Let's hope the similarities don't end there when Lance takes over next season. Thanks to everyone for your support. I imagine Scooter and I will take a break and then dive into the draft. Go Bengals!
ReplyDeleteYep, disappointing that they didn't capitalise on the opportunity and not for lack of chances either.
DeleteI will probably take a week or two away from writing articles, but will keep posting comments in the mean time.
Scooter / Razor
ReplyDeleteThanks to you both for your comments and Razor, for your time and effort making the blog available this season. And to you Scooter, for your analysis and insight, which I've enjoyed reading.
JUST MY OPINION: Ignore 49Reason, engaging him (like Seb), will only enable him. Insulting him is a waste of time! Like Don Quixote, he's tilting at windmills only he perceives as reality and you're not going to chance his opinion(s).
IMO: I would like to thank JG for his services and time spent with the 9ers, then move on to Lance and 2022 season.
As for the 2022 draft, I would hope the 9ers can trade JG for a 2nd Rd. draft pick and a 2023 4th Rd pick.
As for the rest of the 2022 draft. A CB with the 2nd round draft pick (from JG trade)and an O-Center with the 9ers 2nd round draft pick, sign a top F/A CB and as many 9er F/A as the salary cap allows. 3Rd draft pick: An OG, plus resign OG Laken Tomlinson.
4th and 5th Rd draft picks: EDGE and OT. 6th and 7th Rd draft picks: Kick returner and players that improve ST.
You're right about reasons. The reason I have tried is that he wasn't always like this. This season just triggered him something tragic. I am hopeful he'll revert to normalcy now JG is likely gone, but I am now worried he's too far down the rabbit hole.
DeleteI think the only thing I would add to your draft is that if they don't go edge earlier than day 3, they need to re-sign/ sign a few guys on the DL.
But ... why shouldn't Kyle just run it back with Jimmy G one more time next season?
DeleteIf Jimmy was good enough to run it back this season, what's one more season, Scooter?
Meanwhile, Sean McVay and Les Snead were the anti-Kyle shanahan! They never held back, starting all of the way back in January! They simply took the bull by the horns this season, and they went for it! Their guts led directly to their glory, and it’s only fitting that it’s McVay’s RAMS, NOT Kyle’s 49ERS, who are headed to the Super Bowl.
DeleteAnd BTW, the Rams are going to win the Super Bowl, and good for them! Hopefully Kyle took notes of how his good buddy took him to school, and then the woodshed this season, starting from the Mathew Stafford trade at the end of January, and ending with an epic comeback for McVay's Rams, and yet another epic choke job by the scaredy cat named - Kyle Shanahan!
You know what it is Scooter, that drives me nuts?
DeleteIt's that, as a lifelong 49ers fan, I never had to grapple with the idea that my team chokes under pressure. The 49ers haven't always been a championship quality team, but when they were, back in the day, they usually made it count. They were 4-0 in the super bowl back in the 80's and 90's. Sure, they lost some big games along the way. games they probably should have won. But they didn't lose in epic fashion. They didn't make an absolute habit of choking! They didn't always have the best HC. Bill Walsh was the best, but George Seifert certainly wasn't. But Seifert, say whatever you will about him, he never coached scared.
and that's the thing. That is the one thing I simply cannot accept! Getting beat, in and of itself, doesn't crush me. Coaching scared, though, that's devastating tp me. Why? I suppose it's a deeply held mindset. I was always taught growing up, to leave it all on the field. Your not always going to be the most talented athlete, but you can develop a mindset that gives you an edge, regardless of natural talent. And that mindset is, win or lose, you have to GO FOR IT! You have to go all in. You can't be afraid to lose.
Kyle Shanahan? He's afraid to lose, and it's starting to define him, and in return, it's starting to define my 49ers. And, while I can accept being the team that didn't win, I am never going to be OK with being labeled as the team that chokes! Or the team that was afraid to lose!
Scooter
DeleteIT'S ALL GOOD MY MAN! AS always, I respect your opinion(s)! I, as you will recall, defended 49Reasons right to state his opinion without being attacked, as I would defend anyone else's right to state theirs.
I believe (hope), everyone can have a difference of opinion, without attacking each other. Razor can correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe that was his stated rule for the blog when he established it.
HAVING SAID THAT, I would refer 49Reasons to the old
adage..."Better to Remain Silent and Be Thought a Fool than to Speak and Remove All Doubt!"
NFL.COM – “NFL Championship Sunday winners and losers: Joe Burrow and Matthew Stafford meet the moment
DeleteLosers:
#8) JIMMY GAROPPOLO
“More “Oh, jeez, Jimmy” throws, especially toward the end. The problem with Garoppolo is that he is an obstacle. To his credit, he handled this past year with grace and aplomb, operating admirably with his hand-picked replacement on the roster. But there’s a reason why the Niners wanted to make a change at the quarterback position — and will do so this offseason. Jimmy is class. He played hurt. He’s a starting quarterback in the NFL. But it’s just over in San Francisco. The writing’s on the wall. In permanent ink.”
#9) KYLE SHANAHAN
“Kyle not calling a timeout before the two-minute warning in the fourth quarter, thus allowing valuable seconds to wind off the clock, was infuriating for Niners fan. Kyle apparently passing on Tom Brady in favor of Jimmy G leads the league in infuriating. And Kyle then trading up for Trey Lance to replace Jimmy G … Well, that didn’t really work out in Year 1. Being fair, Lance could take the job and run with it in Year 2. And all things considered, Kyle still led the 49ers to the NFC title game, logging road playoff wins at Dallas and Green Bay. He made Deebo Samuel one of the stars of the season, unlocking the wideout’s full potential with creative usage down the stretch. But, man … When you blow a 10-point, fourth-quarter lead on Championship Sunday, everything’s gonna be viewed with a critical eye. I was shocked when Shanahan didn’t go for it on fourth-and-2 at the Rams’ 45-yard line with 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter. The Niners were clinging to a 17-14 lead — they needed to re-shift the momentum. But Kyle punted the ball away, and the 49ers proceeded to give the game away.”
That's fine GEEP (and Scooter). If you guys don't want to hear it out of my mouth (keyboard), I'll just stick to posting all of the critical articles around the web. And trust me, there is no shortage of other credible, football junkies, who are saying exactly what I am saying!
DeleteFYI, it's never a good look to shoot the messenger, simply because you don't like the message.
Sure, not everyone agrees that Jimmy and Kyle ought to be forced to get matching "L" tattoos on their foreheads (OK, maybe that's a little extreme), but we all should agree that Kyle and Jimmy are choke artists!
DeleteAfter all, Kyle has been outscored 53-0 in the 4th QTR of the 3 biggest games of his postseason career, while Jimmy has a career postseason 4th QTR Passer rating of 28.0, which ranks dead last, or 69/69 QBs w/ 30+ 4th quarter passes in playoffs since 1991 in the 4th QTR.
49Reason
DeleteIF YOU RECALL, AS I'VE STATED, I HAVE DEFENDED YOUR RIGHT TO POST YOUR OPINION(S), EVEN IF I DON'T AGREE WITH THEM! I'VE NEVER ATTACKED YOU!
I've also used satire with you, to try pointing out how YOU have over reacted (And you have acknowledged doing so).
QUESTION FOR YOU: With all of your postings, do you actually believe you've changed anyones mind? Has it
made any change(s) in KS, JG or the way the 9er play the game, or are YOU, like Don Quixote, tilting at windmills? As Einstein said, "doing (posting), the same thing over and over and expecting different results, is the definition of insanity!”
JUST A SUGGESTION: If you want to be taken seriously rather than venting all of your frustrations with JG and KS, take some time to calm your self, deescalate your feelings and post your opinion in a precise, one or two sentences, rather than posting multiple rants that take up half the blog.
That's fine Razor, I don't agree with that premise, especially before the 2021 draft, but I accept that premise.
ReplyDeleteHowever, even that doesn't mean that it shouldn't still be the ultimate goal. And BTW, simply pointing out this failure, doesn’t make anyone a hater! It’s simply acknowledging the reality of the situation.
“We must be willing to accept the truth of who somebody is, even if it’s not the person that we had hoped them to be” – Confucius
Kyle Posey wrote another poignant article today, IMO, over at SBNATION, titled - “Shanahan’s lack of trust in his offense hurt the team when it mattered the most” – Kyle Posey
“In the final 12 minutes of the NFC Championship game, the Niners, an offense stacked with talent, couldn’t muster a single yard!”
That's not hyperbole, Razor!
It's one thing to have a playoff run where TWENTY NINE offensive possessions ended in only FOUR touchdowns. It's something else entirely when, in the biggest game of the season, the 49ers literally couldn't muster a SINGLE YARD of offense over the FINAL 12:00 minutes of the game, while Deebo Samuel got ONE lousy touch throughout the ENTIRE 4TH QTR!
Kyle put on an absolute clinic when it comes to coaching scared, IMO, or coaching not-to-lose, or however you want to phrase it.
The bottom line is - KYLE CHOKED .... again, and he choked in EPIC FASHION!
BTW, just to be clear, I am NOT blaming Jimmy G. "JIMMY IS WHO HE IS", to use that useless tautology.
ReplyDeleteBut we all knew that. The problem I have is that Kyle knew it, but he failed to reach higher as a HC.
That's like going into a marriage knowing full well that you and your new wife are totally incompatible, and then wondering why your marriage ended in a divorce!
And the problem you fail to realise is that it was incredibly unlikely that Lance would have taken them as far or further than JG did.
DeleteIn fact, it would have been a historical first if Lance led the team to the Super Bowl.
They drafted Lance for next year and beyond. That was always the plan. Shanahan has been up front about that. If the team had failed to make the playoffs then rolling with JG this year would have been a wasted season in some respects. But in the end he almost got them to the SB again.
Yes, Shanahan OBVIOUSLY knows he needs to move on from JG. That is why they drafted Lance. He also believed Lance was ot ready this year and their best shot of winning the SB THIS YEAR was with JG. And they got pretty close.
Oh please. You don't know how far they could have gone with Lance, if they started him week 1. I'm sorry, but you can't expect to win it all with a QB whom the HC doesn't trust, even if he's a veteran. At least with Trey their is an element of unknown, whereas with Garoppolo, you know that your going to be outmanned at the most important position on the football field!
DeleteAnd besides, it wouldn't have been the first time Kyle went to the playoffs with a mobile, rookie QB, would it?
The fact that the 49ers got as far as they ever had a chance to go, and they were seriously fortunate to even make the playoffs, with an injured Garoppolo at the helm. And that means Kyle settled for good, rather than shooting for greatness, considering the superior all-around talent on this football team.
Kyle's weak-kneed decision making, especially at QB, only reinforced the notion that the 49ers weren't ALL-IN this season. Which is why, if it wasn't for Deebo's super-human last 7-8 weeks, the Niners probably would never have even made the playoffs, let alone the super Bowl! The fact that they turned it around in the 2nd half of the season, had just as much to do with Lance, who actually played well and won his second start, which was a must win game, than it did Garoppolo.
I mean, you saw the Tennessee game, right? You saw how bad Jimmy was playing from that week forward, right? Kyle basically threw in the white towel, so it's no wonder they got outplayed on Sunday! And BTW, their offense got badly outplayed in Green Bay as well!
There is a reason Belichick has 6 Super bowl rings and Kyle has ZERO! Belichick wasn't afraid to roll with his rookie QB, and they didn't spend anywhere near as much on their rookie, as the 49ers did. And sure enough, Belichick made the playoffs with his rookie QB, and nearly won his division. Why, because Belichick has guts, and Belichick has conviction in his ability to coach, and Kyle doesn't!
Kyle literally GAVE UP! What a wuss!
DeleteI feel sad for you 49reasons. This team just put together an unexpected and exciting run to the NFCCG and all you can focus on is your dislike of the QB and HC. My suggestion to you is to learn more about the game as it appears you are just one of those people who look at the QB/HC and disregard the team aspect of the game. Also take your meds for your OCD disorder or get some if you haven't already. Your constant whining and ignorant posts are an embarrassment and make the experience here a lot less enjoyable.
Delete"Shanahan’s lack of trust in his offense hurt the team when it mattered the most" - Kyle Posey
Delete"I can’t believe this s--- held up" - 49ers’ Jimmy Garoppolo opens up about his injuries, future
Seriously? I mean, come on scooter. This guy is weak and you know it.
"I can’t believe this s--- held up" - 49ers’ Jimmy Garoppolo opens up about his injuries, future.
DeleteThis is either the most pathetic post I've ever seen from a veteran QB, or Jimmy and Kyle were simply punking us all this season!
"You don't know how far they could have gone with Lance, if they started him week 1."
DeleteAnd you do?
"It wouldn't have been the first time Kyle went to the playoffs with a mobile, rookie QB, would it?"
Didn't that team get bundled from the playoffs in the first week?
What I know is that, with jimmy, they weren't going to get far enough, and that's even with Deebo plating like a superhero! If you know Garoppolo isn't good enough, which is the only reason you give up all of those draft picks and move mountains in order to find a new QB, what's the point? Isn't the point to win a super bowl/ If not, you're in the wrong profession. At least with trey lance you just never know. with jimmy, you've already seen the limits, and those limits have been holding the team back, especially in the big games, even when Jimmy's healthy.
Deletefor whatever reason, Kyle decided he didn't even want to try to win with Lance, despite the fact that lance has more talent in his left nut, than Jimmy Garoppolo has on his best day! if you're just going to run it back again with a QB you've been trying hard to replace, then don't spent 3 first round picks on backup QB! The end result is missing the Super Bowl, either way, right?
Nobody is going to even give the Niners a second thought in a week from now, why, because fans know that the Niners were lucky to get as far as they did with Garoppolo, and that they basically surrendered any chance at a Super bowl, by holding on to Garoppolo. And the worst part about it is, they still don't exactly know if they can win with Lance, a full season later, lol.
they are talking about the 49ers never truly having a legitimate chance with Garoppolo at QB, right now on NFL Network. You guys act like I'm the only one saying this when it's actually the majority opinion!
This equation is rather simple: Starting Lance and missing the Super Bowl = starting Garoppolo and missing the Super Bowl, only with an additional $27M to spend to try to win it again in 2022!
DeleteThis is the part of the equation that is apparently going right over your guys' heads. It's not exactly rocket science either.
Only now, there is the additional part of the equation that says the narrative is that Trey Lance must not be very good, if he couldn't even beat out a severely injured Jimmy Garoppolo!
They got to the SB in 2019 and were pretty close to winning it. They got to the NFCCG this year and were pretty close to winning it.
DeleteIf you can get there, you can win it. Just because you don't, doesn't mean you can't. Guess what, there are 31 other teams in the NFL and some of them are really good too.
The idea they "can't" win with JG is ridiculous. If they can't win with him, they'd never have gotten as close as they did - twice.
The reason Shanahan got Lance is because if Lance is elite like they believe, it makes it easier to win and consistently be in position to win. But guess what, it is highly unlikely that is immediately the case. QBs take time to develop. Thus the reason no rookie QB EVER has made the Super Bowl, let alone won it.
If you can't win the SB with JG at QB, you can't win with Trent Dilfer at QB either. Or Joe Flacco. Or Nick Foles. Or Brad Johnson. Oh... wait.
DeleteBig thank you to Razoreater and Scooter_McG for doing this after the PD site went dead. You two were a nice change from the usual and I hope you continue with it as it's nice to see a site run by fans of the team where the objective isn't simply to antagonize with anti team sentiment. You guys have been balanced and reasonable with your opinions and that's all we can ask for as visitors to your site.
ReplyDeleteThanks NAE! Hope to see you continue commenting here as well.
DeleteAs Razor said above, Go Bengals!
ReplyDeleteTHE HEIGHT OF POOR SPORTSMANSHIP AND HYPOCRISY:
ReplyDeleteAndrew Whitworth (Ram's LT), rips Joe Staley over a tweet that he claimed is "EMBARRASSING FOR OUR GAME!"
Whitworth ripped Staley for a tweet he sent before the NFC Championship Game about buying tickets from Rams fans. Staley was trolling Whitworth’s wife, who offered to buy tickets from Rams fans rather than letting them fall into the hands of 49ers fans, who packed SoFi Stadium in Week 18.
Whitworth says he used to respect Staley, but that’s seemingly no longer the case. He went on to call it “embarrassing for our game” and says he would “hope a legend of the game would leave a players wife out of it.”
Whitworth called Staley a “tough guy” and will “address that at a later date.”
Apparently Mr Whitworth feels his wife has the "privilege" of express her opinion, but she's too emotional fragile for Staley to respond and express his?
Perhaps Mr butt hurt Whit-WORTHLESS would be well served to keep his Chauvinistic belief, and his pseudo morality to himself, and remember that is was his wife that put herself out there by trying to keep 9er fans out of SOFI stadium to, as she put it, give the Rams a home field advantage! Whether he likes it or not, Staley has the right to express himself. a And both Whit-worthless and his wife, are the only ones embarrassing themselves by being paranoid of 9er
fans
Well, I hate to say it but, thanks to Kyle, Whitworth gets the last laugh. He can talk all of the shite he wants, because his team has the privilege of going to the Super Bowl (and likely winning the Super Bowl) on his home turf, while Kyle's team is heading home for the winter, after yet another 4th QTR collapse!
DeleteWinning has it's privileges, GEEP, and if Joe doesn't like it, he can take it up with his weak-kneed ex-Head Coach!
49Reasons
DeleteIt's OK, you're entitled to your opinion. Thanks for admitting your an incognito LA Lam fan that enjoys trolling 9er fans. Here is to your Lam "PRIVILEGE," that more LA residents are 9er fans than Lam fans who sold their tickets to 9er fans for a profit, rather than support the Lams at SOFI stadium.
BTW: It also explains why you're so anti JG and KS. Just to be clear, What does "Joe" liking it or not, have to do with it? The fact is, it's irrelevant since "Joe" is not the one who's butt hurt over the 9er fans making SOFI stadium a 9er home game and has nothing to do with "privilege" or KS.
In fact, what it does say is LA residents feel the Lams are a transient teams that dumped both them and St. Louis fans in the past and the owner, Stan Kroenke is paying St Louis $790 million to settle a lawsuit, to move the Lams back to LA.
"In fact, what it does say is LA residents feel the Lams are a transient teams that dumped both them and St. Louis fans in the past and the owner, Stan Kroenke is paying St Louis $790 million to settle a lawsuit, to move the Lams back to LA."
DeleteI am in no way touting the rams' ownership. I am touting Snead and McVay, because I believe strongly that one must take risks in order to achieve glory, one who does not try does not succeed.
Kyle Shanahan has a fatal personality trait as an NFLL Coach, which is why his teams have been outscored 53-0 in the 4th QTR of the three biggest games of his NFL career!
"People with weaknesses get killed by the people who lack them" - FACT!
NOTICE: 49Reasons does NOT deny he is, and has been, an incognito Lam fan that enjoys trolling 9er fans...
Deletethank you.....GOOD TO KNOW!
Ryans has taken himself out of the running for the Vikings HC job, preferring to stay with the 49ers and continue his development.
ReplyDeleteGood decision by Ryans imo.
Best thing for us cuz having the same coordinators for multiple years is huge, now hoping that McDaniel and Peters also stay.
ReplyDeleteThat would be ideal. Continuity is huge.
DeleteWell I am on to draft season. I keep ending up with Penn State Edge rusher Arnold Ebiketie. I love his burst off the edge. And while I would prefer a corner, I think he provides much more value where SF is selecting.
ReplyDeleteSorry this was in TDN's draft machine... I really doubt he will be available but I love his burst off the edge.
DeleteI'd love to get someone that can play that Dee Ford speed rusher role. Ebiketie could be just the guy.
DeleteFor mine that Ford type pass rusher is what they are missing on the DL. Lots if guys that can win with power and effort, but nobody that can really win on the outside rush consistently to give OTs something else to worry about.
Agreed. I think the biggest advantage a speed rusher gives, is that they stress OT's to get to cut off the edge. That gives your DT's a ton of a space to work with on the inside.
DeleteScooter/Shoup
DeleteI would agree with Shoup that Ebiketie will go early in the 2nd Rd. and the only possibility the 9ers could draft him, is if they can trade JG for an early 2nd Rd draft pick.
Another possible draft pick for the 9ers is Florida St. DE Jermaine Johnson II, who's bigger and faster. He ran a 4.5s 40 in high school, while Ebiketie has a projected 40 time of 4.6s. The combine will provide better data and could change where both are drafted.
Geep,
DeleteI like him as well sadly, he was off the board in the simulator. But he’s also an option. I’m not heavy on the whole edge rusher idea as I think it has to be a speed rusher.
Other needs will be Corner, Safety, Center, OT, OG and surprisingly maybe RB. If they can add 2 developmental starters it would be big. Especially if they could play right away.
Shoup
DeleteI agree with you on a speed rusher. Just curious which CB you would like and if the Salary cap allows, a FA CB that you would like to see the 9ers sign?
I must admit, my very early days sneaky pick for the 49ers first pick in the draft this year is an OT. We know how much they value the position, and McGlinchey is coming off a pretty serious injury (similar to the one Richburg suffered that forced him to retire).
DeleteI wouldn't be surprised if the 49ers look to restructure McGlinchey's contract to give some salary cap relief, but with very little expectation of him being right to play in 2022, unfortunately.
Probably should have done a bit of reading before that last comment.
DeleteAccording to McGlinchey his rehab is going well, so maybe the prognosis for 2022 isn't so bleak.
https://www.1077thebone.com/2022/01/06/mike-mcglinchey-details-most-painful-part-of-his-rehab/
To be fair Scooter, At this stage everyone's recovery is going well. OT is definitely on the table, especially given the question marks around his availability, his level of play and his contract.
DeleteGeep,
DeleteCarlton Davis maybe or perhaps Darius Williams or DJ Reed... part of the answer to the question will depend on how Ryan’s wants to morph this defense.
Tom Brady officially announces NFL retirement in lengthy Instagram statement
ReplyDeleteThe Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB officially announced his NFL retirement Tuesday morning, sharing a lengthy statement on his Instagram and Twitter accounts
https://www.yahoo.com/sports/tom-brady-officially-announces-nfl-143852860.html
Great Career Tom Brady.
ReplyDeleteSteelers, Redskins and Broncos have the capspace to trade for Jimmy.
Nice breakdown of the offseason roster challenges:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.ninersnation.com/2022/2/1/22871223/49ers-offseason-preview-nfl-salary-cap-rumors-jimmy-garoppolo-nick-bosa-deebo-samuel-laken-tomlinson
9ERS 2022 OFFSEASON TO DO LIST:
ReplyDeleteProjected Salary Cap: Current $209.2 million
Current 2022 Salary Commitments: $204.1 million
Current Projected Space = $5.1 million
Players Under Contract: 32
(All cap estimates per Over the Cap)
Obvious moves available to 9ers, with enough flexibility to retain most of their free agents and still make a notable addition.
SALARY CAP CASUALTIES: JG and D Ford
Trading or cutting JG will create ~ $25.5 mil in 2022 salary-cap space.
By releasing Ford with a June 1st designation, the 9ers take a cap hit of just over $4.9 million in 2022 and 2023, and create $7 million in cap savings this offseason.
POST JG & FORD PROJECTED CAP SPACE = ~$37.6 MIL.
Top 10 Impending Free Agents
Laken Tomlinson, Jaquiski Tartt, D.J. Jones
Azeez Al-Shaair (RFA), Raheem Mostert, Jason Verrett, Arden Key, K'Waun Williams, Jauan Jennings (ERFA) and Tom Compton.
The 49ers planned on a spike in salary cap once the league signed their new TV deals this past year. However, league ownership used the COVID-19 pandemic to leverage the NFLPA into a less than favorable deal in the latest CBA and delayed a spike in the salary cap that will create some difficult decisions for the 9er FO.
Technically, the Niners have possible internal replacements for every major free agent, even before adding talent through the draft. The 9ers drafted OG Aaron Banks in the 2nd Rd in last year's draft, preparing for Tomlinson's possible departure. 5th Rd pick, Rookie Hufanga, received significant playing time as the primary backup safety for Tartt and Ward. The return of Javon Kinlaw from knee surgery could fill in for D.J. Jones on the interior defensive line as well.
NOTE: OG Banks couldn't replace OG Brunskill and he may not fit KS ZBS and RT McGlinchey may be slow returning from a torn quadriceps,
Assuming Garoppolo and Ford are released/traded, The 9er FO will hope to retain as many of their top FA's as possible and will have about $15-$20 Mil to play with (while they would have had ~$40 Mil in cap space) and most of that will be needed to fill out the roster).
LAST, BUT NOT LEAST: After the NFL Combine The 9ers FO will begin deciding on the 2022 draft picks! So start getting your mock draft ready
Tarvarius Moore bulked-up and was being groomed for safety.
Delete(To replace Tartt?) He's fast, eager and 25 years old.
I don't think Jennings is an ERFA. He was drafted in 2020. So he should be under contract for 4 years is it not?
DeleteMugeek9er
Deletehttps://overthecap.com/player/jauan-jennings/8957/
You are correct...strange but true.
Delete3 best players 49ers must re-sign in 2022 NFL free agency
ReplyDeleteArden Key, D.J. Jones and Laken Tomlinson
https://clutchpoints.com/49ers-3-best-players-san-francisco-must-re-sign-in-2022-nfl-free-agency/
Thanks Scooter and Razor for your coverage and keeping this blog going. Much appreciated!
ReplyDeleteIt was a great run folks....Honestly I didn't think we would even reach the playoffs at one point.
That being said, a timid end to the season. Hope this doesn't become a pattern with this team and the players don't get into the mindset that they can always come back no matter how they play. You gotta have that killer instinct to finish games.
Anyways interesting offseason ahead. Initially I thought the schedule is gonna be tough because we play the NFC SOUTH and AFC WEST, but because we have the 3rd place schedule, here are our games:
1) Buccaneers without Brady and a new QB
2) Raiders with a new HC
3) Dolphins with a new HC
4) Saints with a new HC
5) Broncos with a new HC
6) Bears with a new HC
7) Panthers who are struggling offensively (and with a HC on the hot seat)
8) Washington with a new QB (and no name as of today)
9) Falcons
Games which are above average in terms of difficulty:
1-6) All Divisional games are gonna be tough if Trey Lance starts.
7) Kansas City Chiefs
8) LA Chargers
Even if we go 2-4 in the division as we did this year, we should be right in the mix for the playoffs with 10 wins.
Thanks Mugeek9er. Very interesting those points 1 - 9.
DeleteNow we just hope the games with the new HCs fall in the 1st half of the season.
DeleteI will take any advantage we get for Trey Lance. :)
Mood posted this over on the Press Democrat.
ReplyDeleteMood Indigo says:
January 31, 2022 at 11:38 am
Kyle in 4th quarter of last 3 playoff losses as head coach/OC:
2021 vs Rams: outscored 13-0
2019 vs Chiefs: outscored 21-0
2016 vs Patriots: outscored 19-0
That’s 53-0 !
Brutal.
Is this just bad luck or is there something else going on here? Is KS too conservative when he has the lead entering the 4th quarter in playoff games?
Watching the games, it has nothing to do with being too conservative. Shanahan has been willing to pass the ball and go to trend buster run plays.
DeleteFor whatever reason the execution was abhorrent in the 4th quarter in the 2019 SB and in the NFCCG against the Rams. And if anything, I would say Shanahan sometimes gets too cute.
I'll also say this - giving up 53 points in the the 4th quarter in those 3 games is woeful. Defense deserves some blame.
No doubt defense deserves some blame. In fact when KS was first hired I argued that it was the defense that lost the Atlanta SB not KS' offense and that to me was on Quinn. But now that it's happened twice more, imo, it's a fair question to ask.
DeleteDefinitely fair to ask. No points in the 4th qtr on offense is just as bad as giving up 53.
DeleteBut as I said, to me what stood out in those two 49ers games was the lack of execution. Balls getting batted down, run blocks being slipped, and in this last one waaaaay too much quick pressure on the QB.
Fatigue maybe on both sides of the ball leading to poor execution.
DeleteAs I recall, the Falcon's loss was due mostly to the Patriot's successful use of the two-minute offense, which they had to use starting the second half to get back into the game. As you know, it can gas a defense, and Brady was a master at it. You'll recall it happened against us in a game at NE, when we charged ahead and almost loss because of the two-minute.
DeleteBut as to the other two games, I really wonder if Kyle's the right guy to manage a close when we're ahead. For example, in the KC game, he cut back on the run, leading Tyrann Mathieu to say afterwards,"We were grateful they got out of the run and started to throw the ball."
This was MM's take on that:
"The 49ers' coach had his team in position to win Super Bowl LIV, leading 20-10 with 11:57 remaining in the fourth quarter after safety Tarvarius Moore intercepted Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and returned the ball to San Francisco's own 20-yard-line. Up to that point in the game, the 49ers had averaged over 6.2 yards per rush in building their advantage.
But for whatever reason, Shanahan diverted from that strategy as he attempted to close out the victory. Of the eight plays over the 49ers' next two drives, San Francisco attempted only three rushes compared to five pass attempts. The two drives gained a combined 22 yards, took only 4:07 off the clock and resulted in two punts. The Chiefs took far better advantage of their first two drives after the interception, putting together a 10-play, 83-yard drive and a seven-play, 65-yard drive, both of which resulted in touchdowns to put Kansas City in front, 24-20, with less than three minutes left in the game.
Those would prove to be the decisive scores in the contest, as the Chiefs would go on to defeat the 49ers by a score of 31-20. Afterward, Kansas City defensive back Tyrann Mathieu expressed his gratitude for San Francisco's decision to favor the pass over the run down the stretch."
https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/49ers/chiefs-tyrann-mathieu-grateful-kyle-shanahan-49ers-abandoned-run-game
The fourth quarter of the Ram's game was also strange in that, as Dieter Kurtenbach wrote, "Samuel’s last touch of the ball came with more than 12 minutes to play in the fourth. While he was open plenty on the Niners’ final two possessions — at least by my eye in the press box — Garoppolo didn’t even come close to throwing it his way on the critical possessions."
I think we all can admit, though, that Jimmy -- with a QBR below 5 in that quarter -- didn't play well. Was that Jimmy? Was it his bad thumb finally running out of juice? Or was it Kyle?
https://www.mercurynews.com/2022/01/31/kurtenbach-deebo-samuel-deserved-better/
George, imo the thing Shanahan gets wrong in those situations (and in fact it is the same issue he had during the first half of this past season) is he can adhere too much to the idea of attacking what the defense is giving you, rather than the adage of sticking to your strengths/ what is working.
DeleteIn the SB the Chiefs started to stack the box to defend the run, so Shanahan tried to take advantage of the space behind them but it didn't work. Early this season he was trying to do the same. Problem is, the 49ers offense is built to be run first and YAC, and everything works off that.
In order to take advantage of teams stacking the box you need to have the right players in place to do so. But the OL can really struggle when asked to hold up against a pass rush on the regular, and no offense to JG, but he is a quick game specialist. In the NFCCG, the OL and JG played their worst on the last two drives.
Scooter, that's an interesting take, and it makes sense.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteLooks like Jim Harbaugh will be back in the NFL next season, this time with the Vikings. If Fangio doesn’t get a HC gig, no doubt he will end up as DC there. Vikings could be a tough team in 2022.
ReplyDeleteYep.
DeleteScooter / Razor
DeleteWHICH ONE, THE DOLPHINS OR VIKING? The question that remains is whether the Dolphins will end up hiring one of the 2 young assistants they are interviewing this week for a second time, Mike McDaniel or Kellen Moore, or whether they indeed will decide on former NFL coach Jim Harbaugh.
The latest development involving the former San Francisco 49ers — and more importantly for this discussion current University of Michigan — head coach involves reports of an in-person interview with the Minnesota Vikings on Wednesday.
Would McDaniel count as a minority hiring? If so he would bring in an additional 3rd for this team, which could really help.
DeleteShoup
DeleteMany people became curious about McDaniel's race and ethnicity after Deadspin published a faulty article calling him as a "white guy!"
Mike McDaniel was born to his parents in Aurora, Colorado and his parent’s information is inaccessible.
He's confirmed he's interracial, but choses not not to be open about his parent’s ethnicity to the media outlets.
Again, thanks Scooter for the blog, and Razor and others for meaningful discourse/insights (over-posters, not so much).
ReplyDelete49ers had a great season. I was at the game and had a nice experience with the Rams fans around me. I am not a LA hater (Rams/Dodgers/Lakers), just Seahawks.
Tomlinson I think is gone as he'll get paid....... I think w the near miss, we can maybe re-sign K'Waun, Tartt, Verrett, Mostert, Jones and Key- Hurst will be interesting seeing as he didn't play much. I HOPE that others will restructure as necessary to make a run for 3-5 years as they have the potential to do so. I have always lobbied for taking a Corner high in the draft knowing that if you are able to get a rare shutdown (Sanders/Revis/Green, etc) it allows for playing a much more aggressive style of defense- ultimately, a la Fangio's bend don't break, the soft zone Ryans played with the DB's has its shortcomings..... I hope we can get more Press-Man with help over the top.
Tartt catches the pick, they likely win...... but, no bitterness there, he just dropped it- he didn't make multiple bad decisions like Kyle Williams vs the Giants.
Off to the draft and I hope/know 49ers will do right by Jimmy (Indy/Denver would be good fits.... not sure Pittsburgh will surrender the draft picks) and I always enjoy learning from everyone on the prospects as I don't watch college ball (HATE missed tackles..)
Here’s how the Rams sold out to stop the 49ers’ rushing attack, which worked to perfection...
ReplyDeleteThe strength of the 49ers’ offense was their running game. Everything they tried to do offensively was set up by the run, whether it was inside rushes, tosses or jet sweeps. That opened things up for the passing game with play action, which made life easier for Jimmy Garoppolo.
Knowing how limited Garoppolo is as a passer, the Rams completely changed their defensive game plan in the NFC Championship Game, breaking tendency and shifting how they defended the run. After primarily being a two-high-safety defense, the Rams utilized significantly more single-high looks to get an extra defender in the box.
In other words, they sold out to stop the run and forced Garoppolo to beat them, which he couldn’t.
They loaded the box 49% of the time after using a heavy box only 24% of the time since 2020 – the lowest rate in the NFL. They also used a single-high safety 18% of the time in the last two seasons, less than any other team
https://sports.yahoo.com/rams-sold-stop-49ers-rushing-140226970.html
I don’t know that Jimmy couldn’t he actually passed well on first down throughout the game. But Kyle basically chose to run into those boxes regardless of what the Rams D was showing... to further complicate it he didn’t use play action much I really don’t get. I’d love to know his real reason for doing this.
Delete9ERS NEED TO SIGN A TOP CB FOR THE 2022 SEASON:
ReplyDeleteStephon Gilmore is a 31 year old, top 2022 season FA CB. Should the 9ers sign him?
Gilmore Spotrac Salary contract: https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/carolina-panthers/stephon-gilmore-9820/
Gilmore hasn't looked like his old self for a couple of years now. I'd only bring him in if it was on the relatively cheap.
DeleteFOR THE 9ERS, IT'S BECOME CLEAR THAT CB IS THEIR ACHILLES HEEL! They allowed Odell Beckham Jr. and Cooper Kupp to combine for 20 catches and 255 yards in the NFC Championship Game. The team was forced to rely on the likes of Josh Norman during the regular season. This is not sustainable moving forward to the 2022 season.
ReplyDeleteYeah, they definitely need to look at the CB position this offseason. But I also don't think it needs a complete overhaul.
DeleteMoseley and Thomas look like they should both at least compete for starting spots next year. For mine it is more about adding competition. Need to have four outside CBs you feel confident in.
Ideally they can get one really good CB to lock down one side, but based on the way they have built this team in the past five years I don't really expect that to happen.
I wouldn't be surprised if Verrett is brought back on the cheap as one of the guys to compete for a spot.
They do need to figure out a plan for the slot CB though. Williams isn't getting any younger and he was shown up for speed a few times this season. He remains good with the play in front of him, but might be time to move on.
Sounds kind of silly, but if I was the 49ers I'd be seeing if DJ Reed was interested in returning.
DeleteNot a silly idea at all.
DeleteYeah, more just silly in that they had him and let him go!
DeleteTrade - Denver number nine pick for JG and Greenlaw.
ReplyDeleteWhy this is good for Denver: They have a team ready to win now and drafting a QB probably isn't going to do that for them. JG fits the bill, and every team needs a Greenlaw.
Why is this good for the Niners. Receiving a number nine pick would help negate the trade for Lance. They have Al-Shaair to replace Greenlaw.
Sign me the heck up for that!
Delete