Is the 49ers defense so good that you have to sit nearly every rb goin (1 Viewer)

[Louisville Slugger]

San Francisco hasn't allowed an opposing RB to rush for more than 100 yards in its last 20 home games. If memory serves the 49ers got thru 3/4 of the season last year without giving up a single rushing touchdown.

Last week they limited Green Bay to only 18 yards rushing from their rb's. Before you say it I don't think the issue was Cedric Benson (I think Benson is going to do fairly well this season) I just think the 49ers front seven are that good.

With the exception of the absolute top tier of rb's I don't think that I would start any rb against the 49ers. I can't say that about any other team in the league. The Lions are in for a tough week vs the 49ers this week.

 

[scrumptrulescent]

This assures Kevin Smith of at least 120 total yards and 1/2 TD's.

 

[shnikies]

As dominant as the 49ers have been going back to last year, I think it's too early to start sitting players based on matchups. If you're deciding between two players who are relatively close all else being equal and one plays the 49ers and the other a bad defense, then that's different. On the other side of the coin, teams that you imagine to have extremely soft run defense might have completely turned it around this year.

 

[solorca]

I would have lost my championship last season if I benched Marshawn Lynch against the 49ers.

You have to go with your gut. If you think they are going to shut your guy down, then bench them...but if I have a stud and don't have a similar level player as a backup, I'm taking my chances.

 

[meyerj31]

I know one guy I wouldn't bench ... Adrian Peterson. I'm never doubting that guy again. If he was up against a team of 11 re-incarnated 1985 versions of Lawrence Taylor with a broken leg and a gun wound after a heart attack I would still start him.

 

[Stinkin Ref]

bottom line....it depends on your other options....

yes I would consider benching even a top tier RB going against them....I think SF is that good...

 

[cracKer]

One of the most impressive things about the'Niners last week was that they were able to shut down the Packers running game in a nickel package. When the nose guard is standing up at the snap, 3 yards off the ball, Green Bay had to think they could run. It was fun to watch

 

[ichris]

It almost looks like SF somehow managed to improve their defense from last year.

They could possibly break Kevin Smith this week.

 

[shnikies]

One of the most impressive things about the'Niners last week was that they were able to shut down the Packers running game in a nickel package. When the nose guard is standing up at the snap, 3 yards off the ball, Green Bay had to think they could run. It was fun to watch

A nickel package? A nickel could tackle Cedric Benson, as in the coin, he'd trip over it.

 

[scrumptrulescent]

One of the most impressive things about the'Niners last week was that they were able to shut down the Packers running game in a nickel package. When the nose guard is standing up at the snap, 3 yards off the ball, Green Bay had to think they could run. It was fun to watch

That probably speaks more toward Green Bay's offensive "issues" than it does SF's defense.

 

[Timmay]

The 49ers defense is defintely one of the toughest to face right now, but it all depends on your other options. I would still start any of the following against the 49ers regardless of the situation: Foster, Mccoy, Rice, Peterson, McFadden...but im one of those Never sit your studs type of person.

 

[David Yudkin]

For starters, the no 100 yard rushers in 20 games is incorrect. Lynch had a 100 yard rushing game against the Niners near the end of last season.

Yes, the Niners rushing defense has been very good, but some of it has to do with the teams and the backs they faced. Here were the backs they went up against ranked by most yards from scrimmage in each game last year (along with TDs scored).

Helu 146/0

Lynch 134/1

Bradshaw 126/0

Best 110/0

SJackson 91/0

Mendenhall 89/0

Rice 83/0

Jacobs 72/0

Blount 65/0

Benson 64/0

Ogbonnaya 61/0

McCoy 52/1

Lynch 47/0

Wells 33/0

Wells 30/0

SJackson 30/0

FJones 30/0

Ivory 23/0

And this year so far they faced Benson again (18/0). I see a couple things. One, the Niners can still give up some yardage but not a lot of TDs. Two, last year they seemed to catch some breaks when opponents had banged up RBs. Three, the Niners frequently took an early lead and forced teams to pass to get back into the game.

In deciding whether to bench a RB against SF or not, I think people need to consider the strength of the team they play for. If it looks like the Niners will romp, that to me looks like a recipe for disaster. Opponents in general will try to pass more against SF, and getting way behind will take away whatever chance your RB had to do much unless he gets used a lot as a receiver.

In terms of team rankings, the Niners had it pretty good last year in terms of opponents' rushing rankings: 5, 6, 10, 14, 18, 19, 21, 21, 23, 23, 24, 24, 25, 28, 29, 30, 32, 32. There were quite a few bottom feeder running teams they faced last season.

 

[Vector]

San Francisco hasn't allowed an opposing RB to rush for more than 100 yards in its last 20 home games. If memory serves the 49ers got thru 3/4 of the season last year without giving up a single rushing touchdown. Last week they limited Green Bay to only 18 yards rushing from their rb's. Before you say it I don't think the issue was Cedric Benson (I think Benson is going to do fairly well this season) I just think the 49ers front seven are that good. With the exception of the absolute top tier of rb's I don't think that I would start any rb against the 49ers. I can't say that about any other team in the league. The Lions are in for a tough week vs the 49ers this week.

Fortunately Kevin Smith does as much scoring in the passing game as the running game. He is still startable this week.

 

[Sweet Love]

It reminds me of he Balt DEF when they were at their best...there were certain RBs who could run against them (without looking it up, I think Dillon was successful), but they may have been because the game was out of hand and they were giving up the run. What I would be curious about is how the PPR numbers look for those RBs who have been stymied by SF Def. I can see a guy walking away with a line like 12-37 rushing and 6-36 receiving. At first glance, it looks brutal, but when you consider the catches, this scenario would yield more than 13 points...not a world beater, but not a wasted score either.

2011 games:

1 - Lynch - 13-33, 2-14

2 - Felix - 9-25, 1-5

3 - Benson - 17-64

4 - McCoy - 9-18, 6-34-1

5 - Blount - 10-34, 2-31

6 - Best - 12-37, 6-73

7 - Ogbonnaya - 11-37, 5-24

8 - Helu - 10-41, 14-105

9 - Jacobs - 18-55, 2-17 - Ware - 9-34, 5-34

10 - Wells - 8-33

11 - Rice - 21-59, 3-24

12 - S-Jax - 10-19, 1-11 - Norwood - 11-19

13 - Wells - 15-27, 1-3

14 - Mendenhall - 15-64, 3-25

15 - Lynch - 21-107-1, 2-24

16 - Jackson - 16-76, 1-15

17 - Sproles - 3-3, 15-119-1

18 - Bradshaw - 20-74, 6-52

I took a look and found that teams were totally stymed in the run (except for a couple of examples), but did see a trend starting in the 4th game where teams chose to pass a little more to the RBs...it is not totally conclusive, and they seemed to tighten it up in the middle of the season, but there are about 10 RB efforts that resulted in more than 10 points in PPR...not saying it is "gold", but if your RB plays for a decent team with a creative coach, you may be able to squirt a passable effort by your RB.

 

[One]

The only RBs I would start against the 49ers, besides my 'studs' are those who catch passes. (in PPR)

The 49ers typically let RBs (& Cobb) catch a lot of balls out of the backfield. It's mainly because they have such fast LBs who can take'm down right away, so they leave those patterns open, then sick'm after the catch is made.

 

[ImTheScientist]

No.

 

[Abspara]

NBYS

If they fail, at least you know you tried with your best piece.

 

[VA703]

kevin smith 130/1 rushing 50/1 receiving

 

[Thumper]

kevin smith 130/1 rushing 50/1 receiving

I wouldn't start Kevin Smith vs the 49ers.

 

[in2win]

One thing I learned long ago in fantasy football is............... never sit your studs

 

[Tree Shaker]

One thing I learned long ago in fantasy football is............... never sit your studs

I don't think Kevin Smith falls under that category, though. He has the potential, but I'm sitting his this week.

 

[RUSF18]

And this year so far they faced Benson again (18/0). I see a couple things. One, the Niners can still give up some yardage but not a lot of TDs. Two, last year they seemed to catch some breaks when opponents had banged up RBs. Three, the Niners frequently took an early lead and forced teams to pass to get back into the game.

Were they really up by a significant enough margin that this would come into play? I don't remember off hand too many big early leads, and that would go against the general consensus surrounding the offense. If you have anything handy, I'd like to see it. Thanks.

 

[David Yudkin]

And this year so far they faced Benson again (18/0). I see a couple things. One, the Niners can still give up some yardage but not a lot of TDs. Two, last year they seemed to catch some breaks when opponents had banged up RBs. Three, the Niners frequently took an early lead and forced teams to pass to get back into the game.

Were they really up by a significant enough margin that this would come into play? I don't remember off hand too many big early leads, and that would go against the general consensus surrounding the offense. If you have anything handy, I'd like to see it. Thanks.

Not sure how to measure this, but . . .SF was ahead at halftime in 13 games last year and up by double digits at the half in 5 of them (up by 9 points at the intermission in 2 more). They also held 10+ point leads in the second half in 10 games last year (with some late scores by opponents to cut the lead late). They did not have many games where they were up huge (like 4 TDs), but in more than a few games they were up by two possessions.

 

[wiscstlatlmia]

One of the most impressive things about the'Niners last week was that they were able to shut down the Packers running game in a nickel package. When the nose guard is standing up at the snap, 3 yards off the ball, Green Bay had to think they could run. It was fun to watch

A nickel package? A nickel could tackle Cedric Benson, as in the coin, he'd trip over it.

LOL ... I actually am starting to buy into this. I don't know that I would think about sitting a stud when they play them, but guys that are in their division like Steven Jackson,Marshawn Lynch and Beanie Wells should be on the bench the weeks SF is on the schedule.I think I've learned to just not expect much from my RB if they are playing them, certainly some guys are must starts, but even they are not going to get anything going against this team... they are the definition of a stout defense. Like I'm not gonna just the whole Benson situation off week 1 because I dont think it tells us much. He will be seeing much bigger holes the rest of the year and Quite frankly I still love Benson to be the guy to run the clock out when they are up 21+

 

[DoubleG]

bottom line....it depends on your other options....yes I would consider benching even a top tier RB going against them....I think SF is that good...

I agree. If you have guys that are even close, playing against the 9ers would be a factor - and a decent one.

 

[VA703]

ksmith over richardson..

 

[CentralPA]

I'm starting MJD and Sproles over him in PPR. I may regret it but the Niners D looks very tough against backs.

 

[Norcalhoya]

I think if they aren't a pass catching rb and it isn't a ppr league then yea even top rb's take a hit. Roy Helu had something like 18 receptions against them last year though...

 

[wiscstlatlmia]

I think if they aren't a pass catching rb and it isn't a ppr league then yea even top rb's take a hit. Roy Helu had something like 18 receptions against them last year though...

Hah! I feel like that game looked a lot like McFadden's monday night game against the Chargers. absolutely nothing working so they resorted to check down after check down.

 

[Shutout]

And this year so far they faced Benson again (18/0). I see a couple things. One, the Niners can still give up some yardage but not a lot of TDs. Two, last year they seemed to catch some breaks when opponents had banged up RBs. Three, the Niners frequently took an early lead and forced teams to pass to get back into the game.

Were they really up by a significant enough margin that this would come into play? I don't remember off hand too many big early leads, and that would go against the general consensus surrounding the offense. If you have anything handy, I'd like to see it. Thanks.

Not sure how to measure this, but . . .SF was ahead at halftime in 13 games last year and up by double digits at the half in 5 of them (up by 9 points at the intermission in 2 more). They also held 10+ point leads in the second half in 10 games last year (with some late scores by opponents to cut the lead late). They did not have many games where they were up huge (like 4 TDs), but in more than a few games they were up by two possessions.

I would consider that a "sizeable" lead based on the thought that the Niners, as a team, are so good on defense that being down anything more than 7 points takes a while to come back from on them.

 

[DoubleG]

ksmith over richardson..

 

[thecatch]

For starters, the no 100 yard rushers in 20 games is incorrect. Lynch had a 100 yard rushing game against the Niners near the end of last season....Three, the Niners frequently took an early lead and forced teams to pass to get back into the game.

He is not incorrect. The Lynch game was in Seattle. And this was not/is not the 2007 Patriots here - opposing offenses were generally passing because they couldn't get anything going on the ground, not because they were down 3 touchdowns. That said, I wouldn't bench a stud RB against SF. They are susceptible to giving up big chunks of yardage to receivers out of the backfield, and once in awhile they will give up a big day on the ground. This week in particular you have to be worried that they've been reading their own press clippings from the GB game all week and might get complacent.

 

[Wingnut]

This week in particular you have to be worried that they've been reading their own press clippings from the GB game all week and might get complacent.

Not a chance. Harbaugh is a great motivator and will keep them focused.

 

[MacAvery]

The only RBs I would start against the 49ers, besides my 'studs' are those who catch passes. (in PPR)The 49ers typically let RBs (& Cobb) catch a lot of balls out of the backfield. It's mainly because they have such fast LBs who can take'm down right away, so they leave those patterns open, then sick'm after the catch is made.

Top RB receiving performances from 2011:Week 4 - McCoy @ PHI - 6 rec, 34 yds, 1TDWeek 6 - Best @ DET - 6 rec, 73 ydsWeek 8 - Ogbonnaya @ SF - 5 rec, 34 ydsWeek 9 - Helu @ WAS - 14 rec, 105 ydsWeek 10 - Ware @ SF - 5 rec, 34 ydsWeek 12 - Rice @ BAL - 3 rec, 24 ydsWeek 15 - Mendenhall @ SF - 3 rec, 25 ydsThe rest was scraps and only one TD allowed and that was to McCoy.

 

[scothawk]

I know one guy I wouldn't bench ... Adrian Peterson. I'm never doubting that guy again. If he was up against a team of 11 re-incarnated 1985 versions of Lawrence Taylor with a broken leg and a gun wound after a heart attack I would still start him.

No. He would be suspended for having the gun wound. Placing body onto bullet created a bad image for the NFL.Everything else is pretty much how I see it right now. (Former) multiple Gerhart owner.

 

[Insein]

I know one guy I wouldn't bench ... Adrian Peterson. I'm never doubting that guy again. If he was up against a team of 11 re-incarnated 1985 versions of Lawrence Taylor with a broken leg and a gun wound after a heart attack I would still start him.

Sig worthy.

 

[thecatch]

This week in particular you have to be worried that they've been reading their own press clippings from the GB game all week and might get complacent.

Not a chance. Harbaugh is a great motivator and will keep them focused.

It makes me nervous when the public is unanimously leaning one way or another. For example, everyone thought the Bears would put up a ton of points on the GB defense last night. I'd be wary of buying into the hype that the Niners D is absolutely untouchable right now.

 

[jurb26]

I would sit almost every RB in the NFL vs. SF, assuming you have a roster option to put in. The only guys I would not sit are the guys who also catch a lot of passes.

Rice

Foster

McCoy

McFadden

Then again, these guys also fall under the never bench your studs category anyway.

Other guys like R. Bush and Charles would still be sneaking good plays vs. them as well.

 

[Short Corner]

One of the most impressive things about the'Niners last week was that they were able to shut down the Packers running game in a nickel package. When the nose guard is standing up at the snap, 3 yards off the ball, Green Bay had to think they could run. It was fun to watch

They were in dime most of the game which was why Willis was out of the game so much.

 

[dickey moe]

I'm starting Kevin Smith this week. Eff it.

 

[goldenchild]

This week in particular you have to be worried that they've been reading their own press clippings from the GB game all week and might get complacent.

Not a chance. Harbaugh is a great motivator and will keep them focused.

This is kind of what I'm thinking. Plus there is the handshake deal with Swartz... You just know Harbaugh is going to want to win this game convincingly at home.

 

[Ray_T]

I still think you always play your studs regardless of matchup.

the only exception is if the stud player is somewhat injured, but still playing and substantially less effective than typical. In that case, you can bench him with a bad matchup. Even then, you should weigh that decision carefully.

 

[Judge Smails]

Gotta be honest, not loving starting Lynch against them in a few weeks

 

[The Ref]

I did an upside down type draft in my main leauge so I just need 8 points or so out of my RB. I'm going to gamble with Smith.

 

[cubbie5150]

I agree w/ what APPEARS to be the consensus: the only RBs I'd start against the 49ers, w/ no hesitation, are Foster/Rice/McCoy/DMac. After that, it'd depend on who my alternatives are (their matchups, more specifically).

 

[fatness]

I keep misreading the topic.

"Is the 49ers defense so good that you have to sit nearly every rb groin"

 

[DoubleG]

I keep misreading the topic."Is the 49ers defense so good that you have to sit nearly every rb groin"

First time I read, thought the same.

 

[fatness]

Never bench your groin.

 

[DoubleG]

Never bench your groin.

Sometimes it could use a break though...just sayin'.

 

[flc735]

i'd still start a receiving back like martin or reggie

i'd sit guys like lynch, turner, d brown, green, green ellis and alfred