Official 49ers 2012 thread (4 Viewers)

[Dr. Awesome]

Johnson to AZ makes a lot of sense. I hope it doesn't happen.

Let it happen. I have yet to understand the Josh Johnson love. I realize Arizona needs a lot of help at qb but I really don't think JJ is the guy to give it. He's simply not very good. If he went to Arizona I don't see him being any sort of threat to SF.

 

[Wingnut]

Johnson to AZ makes a lot of sense. I hope it doesn't happen.

Let it happen. I have yet to understand the Josh Johnson love. I realize Arizona needs a lot of help at qb but I really don't think JJ is the guy to give it. He's simply not very good. If he went to Arizona I don't see him being any sort of threat to SF.

The only reason I wouldn't want him in the NFC West is because he knows Harbaughs system and terminology. I saw him play for the Bucs and he's average at best.And I stand corrected on Tolz, I dont watch college so I've never seen him play and have no idea how good he is or his potential, but I trust Harbaugh made the right decision.

 

[Dr. Awesome]

Johnson to AZ makes a lot of sense. I hope it doesn't happen.

Let it happen. I have yet to understand the Josh Johnson love. I realize Arizona needs a lot of help at qb but I really don't think JJ is the guy to give it. He's simply not very good. If he went to Arizona I don't see him being any sort of threat to SF.

The only reason I wouldn't want him in the NFC West is because he knows Harbaughs system and terminology.

I saw him play for the Bucs and he's average at best.And I stand corrected on Tolz, I dont watch college so I've never seen him play and have no idea how good he is or his potential, but I trust Harbaugh made the right decision.

Fair point.

 

[drummer]

Johnson to AZ makes a lot of sense. I hope it doesn't happen.

Let it happen. I have yet to understand the Josh Johnson love. I realize Arizona needs a lot of help at qb but I really don't think JJ is the guy to give it. He's simply not very good. If he went to Arizona I don't see him being any sort of threat to SF.

The only reason I wouldn't want him in the NFC West is because he knows Harbaughs system and terminology. I saw him play for the Bucs and he's average at best.And I stand corrected on Tolz, I dont watch college so I've never seen him play and have no idea how good he is or his potential, but I trust Harbaugh made the right decision.

49er fans only real reason for wanting JJ was due to he being an ex-Harbaugh QB in SD State. I keyed in on TZ after last pre-season, and I think is a better option than JJ, and yes, even Kaep at this point although Kaep has a better arm and more upside.

 

[footballnerd]

Johnson to AZ makes a lot of sense. I hope it doesn't happen.

Let it happen. I have yet to understand the Josh Johnson love. I realize Arizona needs a lot of help at qb but I really don't think JJ is the guy to give it. He's simply not very good. If he went to Arizona I don't see him being any sort of threat to SF.

The only reason I wouldn't want him in the NFC West is because he knows Harbaughs system and terminology. I saw him play for the Bucs and he's average at best.And I stand corrected on Tolz, I dont watch college so I've never seen him play and have no idea how good he is or his potential, but I trust Harbaugh made the right decision.

JJ could give them xerox's of the playbook and it wouldn't improve their chances. Tolzien looked good in SD, great pick up.

 

[drummer]

Regular season week #1: What to look for against Green Bay

Note: this is off the top of my head with zero input from reading any Bay Area media for the past week and then some.

1) Of course, Randy Moss. Moss has been bubble wrapped in the pre-season for us to see what Harbaugh has planned with a HOF WR, the first real true #1 WR he has had as an NFL HC, as well as the first true #1 WR the 49ers had since Terrell Owens. Last season the 49er passing offense was fairly anemic as far as consistency and yardage. Of course, there is a lot of reasons for that. One being tempo, another being protection, another not having being seasoned and having a true identity, and just plain being deficient of talent overall. Yet at the same time, the 49er passing offense last season under Harbaugh and Roman created a lot of key plays due to the threat of the run with several formations out of run sets that had a couple of passing TD’s out of unusual targets, like they successfully completed out of Jumbo packages at the goal line last season. But they also had poor stats as far as 3rd down and Red Zone between the 20’s in passing. The key in the 49er passing efficiency last season was due to not having to lean on the passing game as much as they leaned on field position and defense, whose stats totally eclipsed the passing game. The 49er passing offense was more key play passing offense than it is a true New England/New Orleans QB driven offense.

What Moss can add is more targets underneath drawing double teams with his speed, and combined with the threat of Vernon Davis, Micheal Crabtree, Delanie Walker who all can line up anywhere in Roman’s design with a two TE set and the increased speed at RB can really make checkdown’s easier for Alex “Mr. Dumpoff” Smith. The problem here is that Smith can’t read a defense and set a tempo well enough unless it’s full on risk passing offense, like he had under Jimmy Raye’s spread in spurts. Yet Smith showed under Raye that he can pull out the octane, but that octane was when the 49ers were behind in games, and defenses dared Smith to make a mistake after intercepting him and being up a couple of TD’s. There is no way Harbaugh would coach that idea of offense, going “Fire Drill” with Smith if he didn’t have to. That’s why Smith had his best year, in a year of full on passing offense in the NFL. Smith pulled the ball down more than he pulled the trigger under Harbaugh. That kinda reminds me of having a coach teach a nervy shooter in basketball who really isn't a guy who can create his own shot, yet whose coach can put the guy in successful situations because of the other phases of the team are more consistent . In other words: don't take the shot if you don't have it or we didn't try give you the advantage first. The pressure on Alex Smith is the most pressure he has had his entire career. He has a loaded team with all the parts assembled in almost all phases of the game with the exception of the passing game, and the 49er have committed to that said phase in adding targets for him. They have spent more on the offensive line than they had in years, they have reinforced their strengths and weaknesses, have some fine coaching, and now it's up to the QB to make this team complete. Whoever project's Moss success or failure this season won't be because he will quit on the 49ers. It will be purely based on the effectiveness of the QB who starts for the 49ers, who can read a defense from pre-snap and set tempo after. Then Harbaugh can pull his real playbook out, which if he had Andrew Luck, can push the ball with his arm alone.

I think Moss will have 3 of 7 catches, one TD with 97 yards this game. Because of the Harbaugh “key play” passing offense, zero check, 15 out of 21 attempts from Alex Smith type of opening season game. Because Harbaugh has a pass rush, run game, on the road, and is a conservative play caller. Also he has a great Special Teams squad with a stellar front seven defense, who will challenge Aaron Rodgers.

Have more thoughts later on this game, but of course, chime in with your thoughts.

 

[drummer]

Smith today: 20/26, 211 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs

Moss: 4 for 47 yards, 4 receptions, 1 TD. Don't know how many time he was targeted yet.

I figured Moss to have a 1 TD day with more yardage, and Smith to have 5 less attempts from the earlier Miller High Life driven projection, but for the most part, the offense was what I expected.

 

[drummer]

A few key offensive stats from the GB game:

3rd down conversion: 2 for 9 on with 22% efficiency.

Red Zone: 2 for 2 with 100%.

Goal to go: 1 for 1, 100%

Good to see they have improved on the RZ/Goal line stats (although it's just one game, but a road game as well). 3rd down stat not so good, but when you have Akers and Lee on the road combined with the defense, you can get by with that poor stat.

ETA: I feel like I am talking to myself here. The 49ers just won the season opener on the road. Get your ### in here 49er fans. I promise not to bag on Smith.

 

[drummer]

*Note: Living the Miller High Life watching 49er highlights, so bear with me you lazy worthless and weak 49er fans who don't bump this thread after this drunken post*

Frank Gore: 16 attempts, 116 yards, 1 TD in this season opener on the road in GB. If Gore averages 100+ yards this season per game after banging his head in pancake offenses prior to Harbaugh/Roman, he will have well over 9000 yards playing in some of the then worst offenses of the past to a now very good, creative offense. If everything goes to totally awesome beast like in 2006, he could have over 10,000 yards rushing in his career. Anybody remember post 2006 when it was "Gore up the middle, Gore up the middle, Gore up the middle, punt"? The resiliency of Frank Gore is what all fans of football admire. I dunno how to gauge a true NFL HOF player who played in totally crappy offenses who also carried crappy QB's with zero weapons in various schemes, but he will have a bust in the Bay Area sports HOF.

I once wrote Frank Gore was Mikhail Baryshnikov in cleats with two re-constructed knees (while channeling my inner late great Jim Murray). Plus, I was sober when I did. Now, I am channeling my hated inner Charles Bukowski saying I want to have teh sechs with Gore after eating pimento loaf sangwhiches (you're getting fat Vinnie) with bad coffee and whiskey with a bed spring killing my back. Remember the Million Dollar Backfield? Frank Gore can reduce the deficit alone with this Trillion Dollar legs (nod to Tony Williams Lifetime) with a simple economic theory applied in football terms: Here is ball. Run with Ball. Score with ball. Win with Ball.

Hey Frank, I promise to make pancakes in the morning. Just don't run towards the griddle. I am not making them out of the Betty Raye cookbook which was your old playbook. Here is breakfast. Eat breakfast. Tomorrow morning, it's Wheaties.

 

[Short Corner]

Smith today: 20/26, 211 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTsMoss: 4 for 47 yards, 4 receptions, 1 TD. Don't know how many time he was targeted yet. I figured Moss to have a 1 TD day with more yardage, and Smith to have 5 less attempts from the earlier Miller High Life driven projection, but for the most part, the offense was what I expected.

20-26 with two throw aways to stop the clock before the 63 yarder and at least one drop. Pretty damn good by Smith standards even if it was the GB defense. I thought he was really good on his fakes in play action setting up some of those mid-deep crossing routes.

 

[drummer]

Smith today: 20/26, 211 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTsMoss: 4 for 47 yards, 4 receptions, 1 TD. Don't know how many time he was targeted yet. I figured Moss to have a 1 TD day with more yardage, and Smith to have 5 less attempts from the earlier Miller High Life driven projection, but for the most part, the offense was what I expected.

20-26 with two throw aways to stop the clock before the 63 yarder and at least one drop. Pretty damn good by Smith standards even if it was the GB defense. I thought he was really good on his fakes in play action setting up some of those mid-deep crossing routes.

It was what I expected out of Smith, and I was conservative in my post earlier on attempts. One thing I looked in highlights when it comes to Rodgers vs. Smith was step drops and release. Smith was more effective with less 'traditional' drops and more out of shotgun, almost pistol kinda sets with way less footwork than Rodgers. Smith's footwork combined with his longer release and over the top throw is is nowhere near Rodgers snap of the wrist after a perfect 5 step drop back. Smith is truly a testament to Harbaugh's QB coaching. He is still tooling a QB with poor natural mechanics, but who in college had in insane completion rate, who has been in the NFL starting in his 8th year after being taught under some of the best offensive minds with Martz and Turner, yet having to play under really poor circumstances. Coaches love reclamation projects, and Harbaugh has made his stamp in the ultimate reclamation project in Smith. But to me the pre-snap read is what makes a 'real' QB, and I feel that Smith doesn't have that, yet. I say that with some hesitation because I believe in Harbaugh's identification of a QB's weaknesses and strengths. I don't listen to his pressers though when it comes to his players because it's a ruse to the media. By mid-season we will know how much more Smith's ceiling is, but based on what I know from what I have seen in the past, to the now, I don't think at least as the field general type, he is on par with Big Ben, who came from a spread and plays now in a similar type of team built on defense and the run game. At the most, Smith could be on the level of Joe Flacco and Matt Ryan at this point. Could he go higher? Well, again his mechanics, pre-snap reads, his progression read throughs, his pocket awareness, his trusting of protection, awareness, how he sets tempo....These are all still questionable, and on a much more flawed team could bring him to the Kevin Kolb level, maybe the Ryan Fitzpatrick level of once promising to now just bad on a bad team, or the Chad Pennington level of the Sparano Fins. What Smith has had more than other QB's who had been less than mediocre was the commitment of the Front Office and the franchise, and the support of his teammates. Jed York is committed to Alex Smith and is on his side big time. That has been a real positive for Smith while at the detriment of the franchise itself. The 49ers since Bill Walsh have been horrid addressing the QB position, and the best thing Harbaugh has done is put some real energy into that position, which helps Smith out a helluva lot. That's why Harbaugh kept Tolzien to run the scout teams rather than have a similar yet lesser QB in Kaep with Josh Johnson. TZ runs the 49er offense that helps Smith identify what a QB like Rodgers runs the GB offense, which helps the defense big time, as opposed to having crap QB's like Dilfer, Rattay, Wienke, etc., back him up. Smith was very very solid this game. Very good, but not great as opposed to Rodgers. But very solid. I'll take that for now, and that's a testament to Smith's resiliency and Harbaugh's coaching.

 

[thecatch]

Smith today: 20/26, 211 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTsMoss: 4 for 47 yards, 4 receptions, 1 TD. Don't know how many time he was targeted yet. I figured Moss to have a 1 TD day with more yardage, and Smith to have 5 less attempts from the earlier Miller High Life driven projection, but for the most part, the offense was what I expected.

20-26 with two throw aways to stop the clock before the 63 yarder and at least one drop. Pretty damn good by Smith standards even if it was the GB defense. I thought he was really good on his fakes in play action setting up some of those mid-deep crossing routes.

I was most encouraged by the fact that he consistently threw to wideouts. I was skeptical all offseason about whether they had meaningfully upgraded the position, but it seemed clear that they are better there top to bottom (even Crabtree looked quicker and improved).

 

[drummer]

Smith today: 20/26, 211 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTsMoss: 4 for 47 yards, 4 receptions, 1 TD. Don't know how many time he was targeted yet. I figured Moss to have a 1 TD day with more yardage, and Smith to have 5 less attempts from the earlier Miller High Life driven projection, but for the most part, the offense was what I expected.

20-26 with two throw aways to stop the clock before the 63 yarder and at least one drop. Pretty damn good by Smith standards even if it was the GB defense. I thought he was really good on his fakes in play action setting up some of those mid-deep crossing routes.

I was most encouraged by the fact that he consistently threw to wideouts. I was skeptical all offseason about whether they had meaningfully upgraded the position, but it seemed clear that they are better there top to bottom (even Crabtree looked quicker and improved).

I think tempo overall has improved, yet it's still methodical with Bwah/Roman just killing on play calls. Like I posted earlier, it's more 'key plays' than a NE/NO driven passing offense.Kevin Lynch might have hit the nail on the head years ago talking about then GM ScotM building a millennium era 90's Dallas Cowboys. I think he may be right.

 

[5Rings]

Smith looked confident today. Nice to see him grow-up (finally).

Anybody know why PWilly was sitting on the sidelines so much?

 

[Dr. Awesome]

Alex Smith broke Steve Young's record of consecutive passes without an interception. He's no Brees but it's looking like he's more than just a game manager. He's a great fit for this team.

That defense was impressive but there were a few plays I think the normal refs would have thrown flags on.

Crabtree...glad to see him finally flash first round talent. The receiving options look soooo much better than they have in recent memory.

Interesting to see Colin take a snap. Wonder if he's going to regularly get a snap or two per game.

All things considered that was a fantastic performance. Lions up next week!

 

[Wingnut]

In the first 28 plays, Moss was in the field for 9 of them. Anyone have any insight on this? I don't expect him to be in on every play, but 33% is quite low. Hell, just let him line up to draw coverage.

Also interested in knowing why Willis spent so many plays on the sideline

 

[Dr. Awesome]

Let's give some love to Akers. He tied an NFL record for longest field goal at 63 yards.

Oh and Harbaugh and his wife just had another kid last week. Kid was born on the fourth day of the ninth month.

Not sure what was going on with Willis. Looks like he was sitting in dime formations in favor of Bowman.

ETA - after reading some Barrows it appears Bowman and Willis were rotating in the dime package. Bowman in one series, Willis the next. Rinse, repeat. Don't imagine many teams have the wr depth of Green Bay so I'm not worried.

 

[Wingnut]

Also...I only remember one real attempt down the field. They have to take more shots at the long ball.

 

[jurb26]

In the first 28 plays, Moss was in the field for 9 of them. Anyone have any insight on this? I don't expect him to be in on every play, but 33% is quite low. Hell, just let him line up to draw coverage.Also interested in knowing why Willis spent so many plays on the sideline

I was baffled by both of these things as well. Willis more so than Moss. Willis is maybe the best defensive player in the NFL. It's stragne that he wouldn't be out there every play possible. Did SF like a matchup with Bowman more? Was Willis nursing something?Moss was scaring the GB D just by putting on a uniform and being on the field. It seemed obvious from the 1st snap he saw. At the very least I would have thought SF put him out there more just to keep GB at bay and scare them. Maybe they are just scared of Moss breaking down because of his age and being out of football last year?

 

[Wingnut]

In the first 28 plays, Moss was in the field for 9 of them. Anyone have any insight on this? I don't expect him to be in on every play, but 33% is quite low. Hell, just let him line up to draw coverage.Also interested in knowing why Willis spent so many plays on the sideline

I was baffled by both of these things as well. Willis more so than Moss. Willis is maybe the best defensive player in the NFL. It's stragne that he wouldn't be out there every play possible. Did SF like a matchup with Bowman more? Was Willis nursing something?Moss was scaring the GB D just by putting on a uniform and being on the field. It seemed obvious from the 1st snap he saw. At the very least I would have thought SF put him out there more just to keep GB at bay and scare them. Maybe they are just scared of Moss breaking down because of his age and being out of football last year?

Maybe is had to do with the game plan. Taking shots deep with Moss opens the opportunity for interceptions, and going into this game, the last thing they wanted to do was give Rodgers the ball. Maybe they decided to play a bit conservative to be safe. That said, it still doesnt make sense to have him on the sidelines, even on running plays because of the attention he draws.Im betting we see more and more of him as the season goes on.As for Willis, I found this in an article written at halftime The 49ers have played most of the first half without arguably their best player, linebacker Patrick Willis. In an effort to thwart Green Bay's pass-prolific offense, Vic Fangio and the San Francisco defense have leaned on their dime formation in which a sixth defensive back, Perrish Cox, enters the game and essentially plays inside linebacker.When Cox comes in, one of the team's two inside linebackers, Willis or NaVorro Bowman comes out. The 49ers apparently are alternating series on which Willis and Bowman leave the game. Willis substituted with Cox and the first and third defensive series; Bowman on the second.So far Willis has missed 13 defensive snaps while Bowman has missed three. The 49ers rarely were in their base defense in the first half.http://blogs.sacbee.com/49ers/archives/2012/09/halftime-no-willis-49ers-throwing-defensive-wrinkle-at-packers.html

 

[goldenchild]

All 's above.

I was very happy with the entire performance of the team. I don't really recall any times where I was wondering WTF was he thinking. Well, besides Davis getting hung on the goal post (although, it looked like he landed awkwardly... I'm just so glad he didnt' get injured right there. That would have been an EPIC failure).

I'm also glad that Kyle Williams looked pretty solid out there returning kicks (read: no fumbles). What a difference not dealing with the effects of a concussion makes!

Side note... right around now is when they are opening up the SC Stadium season tix to the waitlist, and what better way to bring in more interest with a week 1 win @ GB.

 

[Wingnut]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000060381/article/packers-jarrett-bush-says-49ers-really-didnt-beat-us

Packers' Jarrett Bush says 49ers 'really didn't beat us'

Alex Smith was essentially flawless. Frank Gore ran wild through the Packers defense. Late in the Green Bay Packers' loss to the San Francisco 49ers, we thought the Packers were lucky just to be in the game.

The Packers feel differently.

"We beat ourselves. They really didn't beat us," cornerback Jarrett Bush said after the game, via the Green Bay Press-Gazette. "We just have to hunker down and make sure we're gap sound and get on the same page. Obviously, small things being miscommunicated on the field become big things, so they exploited us and that's what happened."

Oh boy. If any of this sounds familiar, let's replay some comments from Clay Matthews this offseason about Green Bay's playoff loss to the New York Giants.

"The fact is, (the Giants) didn't beat us; we beat ourselves," Matthews told Michael Silver of Yahoo! Sports.

Give us a break. The Giants and 49ers pushed the Packers around. Green Bay has lost three of its last five games. Their defense was generally awful for all of last season.

We're starting to think Green Bay's attitude that no team can actually beat them is part of the problem.

 

[Wingnut]

http://blog.sfgate.com/49ers/2012/09/09/little-rust-for-49ers-randy-moss/

Green Bay — , Wis. – The 49ers didn’t use wide receiver Randy Moss often in Sunday’s 30-22 win over the Packers, but they used him effectively.

Playing in his first regular-season game in 586 days, Moss logged about 20 snaps, caught four passes for 47 yards, including a 14-yard touchdown, and was a willing blocker. At one point, Moss hit three defenders while blocking on a run play and was flattened as he attempted his final block.

“He had a lot of juice,” Jim Harbaugh said. “He blocked well and he got open, and he was a great big target in there a couple of times.”

In the second quarter, Alex Smith found Moss wide open in the back of the end zone and threaded in a 14-yard scoring dart. With the reception, Moss broke a tie with Terrell Owens and moved alone into second place on the NFL’s career receiving touchdown list with 154. Jerry Rice has 197.

Moss celebrated by tucking the ball between his legs and, with his back turned toward the crowd, he pointed to his name on the back of his jersey.

“We got what we were looking for, and he blew open,” Smith said. “I think his eyes lit up bigger than mine and he made a great catch. I’m happy for him to get that touchdown out of the way so now he doesn’t have to deal with that.”

 

[Dr. Awesome]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000060381/article/packers-jarrett-bush-says-49ers-really-didnt-beat-usPackers' Jarrett Bush says 49ers 'really didn't beat us'Alex Smith was essentially flawless. Frank Gore ran wild through the Packers defense. Late in the Green Bay Packers' loss to the San Francisco 49ers, we thought the Packers were lucky just to be in the game.The Packers feel differently."We beat ourselves. They really didn't beat us," cornerback Jarrett Bush said after the game, via the Green Bay Press-Gazette. "We just have to hunker down and make sure we're gap sound and get on the same page. Obviously, small things being miscommunicated on the field become big things, so they exploited us and that's what happened."Oh boy. If any of this sounds familiar, let's replay some comments from Clay Matthews this offseason about Green Bay's playoff loss to the New York Giants."The fact is, (the Giants) didn't beat us; we beat ourselves," Matthews told Michael Silver of Yahoo! Sports.Give us a break. The Giants and 49ers pushed the Packers around. Green Bay has lost three of its last five games. Their defense was generally awful for all of last season.We're starting to think Green Bay's attitude that no team can actually beat them is part of the problem.

Meh. I don't have a problem with a team thinking they can't be beat if they play a flawless game. I hope every SF opponent beats themselves. I don't care if other teams give us credit I just care if we win.

 

[Wingnut]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000060381/article/packers-jarrett-bush-says-49ers-really-didnt-beat-usPackers' Jarrett Bush says 49ers 'really didn't beat us'Alex Smith was essentially flawless. Frank Gore ran wild through the Packers defense. Late in the Green Bay Packers' loss to the San Francisco 49ers, we thought the Packers were lucky just to be in the game.The Packers feel differently."We beat ourselves. They really didn't beat us," cornerback Jarrett Bush said after the game, via the Green Bay Press-Gazette. "We just have to hunker down and make sure we're gap sound and get on the same page. Obviously, small things being miscommunicated on the field become big things, so they exploited us and that's what happened."Oh boy. If any of this sounds familiar, let's replay some comments from Clay Matthews this offseason about Green Bay's playoff loss to the New York Giants."The fact is, (the Giants) didn't beat us; we beat ourselves," Matthews told Michael Silver of Yahoo! Sports.Give us a break. The Giants and 49ers pushed the Packers around. Green Bay has lost three of its last five games. Their defense was generally awful for all of last season.We're starting to think Green Bay's attitude that no team can actually beat them is part of the problem.

Meh. I don't have a problem with a team thinking they can't be beat if they play a flawless game. I hope every SF opponent beats themselves. I don't care if other teams give us credit I just care if we win.

I dont really care, either, but I think its funny they cant admit when they get out played.

 

[Wingnut]

Anyone wondering why the Eagles dumped Akers, heres an article that was posted in the game thread yesterday. I had no idea any of this stuff happened.

http://espn.go.com/espn/story/_/id/7446366/rick-reilly-david-akers-amazing-year

This is the show-stoppingest year for QBs in NFL history, which is how San Francisco 49ers kicker David Akers' story ended up in 4-point font.

Too bad. It would look nice on Paramount Pictures' summer schedule.

Yes, Akers, 37, had the finest kicking season in NFL history this year, but that's just the riding-off-into-the-sunset part.

The crying-in-the-shower part was exactly a year ago last week -- wild-card weekend -- when his Philadelphia Eagles were about to host the Green Bay Packers. The day before the game, doctors found a tumor on the ovary of Akers' 6-year-old daughter, Halley.

They were still trying to figure out what to do with it Sunday morning when a distraught Akers had to drive to the game to kick inflated pigskins through bars of steel.

Just to add a pint or two of sweat to the gallons Akers was already spilling, there was this: The year before, Akers found out he'd been swindled out of most of his life savings in a Ponzi scheme by Texas investor Kurt Barton, who ended up getting 17 years in prison for it. Akers had to testify against him.

His $3.7 million was gone, though, which meant this playoff game was crucial to the Akers family's future.

No wonder his brain was a bowl of Jell-O that day.

Akers immediately went out and blew a 41-yard field goal attempt in the first quarter. That was rare. He'd missed only four tries all season. Then he missed a bunny 34-yarder in the fourth. He can usually make those wearing fuzzy slippers. The Eagles lost 21-16.

The fans booed him. Talk radio slaughtered him. And even Eagles coach Andy Reid singled him out, saying, "We can all count. Those points would've helped."

And so all those demons laid down in bed with Akers on that sleepless Sunday night, knowing Halley would go in for surgery in a morning that would reveal the heaviest -- or lightest -- kind of news.

"He was just so down and worried that night," remembers Akers' agent, Jerrold Colton. "He was so, so emotional. But he knew he had to present a strong front for his daughter and his family."

"My life was kind of a car wreck right then," Akers says.

The next morning, at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, he asked the surgeon to go out in the hall and pray with him. Akers, devout, had preached for years. They knelt.

The tumor turned out malignant but small enough that the doctors felt like they removed all of it. Trouble was, it would be months before they'd know.

The NFL, though, decides things much faster. The Eagles went out and drafted Nebraska kicker Alex Henery in the fourth round. Akers didn't even know it until a friend texted him.

So there it was, the trifecta -- nearly broke, a sick kid at home and silently dumped by the team he'd given 12 terrific years.

Akers is a guy who's insecure about his footing in the NFL anyway. He'd been a waiter at a Longhorn Steakhouse in Atlanta, a substitute teacher and a kicker for NFL Europe in Berlin, where he nearly died during a one-month hospital stay for salmonella.

The man who saved him from that life was then-Philadelphia special teams coach John Harbaugh, who called him up for a tryout in 1998. Akers stuck. And he's been terribly fond of Harbaughs ever since.

No wonder that when John's brother Jim called in that dark, darker, darkest offseason, offering a 49ers contract, Akers couldn't pack fast enough. He may have been leaving the Eagles' ballyhooed Dream Team for the 49ers' Creamed Team, (6-10 the year before), but he didn't care.

"God made it abundantly clear where I was supposed to be," Akers says. "I love the Harbaugh family."

Dad Jack Harbaugh recruited him 20 years ago at Western Kentucky.

"Out on the field they might be just killing you, calling you names, yelling at you," Akers says. "But then you go into lunch and they become completely different people. 'How's the family, David?' And you want to go, 'Wait a minute! You just torched me out there!' But that's how it is. Their teams are families."

That's almost literally true. Jim has turned the 49ers into a sort of odd family reunion. Kids and families are welcome at Saturday practices. They serve a special meal for the kids. Players wear jeans and sweats on the plane and the team's signature gas station-attendant blue work shirts during the week, an idea Jim stole from John, the coach of the Baltimore Ravens.

"They're always doing that with each other," Akers said. "I've heard Jim say to John, 'That's my story! You stole my story!' And then John will go, 'That was NOT your story! I stole it from Dad!'"

Akers signed a three-year, $9 million deal with San Francisco, which was a relief, though not as big of a relief as the doctor telling them in the summer that Halley was 100 percent cancer free.

From there, life just started showing up on the end of Akers' fork. The 49ers' offense ignited, giving Akers a hotfoot. He set NFL records for FGs in a season (44) and points (166). He was the Associated Press' first-team All-Pro kicker. He threw his first TD pass. The 49ers went 13-3. The Eagles: 8-8.

And when Akers' new team played Akers' old team? Philly's rookie kicker missed field goals of 39 and 33 yards and the 49ers won 24-23, with Akers kicking the winning PAT.

You think Andy Reid counted on that?

 

[drummer]

Alex Smith broke Steve Young's record of consecutive passes without an interception. He's no Brees but it's looking like he's more than just a game manager. He's a great fit for this team. That defense was impressive but there were a few plays I think the normal refs would have thrown flags on. Crabtree...glad to see him finally flash first round talent. The receiving options look soooo much better than they have in recent memory.Interesting to see Colin take a snap. Wonder if he's going to regularly get a snap or two per game. All things considered that was a fantastic performance. Lions up next week!

I like to see how many games, attempts, etc., Smith vs. Young in that consecutive record. I know the Bay Area media loves to sell Smith compared to the past 49er QB's like Montana and Young (while kinda forgetting Jeff Garcia who Smith hasn't yet put two consecutive years together like Garcia had in 2000 and 2001), but if you take one year of Young say in 1998, where he was was 36 to 12 averaging 278 yards per game to Smith's 17 to 5 averaging 196.5 of last season (regular seasons on both) then you have a base to work with when putting those two QB's in the same sentence. That's just something I nitpick on with the Bay Area media which I stopped reading altogether, especially Maiocco.

 

[thecatch]

In the first 28 plays, Moss was in the field for 9 of them. Anyone have any insight on this? I don't expect him to be in on every play, but 33% is quite low. Hell, just let him line up to draw coverage.Also interested in knowing why Willis spent so many plays on the sideline

I was baffled by both of these things as well. Willis more so than Moss. Willis is maybe the best defensive player in the NFL. It's stragne that he wouldn't be out there every play possible. Did SF like a matchup with Bowman more? Was Willis nursing something?Moss was scaring the GB D just by putting on a uniform and being on the field. It seemed obvious from the 1st snap he saw. At the very least I would have thought SF put him out there more just to keep GB at bay and scare them. Maybe they are just scared of Moss breaking down because of his age and being out of football last year?

Maybe is had to do with the game plan. Taking shots deep with Moss opens the opportunity for interceptions, and going into this game, the last thing they wanted to do was give Rodgers the ball. Maybe they decided to play a bit conservative to be safe. That said, it still doesnt make sense to have him on the sidelines, even on running plays because of the attention he draws.Im betting we see more and more of him as the season goes on.As for Willis, I found this in an article written at halftime The 49ers have played most of the first half without arguably their best player, linebacker Patrick Willis. In an effort to thwart Green Bay's pass-prolific offense, Vic Fangio and the San Francisco defense have leaned on their dime formation in which a sixth defensive back, Perrish Cox, enters the game and essentially plays inside linebacker.When Cox comes in, one of the team's two inside linebackers, Willis or NaVorro Bowman comes out. The 49ers apparently are alternating series on which Willis and Bowman leave the game. Willis substituted with Cox and the first and third defensive series; Bowman on the second.So far Willis has missed 13 defensive snaps while Bowman has missed three. The 49ers rarely were in their base defense in the first half.http://blogs.sacbee.com/49ers/archives/2012/09/halftime-no-willis-49ers-throwing-defensive-wrinkle-at-packers.html

Re Moss- I don't think harbaugh emptied his bag of tricks yesterday. Have to save something for the rest of the year, and they have another big game next week.

 

[Wingnut]

So how long before we see AJ Jenkins and LaMichael James in the mix?

 

[drummer]

So how long before we see AJ Jenkins and LaMichael James in the mix?

I'll be surprised if they see any action this weekend. Maybe James on KR. They still gotta work in Manningham and Moss more, but maybe Jenkins on a play for his speed.

 

[chinawildman]

So how long before we see AJ Jenkins and LaMichael James in the mix?

I gotta be honest, from what I've seen of James (and I realize he was hampered with an ankle injury in preseason), I haven't been impressed. Not sure if his quickness will translate at the NFL level. Jenkins however will turn out to be a nice player I think. I may seem like hyperbole, but his clean technique, separation skills, and slight stature kind of remind me of a young Marvin Harrison.

 

[thecatch]

So how long before we see AJ Jenkins and LaMichael James in the mix?

I gotta be honest, from what I've seen of James (and I realize he was hampered with an ankle injury in preseason), I haven't been impressed. Not sure if his quickness will translate at the NFL level. Jenkins however will turn out to be a nice player I think. I may seem like hyperbole, but his clean technique, separation skills, and slight stature kind of remind me of a young Marvin Harrison.

Yeah, I thought maybe they were just hiding James in the preseason in an attempt to surprise people later, but it may be that he's just not very good. I'm pretty stunned that a second round RB can't make it into the active lineup, particularly with the injury to Jacobs.

 

[Wingnut]

So how long before we see AJ Jenkins and LaMichael James in the mix?

I gotta be honest, from what I've seen of James (and I realize he was hampered with an ankle injury in preseason), I haven't been impressed. Not sure if his quickness will translate at the NFL level. Jenkins however will turn out to be a nice player I think. I may seem like hyperbole, but his clean technique, separation skills, and slight stature kind of remind me of a young Marvin Harrison.

Yeah, I thought maybe they were just hiding James in the preseason in an attempt to surprise people later, but it may be that he's just not very good. I'm pretty stunned that a second round RB can't make it into the active lineup, particularly with the injury to Jacobs.

This is all I could find on LaMichael James...this is one guys opinion, so take it for what its worth.http://www.csnbayarea.com/football-san-francisco-niners/niners-talk/49ers-Mailbag-When-will-James-contribute?blockID=773255&feedID=5936James, the second-round draft pick, is healthy. But he has not earned the right to suit up for games.James does not have a defined role on the team, yet. The coaches made him one of the seven inactive players Week 1 against Green Bay. Even with Jacobs injured, James is the No. 4 running back behind Frank Gore, Kendall Hunter and Anthony Dixon.James does not have value covering punts or kickoffs, so the 49ers could not find a way to make him one of the team's 46 active players.The only way James gets on the field is if he practices well and offensive coordinator Greg Roman comes up with a plan to use James' talents against a specific opponent.

 

[footballnerd]

So how long before we see AJ Jenkins and LaMichael James in the mix?

I'll be surprised if they see any action this weekend. Maybe James on KR. They still gotta work in Manningham and Moss more, but maybe Jenkins on a play for his speed.

Kendall hunter to return kicks (eyebrow raiser in return leagues), kyle williams to take punts. Thought james was drafted to take kicks but not looking like hes living up to it atm

 

[drummer]

So how long before we see AJ Jenkins and LaMichael James in the mix?

I gotta be honest, from what I've seen of James (and I realize he was hampered with an ankle injury in preseason), I haven't been impressed. Not sure if his quickness will translate at the NFL level. Jenkins however will turn out to be a nice player I think. I may seem like hyperbole, but his clean technique, separation skills, and slight stature kind of remind me of a young Marvin Harrison.

Yeah, I thought maybe they were just hiding James in the preseason in an attempt to surprise people later, but it may be that he's just not very good. I'm pretty stunned that a second round RB can't make it into the active lineup, particularly with the injury to Jacobs.

When they were both drafted I thought "speed", as in the 49ers drafting both to improve on team speed. James is fast but smallish for the NFL. Jenkins is fast yet a bit raw. Right now they are loaded at both WR and RB when Jacobs is 100% (don't know his status as far as injured or healthy yet because I don't read the local media).

 

[drummer]

So how long before we see AJ Jenkins and LaMichael James in the mix?

I gotta be honest, from what I've seen of James (and I realize he was hampered with an ankle injury in preseason), I haven't been impressed. Not sure if his quickness will translate at the NFL level. Jenkins however will turn out to be a nice player I think. I may seem like hyperbole, but his clean technique, separation skills, and slight stature kind of remind me of a young Marvin Harrison.

Yeah, I thought maybe they were just hiding James in the preseason in an attempt to surprise people later, but it may be that he's just not very good. I'm pretty stunned that a second round RB can't make it into the active lineup, particularly with the injury to Jacobs.

This is all I could find on LaMichael James...this is one guys opinion, so take it for what its worth.http://www.csnbayarea.com/football-san-francisco-niners/niners-talk/49ers-Mailbag-When-will-James-contribute?blockID=773255&feedID=5936James, the second-round draft pick, is healthy. But he has not earned the right to suit up for games.James does not have a defined role on the team, yet. The coaches made him one of the seven inactive players Week 1 against Green Bay. Even with Jacobs injured, James is the No. 4 running back behind Frank Gore, Kendall Hunter and Anthony Dixon.James does not have value covering punts or kickoffs, so the 49ers could not find a way to make him one of the team's 46 active players.The only way James gets on the field is if he practices well and offensive coordinator Greg Roman comes up with a plan to use James' talents against a specific opponent.

Makes sense to me.

 

[Dr. Awesome]

Well, this was fun. Always nice to see the Niners dominate an opponent. Really surprising to see Detroit's piss poor playcalling. I was shuked at most of their calls. And as great as Alex Smith looks, I'd like to see how SF fares against a good defense. It's one thing to march through the piles of crap that are Green Bay and Detroit's defenses. Let's see how they fare against the Jets, Giants, and Seahawks.

Still, 2-0!

 

[thecatch]

Well, this was fun. Always nice to see the Niners dominate an opponent. Really surprising to see Detroit's piss poor playcalling. I was shuked at most of their calls. And as great as Alex Smith looks, I'd like to see how SF fares against a good defense. It's one thing to march through the piles of crap that are Green Bay and Detroit's defenses. Let's see how they fare against the Jets, Giants, and Seahawks.Still, 2-0!

Arizona and STL look pretty good defensively too. Going to be a tough run through the division

 

[drummer]

I'm looking at one of the key stats from last season to this season, which is 3rd down. Using the box scores off of NFL.com, they were 4 for 11 on 3rd down. I thought they had more than that, but I chock full of cold medicine right now so I might have dozed off for a key play or two.

I dunno if anybody found it weird, but Alex Smith audibling plays is something we hardly saw ever. What's weird is that he is on his 8th season. Did a nice job checking plays at the line, got in some tempo and rhythm there, and was nails with Crabs. Had some old Alex moments, but he is getting the offense more, but still checking down a bit much, but that's ok for now.

DET's defense:

I thought the 49ers defense would live with having Stafford beat them with his arm. Good plan.

 

[5Rings]

I'm looking at one of the key stats from last season to this season, which is 3rd down. Using the box scores off of NFL.com, they were 4 for 11 on 3rd down. I thought they had more than that, but I chock full of cold medicine right now so I might have dozed off for a key play or two. I dunno if anybody found it weird, but Alex Smith audibling plays is something we hardly saw ever. What's weird is that he is on his 8th season. Did a nice job checking plays at the line, got in some tempo and rhythm there, and was nails with Crabs. Had some old Alex moments, but he is getting the offense more, but still checking down a bit much, but that's ok for now. DET's defense: I thought the 49ers defense would live with having Stafford beat them with his arm. Good plan.

Yah, take out that garbagetime Lion drive and the Lions had 150 yds of offense. This D plus Smith growing up could equal a special season

 

[Shrugs]

I'm sold on Alex now. He's turned into a good quarterback, and I wasn't saying that in the playoffs last season. He's taken a step forward. He has some good WR targets now. He's comfortable back there. He's playing smart, making good reads and calling plays at the line. He's not great but he's not just back there to try and not lose games. He can win games. He's a key part of the team. I see him as the QB long term.

 

[Wingnut]

Alex Smith audibling plays is something we hardly saw ever. What's weird is that he is on his 8th season. Did a nice job checking plays at the line.

I mentioned this to my buddy after the first 'Kill Kill' audible where he hit VD for that first TD. He seems to be understanding defenses and coverages better, and he has the confidence to change the play to something other than a run. Lol. That shows progress in his game, which is something we were all hoping going into this season. I'm not calling him elite, but he's definitely getting better and becoming a good QB. Harbaugh and company are the best coaching staff in the game, IMO. Great coaching top to bottom has made the difference with this team. Its freaking fun as hell to watch.

 

[Deadzone21]

Anyone wondering why the Eagles dumped Akers, heres an article that was posted in the game thread yesterday. I had no idea any of this stuff happened.

http://espn.go.com/espn/story/_/id/7446366/rick-reilly-david-akers-amazing-year

This is the show-stoppingest year for QBs in NFL history, which is how San Francisco 49ers kicker David Akers' story ended up in 4-point font.

Too bad. It would look nice on Paramount Pictures' summer schedule.

Yes, Akers, 37, had the finest kicking season in NFL history this year, but that's just the riding-off-into-the-sunset part.

The crying-in-the-shower part was exactly a year ago last week -- wild-card weekend -- when his Philadelphia Eagles were about to host the Green Bay Packers. The day before the game, doctors found a tumor on the ovary of Akers' 6-year-old daughter, Halley.

They were still trying to figure out what to do with it Sunday morning when a distraught Akers had to drive to the game to kick inflated pigskins through bars of steel.

Just to add a pint or two of sweat to the gallons Akers was already spilling, there was this: The year before, Akers found out he'd been swindled out of most of his life savings in a Ponzi scheme by Texas investor Kurt Barton, who ended up getting 17 years in prison for it. Akers had to testify against him.

His $3.7 million was gone, though, which meant this playoff game was crucial to the Akers family's future.

No wonder his brain was a bowl of Jell-O that day.

Akers immediately went out and blew a 41-yard field goal attempt in the first quarter. That was rare. He'd missed only four tries all season. Then he missed a bunny 34-yarder in the fourth. He can usually make those wearing fuzzy slippers. The Eagles lost 21-16.

The fans booed him. Talk radio slaughtered him. And even Eagles coach Andy Reid singled him out, saying, "We can all count. Those points would've helped."

And so all those demons laid down in bed with Akers on that sleepless Sunday night, knowing Halley would go in for surgery in a morning that would reveal the heaviest -- or lightest -- kind of news.

"He was just so down and worried that night," remembers Akers' agent, Jerrold Colton. "He was so, so emotional. But he knew he had to present a strong front for his daughter and his family."

"My life was kind of a car wreck right then," Akers says.

The next morning, at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, he asked the surgeon to go out in the hall and pray with him. Akers, devout, had preached for years. They knelt.

The tumor turned out malignant but small enough that the doctors felt like they removed all of it. Trouble was, it would be months before they'd know.

The NFL, though, decides things much faster. The Eagles went out and drafted Nebraska kicker Alex Henery in the fourth round. Akers didn't even know it until a friend texted him.

So there it was, the trifecta -- nearly broke, a sick kid at home and silently dumped by the team he'd given 12 terrific years.

Akers is a guy who's insecure about his footing in the NFL anyway. He'd been a waiter at a Longhorn Steakhouse in Atlanta, a substitute teacher and a kicker for NFL Europe in Berlin, where he nearly died during a one-month hospital stay for salmonella.

The man who saved him from that life was then-Philadelphia special teams coach John Harbaugh, who called him up for a tryout in 1998. Akers stuck. And he's been terribly fond of Harbaughs ever since.

No wonder that when John's brother Jim called in that dark, darker, darkest offseason, offering a 49ers contract, Akers couldn't pack fast enough. He may have been leaving the Eagles' ballyhooed Dream Team for the 49ers' Creamed Team, (6-10 the year before), but he didn't care.

"God made it abundantly clear where I was supposed to be," Akers says. "I love the Harbaugh family."

Dad Jack Harbaugh recruited him 20 years ago at Western Kentucky.

"Out on the field they might be just killing you, calling you names, yelling at you," Akers says. "But then you go into lunch and they become completely different people. 'How's the family, David?' And you want to go, 'Wait a minute! You just torched me out there!' But that's how it is. Their teams are families."

That's almost literally true. Jim has turned the 49ers into a sort of odd family reunion. Kids and families are welcome at Saturday practices. They serve a special meal for the kids. Players wear jeans and sweats on the plane and the team's signature gas station-attendant blue work shirts during the week, an idea Jim stole from John, the coach of the Baltimore Ravens.

"They're always doing that with each other," Akers said. "I've heard Jim say to John, 'That's my story! You stole my story!' And then John will go, 'That was NOT your story! I stole it from Dad!'"

Akers signed a three-year, $9 million deal with San Francisco, which was a relief, though not as big of a relief as the doctor telling them in the summer that Halley was 100 percent cancer free.

From there, life just started showing up on the end of Akers' fork. The 49ers' offense ignited, giving Akers a hotfoot. He set NFL records for FGs in a season (44) and points (166). He was the Associated Press' first-team All-Pro kicker. He threw his first TD pass. The 49ers went 13-3. The Eagles: 8-8.

And when Akers' new team played Akers' old team? Philly's rookie kicker missed field goals of 39 and 33 yards and the 49ers won 24-23, with Akers kicking the winning PAT.

You think Andy Reid counted on that?

 

[Dr. Awesome]

I'm sold on Alex now. He's turned into a good quarterback, and I wasn't saying that in the playoffs last season. He's taken a step forward. He has some good WR targets now. He's comfortable back there. He's playing smart, making good reads and calling plays at the line. He's not great but he's not just back there to try and not lose games. He can win games. He's a key part of the team. I see him as the QB long term.

Before we get too carried away, let's remember he faced Green Bay and Detroit. Yes, he looked fantastic and made some good audibles. But Detroit and Green Bay have crap defenses.

 

[butcher boy]

I'm sold on Alex now. He's turned into a good quarterback, and I wasn't saying that in the playoffs last season. He's taken a step forward. He has some good WR targets now. He's comfortable back there. He's playing smart, making good reads and calling plays at the line. He's not great but he's not just back there to try and not lose games. He can win games. He's a key part of the team. I see him as the QB long term.

Before we get too carried away, let's remember he faced Green Bay and Detroit. Yes, he looked fantastic and made some good audibles. But Detroit and Green Bay have crap defenses.

 

[Dr. Awesome]

I'm sold on Alex now. He's turned into a good quarterback, and I wasn't saying that in the playoffs last season. He's taken a step forward. He has some good WR targets now. He's comfortable back there. He's playing smart, making good reads and calling plays at the line. He's not great but he's not just back there to try and not lose games. He can win games. He's a key part of the team. I see him as the QB long term.

Before we get too carried away, let's remember he faced Green Bay and Detroit. Yes, he looked fantastic and made some good audibles. But Detroit and Green Bay have crap defenses.

Care to unpack?

 

[thecatch]

I'm sold on Alex now. He's turned into a good quarterback, and I wasn't saying that in the playoffs last season. He's taken a step forward. He has some good WR targets now. He's comfortable back there. He's playing smart, making good reads and calling plays at the line. He's not great but he's not just back there to try and not lose games. He can win games. He's a key part of the team. I see him as the QB long term.

Before we get too carried away, let's remember he faced Green Bay and Detroit. Yes, he looked fantastic and made some good audibles. But Detroit and Green Bay have crap defenses.

That statement was hardly an example of being "carried away". I think it's safe to call Alex a solid or even good QB at this point while acknowledging he'll never be a top tier passer who wins games by himself.

 

[huthut]

I think both Green Bay and Detroit have at least league average defenses. WIth a few more games we will see I guess, since right now they each got picked apart by the 49ers but did pretty well vs their other opponent.

 

[Dr. Awesome]

I'm sold on Alex now. He's turned into a good quarterback, and I wasn't saying that in the playoffs last season. He's taken a step forward. He has some good WR targets now. He's comfortable back there. He's playing smart, making good reads and calling plays at the line. He's not great but he's not just back there to try and not lose games. He can win games. He's a key part of the team. I see him as the QB long term.

Before we get too carried away, let's remember he faced Green Bay and Detroit. Yes, he looked fantastic and made some good audibles. But Detroit and Green Bay have crap defenses.

That statement was hardly an example of being "carried away". I think it's safe to call Alex a solid or even good QB at this point while acknowledging he'll never be a top tier passer who wins games by himself.

Fair enough. I just thought it was strange to not be sold on Alex Smith after his playoff performance last season but after facing two lousy defenses from last season he's hopped on the wagon.

 

[Black Box]

Sort of weird starting off the season with a tour of the NFC North, but glad to see that they are picking up right where they left off from last season