There was a time when we'd lose these games. From 1999 to 2006, the Niners played eight games in St. Louis, winning only once. Blowouts by Warner and Faulk, their comebacks against our weak D, suspicious plays and calls all around...whatever the cause, we found a way to lose.
But your SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS are now 2-0, surviving yet another close one, thanks to a muffed punt return by Dante Hall (Dante Hall!), tough defense producing a Bryant Young sack when we needed it the most, and a missed FG at the end by Wilkins. We gave up the lead and somehow got it back. Gritty performance by the offense, defense and special teams.
Still, the real reason we won this game is the man that is Frank Gore. Tremendous run on 4th and 1 for the touchdown, all a few days after losing his mother. The man is putting the entire offense on his back right now, and given the way ASmith has played, we have to rely on these huge Gore games. Next week won't be so easy - this good fortune will probably come to an end at Heinz.
Leading me right to the Steelers, who look really good right now, albeit against the Browns and Bills, but to me there's no doubt that Mike Tomlin's team is winning the North. Anyone really think Norvell Turner was gonna be able to win that game tonight? Break up the Texans! We'll find out a lot more in Week 3 when they host Indy; the stomping of Carolina might've just been the whole AFC-NFC thing. What's wrong with the Saints? They just need a home game...besides, can you trust anyone else to run away with the South? Explain to me why no one in the NFC North is under .500. Last but not least, hats off to Kellen Clemens, but it'll be that type of season for the Jets, just a lot of hearbreak...as for the Giants? Wait 'til next year. Sorry to pour it on, but they just got blown out in the easiest game on their schedule. It's just what happens in the NFL, folks...tejada dey rise, tejada dey fall. Unless you cheat (and man is that debate over).
P.S. Doctors say that Kevin Everett will likely walk again. After what we heard a week ago, that kind of news will uplift anybody, no matter what team you root for.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Friday, September 14, 2007
New England Cheaters
See the funny thing is, I've always defended the Pats. It all goes back to the '02 Super Bowl against the despised Rams. As a Niners fan, I hoped against hope that an underdog Pats team would take out this overrated Rams team, and, well, they did. Amazing game, sweet victory.
And even before '02, I didn't mind the Pats, with Hugh Millen and Irving Fryar. Respected Belichick too - heckuva coach, very smart man, always saying the right things to the media. And lately against the Colts, Broncos and Chargers, I definitely wanted the Pats to win. For some reason, I just felt the NFL was better when the Pats won.
Now in the wake of this cheating scandal, for me at least, the success of the Belichick Patriots is partially tarnished. Not completely tarnished, because cheating doesn't necessarily guarantee victory (see Raiders, or Rams). You still need to play tremendously well to win 3 Super Bowls in 4 years. That being said, the fact that the Pats cheated takes away their luster. They're not the same as the 70s Steelers, 80s Niners or 90s Cowboys. I think Belichick deserved the harsh punishment from Goodell, although I agree with Mad Dog in that a suspension wouldn't be out of line either.
Still, the biggest thing to keep in mind is that the Patriots, and the rest of the NFL, are moving forward. Let's see what happens to the Pats now. Do they completely forget how to win? Do they continue this amazing run and destroy teams with Moss? If so, it'd definitely restore their credibility, unless of course they continue to cheat in some other fashion. Either way, while we can't look back on the past with the same awestruck feeling, we have to move on and look at everything anew. It's a brand new season with some really cool players and teams. We trust the Commish is cleaning up the garbage; yes the Pats cheated, but try to tell me you won't be watching this Bolts-Pats game on Sunday night on the edge of your seat.
And even before '02, I didn't mind the Pats, with Hugh Millen and Irving Fryar. Respected Belichick too - heckuva coach, very smart man, always saying the right things to the media. And lately against the Colts, Broncos and Chargers, I definitely wanted the Pats to win. For some reason, I just felt the NFL was better when the Pats won.
Now in the wake of this cheating scandal, for me at least, the success of the Belichick Patriots is partially tarnished. Not completely tarnished, because cheating doesn't necessarily guarantee victory (see Raiders, or Rams). You still need to play tremendously well to win 3 Super Bowls in 4 years. That being said, the fact that the Pats cheated takes away their luster. They're not the same as the 70s Steelers, 80s Niners or 90s Cowboys. I think Belichick deserved the harsh punishment from Goodell, although I agree with Mad Dog in that a suspension wouldn't be out of line either.
Still, the biggest thing to keep in mind is that the Patriots, and the rest of the NFL, are moving forward. Let's see what happens to the Pats now. Do they completely forget how to win? Do they continue this amazing run and destroy teams with Moss? If so, it'd definitely restore their credibility, unless of course they continue to cheat in some other fashion. Either way, while we can't look back on the past with the same awestruck feeling, we have to move on and look at everything anew. It's a brand new season with some really cool players and teams. We trust the Commish is cleaning up the garbage; yes the Pats cheated, but try to tell me you won't be watching this Bolts-Pats game on Sunday night on the edge of your seat.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
One down
Going into the game last night, the Niners had two objectives:
1. Win
2. Play well
I didn't care if it turned out to be a close game. After all, the Cards have talent and would be fired up for their new coach. As it turned out, neither team looked anything like a playoff team...Playoffs? PLAYOFFS? Are you kidding me - PLAYOFFS? I just hope we can win a game!
Win we did, but it was absolutely ugly. Magical, lucky, but ugly. 66 passing yards for Mr. Smith before the last drive. What if the Cards made that 3rd and 10? What if Alex didn't get the 4th and 1, or Battle didn't make that catch, or DJax didn't recover that fumble? Disaster. But the Niners secondary played exceptionally well, and Pat Willis is a major force. I think the offense will play a better game in St. Lou, but it'll be tough to win against the cheating Rams. Good to see Gore is healthy though. And most importantly, we won for Coach Walsh.
Some other thoughts from around the league:
It's only Week 1, so wins and losses don't mean much. Big thing at this stage is injuries. I'll start with Kevin Everett - terrible news. Just reminds us how dangerous this sport is, and I'm sure we all hope for any good news and progress. Bears losing Mike Brown (again???) and Dvoracek: the defense is still solid, and they should still win the division handily. Unlike....the Giants and Jets, who are both basically done. I know it's only Week 1, but, can you trust either team to win a tough game? Or even a road game? No, I never thought Eli Manning would be a "devastating loss" either, but, Lorenzen isn't a starting QB. Cowboys losing Ferguson is big news; in a 3-4 defense, you can't afford to lose your star nose tackle. Orlando Pace is a big loss for the Rams too. And the Ravens had better hope the McNair/Ogden/Ray Lewis injuries are minor. Otherwise, it'll be a long autumn in Baltimore.
One last theme to consider: the Colts blew out the Saints, the Chargers smothered the Bears, and even the Dolphins kept it close against a better Redskins team. The AFC rules right now, no doubt about it. Pats, Colts, Bolts, Steelers...should be a fun year for that conference.
1. Win
2. Play well
I didn't care if it turned out to be a close game. After all, the Cards have talent and would be fired up for their new coach. As it turned out, neither team looked anything like a playoff team...Playoffs? PLAYOFFS? Are you kidding me - PLAYOFFS? I just hope we can win a game!
Win we did, but it was absolutely ugly. Magical, lucky, but ugly. 66 passing yards for Mr. Smith before the last drive. What if the Cards made that 3rd and 10? What if Alex didn't get the 4th and 1, or Battle didn't make that catch, or DJax didn't recover that fumble? Disaster. But the Niners secondary played exceptionally well, and Pat Willis is a major force. I think the offense will play a better game in St. Lou, but it'll be tough to win against the cheating Rams. Good to see Gore is healthy though. And most importantly, we won for Coach Walsh.
Some other thoughts from around the league:
It's only Week 1, so wins and losses don't mean much. Big thing at this stage is injuries. I'll start with Kevin Everett - terrible news. Just reminds us how dangerous this sport is, and I'm sure we all hope for any good news and progress. Bears losing Mike Brown (again???) and Dvoracek: the defense is still solid, and they should still win the division handily. Unlike....the Giants and Jets, who are both basically done. I know it's only Week 1, but, can you trust either team to win a tough game? Or even a road game? No, I never thought Eli Manning would be a "devastating loss" either, but, Lorenzen isn't a starting QB. Cowboys losing Ferguson is big news; in a 3-4 defense, you can't afford to lose your star nose tackle. Orlando Pace is a big loss for the Rams too. And the Ravens had better hope the McNair/Ogden/Ray Lewis injuries are minor. Otherwise, it'll be a long autumn in Baltimore.
One last theme to consider: the Colts blew out the Saints, the Chargers smothered the Bears, and even the Dolphins kept it close against a better Redskins team. The AFC rules right now, no doubt about it. Pats, Colts, Bolts, Steelers...should be a fun year for that conference.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Note to Andy Reid....
Put down the cheesesteak and put Tony Hunt in the game. Buckhalter has proven over and over that he is not a pro running back, so while he's losing yards on key drives, we could have a rookie who's at least making the defense work on those 3rd and 1's. Oh, and why did you let Rod Hood go when you knew Sheppard averages more injuries per year than games played? Maybe someday you'll learn to have your team ready for week 1 (3-6 all time as our coach, thanks for that). On the plus side, at least we're the only team in our division that's heard of defense (too bad we haven't heard of offense yet). Please take some notes from Jeff Fisher, who realizing he was in a defensive slug fest, ran the ball 38 times to wear out the defense for the win. In close games, Westbrook needs to be getting 25+ carries, 20 just won't cut it, unless of course you like losing. And obviously you do.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
So, yeah, about that defense...
The Giants apparently got so wrapped up in the Strahan/Tiki scandals that they forgot to bring pressure packages to Dallas. Because, you know, it's rude to get in the QB's face and not let him have his choice of wide open targets down the middle of the field. We've come 180 degrees from the Giants of the '80s; now we have a great offense and an entirely clueless defense. This season is not going to be pretty if a mediocre team like Dallas can rack up that much yardage that quickly. Yikes!
Great GMing by the Eagles
Hey, I have an idea. Let's cut a guy (Jeremy Bloom) who does only one thing well (returning kicks) and replace him with some guys (Greg Lewis and J.R. Reed) who don't return kicks well. Brilliant idea! I can't wait to see how this turns out!
They would have been better off saying "Let's just give the game away to the Packers." Oh, wait. That's what they did. What a waste of 3 hours a 15 minutes.
They would have been better off saying "Let's just give the game away to the Packers." Oh, wait. That's what they did. What a waste of 3 hours a 15 minutes.
Friday, September 7, 2007
My shot at a Preview
Before we get into this "homeless man's Sports Guy" preview, a couple things need to be said: (1) In accordance with previous reports, the new Bruce single is outstanding, and (2) Tiki Barber is a joke.
To elaborate on point #2, check out his interview with Mike and the Mad Dog this afternoon (should be posted on wfan.com soon). What does Tiki want, and why do we care? In this half hour-plus interview, he managed to flip-flop on Tom Coughlin, rip Mike and Dog for being hypocritical, and basically blame the media for blackballing his entire season last year. At the end, he challenged Mike and Dog to repeat what he himself said to the media. Mike/Dog did just that, and Tiki denied it. Huh? In a related story, Tiki's new book is now in stores. He'll publish the rebuttal in time for the holidays.
Between the fall of Tiki, Pacman making it rain, Michael Vick's rape stand and Jerramy Stevens getting busted, what an atrocious offseason. But it's over. Let's get to the good stuff. Wins in parentheses.
AFC EAST
So the Pats (13) were ripped off by the refs against Denver in '06 and were basically one play away from winning the Super Bowl in January. They're hungry. And quite good. Eric Mangini is a genie, but it's seriously unrealistic to expect the Jets (7) to repeat their success from last year. Miami (5) and Buffalo (4)? Going nowhere fast. Just look at their QB situations. Don't like the Bills' defense at all.
AFC NORTH
The Ravens can play solid D (9), the Bengals can run up the score (8), but only the Steelers (10) have the personnel to do both. It really is that simple. Nice try, Browns (3). At least they got Brady Q.
AFC SOUTH
Yes, this preview is after last night's stampede, so go ahead and grill me because I really was gonna pick the Colts (11) to go winless. Still, a young defense won't be perfect, and hangovers do happen. Everyone thinks the Titans (9) will have a down year, but VY is the real deal and Pacman was most likely a negative influence in the clubhouse. Lots of young talent here + outstanding coach. The Jags (9) are your classic D+run team, but Garrard isn't the answer. Still waiting for the Texans (6) to get an acceptable offensive line, although Shaub to Andre J will be deadly.
AFC WEST
I don't like Norv Turner as a head coach either but with the talent on the Chargers (12) there really isn't much to coach. An OVERRATED team for once: The Broncs (9). Cutler-Henry-Walker just doesn't feel right, and Shanahan is in his twilight years as a coach. Terrible Darrent Williams tragedy; I do see the Broncs playing very inspired football. The Chiefs (7) are going downhill, the Raiders (5) uphill, at least on defense.
NFC EAST
...AND the answer to your biggest question will treat everyone reading this the same. Cowboys? Giants? Eagles? NO to you all; the Redskins (10) will steal the division behind a solid Campbell season, reliable running game, young tough D and smart coaching. The birds (9) will have some trouble getting O and D to play well in the same game, the 'Boys (8) lose some luster following the Tuna's departure...plus I really really don't appreciate Tony Romo, and the Giants (7) really aren't that good, and have to perpetuate their cycle of finishing in a different place every year.
NFC NORTH
Come on. This is an NFL division? Absolutely no suspense here. Same as the past couple years. Bears (13) by "default" as my buddy Sunil would say, the Vikes (8) still have Childress as coach, although TJax won't be as bad as Favre will be for the Pack (6), who'll steal some games thanks to their up-and-coming D. Finally, the Lions (5) have no chance. Did you realize the NFL had to put a Thanksgiving night game on the NFL network just so fans could get the ugly Detroit taste out of their collective mouths? Come on.
NFC SOUTH
The Saints (10) will have a letdown year, but in this easy NFC, that means ten wins and a division crown. I figure nine wins for the Panthers (9) is about right, what an absolute nightmare to predict. No weapons, no stars, no future for the Bucs (5), and while I agree the Dirty Birds (5) stir up some Ewing Theory-intrigue, the defense was going downhill anyway and Joey Harrington wasn't good regardless of the Lions receivers, as I saw for about five straight years on Thanksgiving morning.
NFC WEST
The time is now and the window is open. Yes they went from being underrated to overrated faster than VD's 40 time, but the Niners (10) have it set up. And they are the single biggest reason why I'm pumped for this season unlike any other. Meanwhile, the Rams (9) will cheat their way to a winning record. The Seahawks (8) are getting old fast, and now without any sense of a fearsome D, they're not going anywhere. Finally, the Cardinals (7) ARE WHO WE THOUGHT THEY WERE.
SECOND SEASON
I take the Colts over Tennessee in the first round to spoil VY's playoff welcome. Another spoiled welcome will be in Pittsburgh, where the Ravens come in and beat Mike Tomlin. Taking the chalk the rest of the way: Pats over Ravens, Chargers over Colts, Pats over Chargers.
In the NFC, it's the same pattern: Rams lose in New Orleans while the Eagles go down to Washington and shock the Redskins. Now I wouldn't be surprised if the Saints come into Frisco and beat the Niners, but I gotta go with my team. But no team other than the Bears is winning in Chicago this season, so the Eagles and Niners are toast. By default.
Finally, the Pats beat the Bears in SB 42. Maybe by a very familiar 46-10 score.
So there you have it. Five repeat division winners compared to four last year. Pats and Bears sounds too easy, but here in the NFL, the rich seem to get richer. Watch out for a Niners-Titans Super Bowl in '09 though.
Enjoy the season folks.
To elaborate on point #2, check out his interview with Mike and the Mad Dog this afternoon (should be posted on wfan.com soon). What does Tiki want, and why do we care? In this half hour-plus interview, he managed to flip-flop on Tom Coughlin, rip Mike and Dog for being hypocritical, and basically blame the media for blackballing his entire season last year. At the end, he challenged Mike and Dog to repeat what he himself said to the media. Mike/Dog did just that, and Tiki denied it. Huh? In a related story, Tiki's new book is now in stores. He'll publish the rebuttal in time for the holidays.
Between the fall of Tiki, Pacman making it rain, Michael Vick's rape stand and Jerramy Stevens getting busted, what an atrocious offseason. But it's over. Let's get to the good stuff. Wins in parentheses.
AFC EAST
So the Pats (13) were ripped off by the refs against Denver in '06 and were basically one play away from winning the Super Bowl in January. They're hungry. And quite good. Eric Mangini is a genie, but it's seriously unrealistic to expect the Jets (7) to repeat their success from last year. Miami (5) and Buffalo (4)? Going nowhere fast. Just look at their QB situations. Don't like the Bills' defense at all.
AFC NORTH
The Ravens can play solid D (9), the Bengals can run up the score (8), but only the Steelers (10) have the personnel to do both. It really is that simple. Nice try, Browns (3). At least they got Brady Q.
AFC SOUTH
Yes, this preview is after last night's stampede, so go ahead and grill me because I really was gonna pick the Colts (11) to go winless. Still, a young defense won't be perfect, and hangovers do happen. Everyone thinks the Titans (9) will have a down year, but VY is the real deal and Pacman was most likely a negative influence in the clubhouse. Lots of young talent here + outstanding coach. The Jags (9) are your classic D+run team, but Garrard isn't the answer. Still waiting for the Texans (6) to get an acceptable offensive line, although Shaub to Andre J will be deadly.
AFC WEST
I don't like Norv Turner as a head coach either but with the talent on the Chargers (12) there really isn't much to coach. An OVERRATED team for once: The Broncs (9). Cutler-Henry-Walker just doesn't feel right, and Shanahan is in his twilight years as a coach. Terrible Darrent Williams tragedy; I do see the Broncs playing very inspired football. The Chiefs (7) are going downhill, the Raiders (5) uphill, at least on defense.
NFC EAST
...AND the answer to your biggest question will treat everyone reading this the same. Cowboys? Giants? Eagles? NO to you all; the Redskins (10) will steal the division behind a solid Campbell season, reliable running game, young tough D and smart coaching. The birds (9) will have some trouble getting O and D to play well in the same game, the 'Boys (8) lose some luster following the Tuna's departure...plus I really really don't appreciate Tony Romo, and the Giants (7) really aren't that good, and have to perpetuate their cycle of finishing in a different place every year.
NFC NORTH
Come on. This is an NFL division? Absolutely no suspense here. Same as the past couple years. Bears (13) by "default" as my buddy Sunil would say, the Vikes (8) still have Childress as coach, although TJax won't be as bad as Favre will be for the Pack (6), who'll steal some games thanks to their up-and-coming D. Finally, the Lions (5) have no chance. Did you realize the NFL had to put a Thanksgiving night game on the NFL network just so fans could get the ugly Detroit taste out of their collective mouths? Come on.
NFC SOUTH
The Saints (10) will have a letdown year, but in this easy NFC, that means ten wins and a division crown. I figure nine wins for the Panthers (9) is about right, what an absolute nightmare to predict. No weapons, no stars, no future for the Bucs (5), and while I agree the Dirty Birds (5) stir up some Ewing Theory-intrigue, the defense was going downhill anyway and Joey Harrington wasn't good regardless of the Lions receivers, as I saw for about five straight years on Thanksgiving morning.
NFC WEST
The time is now and the window is open. Yes they went from being underrated to overrated faster than VD's 40 time, but the Niners (10) have it set up. And they are the single biggest reason why I'm pumped for this season unlike any other. Meanwhile, the Rams (9) will cheat their way to a winning record. The Seahawks (8) are getting old fast, and now without any sense of a fearsome D, they're not going anywhere. Finally, the Cardinals (7) ARE WHO WE THOUGHT THEY WERE.
SECOND SEASON
I take the Colts over Tennessee in the first round to spoil VY's playoff welcome. Another spoiled welcome will be in Pittsburgh, where the Ravens come in and beat Mike Tomlin. Taking the chalk the rest of the way: Pats over Ravens, Chargers over Colts, Pats over Chargers.
In the NFC, it's the same pattern: Rams lose in New Orleans while the Eagles go down to Washington and shock the Redskins. Now I wouldn't be surprised if the Saints come into Frisco and beat the Niners, but I gotta go with my team. But no team other than the Bears is winning in Chicago this season, so the Eagles and Niners are toast. By default.
Finally, the Pats beat the Bears in SB 42. Maybe by a very familiar 46-10 score.
So there you have it. Five repeat division winners compared to four last year. Pats and Bears sounds too easy, but here in the NFL, the rich seem to get richer. Watch out for a Niners-Titans Super Bowl in '09 though.
Enjoy the season folks.
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