49ers - Saints Preview: Part 1

Well, in the biggest game for the 49ers since 2002, I figured I'd give it so much attention, we'll do a two-part preview to the 49ers-Saints game this Saturday at Candlestick Park.

In part one, I wanted to talk a little bit about what I think the offense and defense each need to focus on, and then in part 2, we'll do a straight list of things that need to happen in order for the 49ers to win, and things that, if happen, the 49ers haven't a snowflakes chance in hell. Now, starting with the offense, I don't think they should change anything up from what they did all year, at least at the start of the game. Establish the run, let Alex do some play fakes and some easy short-route completions, I don't care if they're only 3-5 yards, they have to keep the ball moving and keep the clock running offensively. Obviously, they're going to need Frank Gore and the offensive line to be on their A-game, and not only in the running game. The Saints aren't a top defense by any means, and the 49ers shouldn't have too much of a problem getting the run game going, but what the Saints front does do is bring a lot of pressure and they'll blitz you, especially if they get a lead. That's where having Gore is so key, because he's one of the best, if not the best, blitz pick-up/blocking backs in the NFL. Again, that's why I say a lot of screens, and short routes against this team will be effective if executed properly. Get Frank to bust off a couple 10-15 yard runs to get the defense honest, and then take your chance down field on a play fake. I'm not saying go all-out conservative by any stretch, cause they're going to have to score some points. Take your shots down field and take them with regularity, but don't try and play the Saints game and keep up with them via the pass. Ball control/game clock control while establishing the run should be the team approach to start the game.

Defensively, they really need to focus on two key players in my mind, and those two are the ones that pose the toughest matchup for defenses, Jimmy Graham and Darren Sproles. I would assign Dashon Goldson to Graham, just because he's got the strength and speed to keep up with the TE/WR and has cover skills as a college CB. If that means using Goldson as a quasi-linebacker/cornerback than albeit. Let Reggie Williams or Madieu Williams slide into the safety spot if need be or come up with defensive schemes that use Goldson on Graham. As with Sproles, I really think they need to treat him like a wideout and when the dudes on the field, bring in an extra DB to account for him. The 49ers have a strong enough front to play with an extra DB in the lineup and sort of a 3-3 front. As good as Pierre Thomas looked vs. Lions, I'm not at all worried about him at all. I doubt he averages 8 YPC vs. the 49ers stout D, but Sproles does worry me, so keep as much speed on the field as you possibly can. As for the receivers, I have confidence in the way that Carlos Rogers has been playing, that he should battle Marques Colston pretty well, but it's going to be on the 49ers front getting pressure on Mr. Brees. The 49ers absolutely have to have Brees under pressure all-day long from start to finish. Play Aldon Smith as much as he possibly can take, and bring 5+ guys each and every time Brees drops back to pass. Again, I have confidence in this teams' secondary when the team's pass rush is on it's game. That's when they get their picks and play their best.

Either way, it's going to shape up as a very good battle at the 'Stick Saturday, and if your lucky enough to have tickets, your in for one helluva a battle. An offensive powerhouse vs. a defensive juggernaut. The ultimate strength vs. strength game! Check back tomorrow for more 49ers and Saints talk as well as predictions for the weekends games!

Raiders Give Jackson the Axe

Well, in a week that has the 49ers squaring up with the Mr. Unstoppable, Drew Brees, at Candlestick Park, the big talk in the Bay Area Tuesday lied around the Oakland Raiders. After just one season as head coach, Hugh Jackson was ousted after his squad finished the season terribly.

It came as a surprise to me, I'll tell you that much. I mean, I heard the rumblings over the weekend, but you normally hear some level of that with every team that just misses the playoffs and probably should have made it. This shakes up the whole Raiders organization because Jackson had full control and last say on player movement. He was the one that, probably, signed off on the Carson Palmer deal and then once his team lost 4 of their last 5 ballgames, and their stronghold on the AFC West. But what I think really sealed his fate was after the season when he threw his players, mainly star linebacker Rolando McClain, under the bus and blamed missing the playoffs solely on the players. Now, I've coached, granted at Senior Little League level, but one thing you never, ever do as a coach, is place blame on players publicly. If you have a problem with a player, it's between you and them, you don't make it a public issue, and Jackson had no problem doing just that. Couple that with the fact that the team just hired, Reggie Mckenzie and the two probably did not hit it off, as Jackson wanted more say in personnel issues and McKenzie was probably less than impressed with Jackson's performance as a coach and leader over the last month or more. All that said, I think Jackson did a pretty good job until that end of season meltdown. I wouldn't have done the Carson Palmer deal, would have held out for Orton at like 1/16 of the price, but that's water under the bridge now. I do think Jackson will find another home as an NFL head coach at some point, but this was the right move for the Raiders.

Whichever coach is brought in will immediately enter a tough situation, as the Raiders are set to enter 2012 with 2 QB's expecting to start in Carson Palmer and Jason Campbell. My guess is they deal Campbell and try and get some draft picks back. There is a major lack of QB options this winter, outside of RG3, Andrew Luck, Kyle Orton and Matt Flynn (who I'm still not really sold on), there aren't any starting caliber QB's who will be free this summer. I could see Miami definitely having some interest in Campbell, as well as Washington. I think whatever team doesn't get Griffin or Luck should go after Campbell before trying to sign Matt Flynn. That's just my personal opinion. Campbell had the Raiders on a clear road to the playoffs and he went down and this team was never the same. At the same time, after an offseason and preseason working with Raider receivers, I'd expect a much better Carson Palmer in 2012 Raider fans, and as long as Run DMC is healthy and those receivers stay on the field, this team will be a playoff squad. As for coaches, I'm haven't a clue yet who they're thinking of, but with Al Davis passed on, it may make coaching the Raiders a little more desirable. When Davis was alive, bless him, he had complete control of everything, rumors spread that he'd even call down plays to head coaches on occasion.

Still the Raiders aren't going to get an established head coach like a Bill Cowher or Jeff Fischer. Heck, they probably couldn't even get Steve Marriuci out of retirement and he loves the Bay Area. Unless they want to go with a guy desperate for a HC job like Mike Martz or Denny Green, they need a bright eyed, rattle the troops, college-type coach if you ask me (Chip Kelly anyone?). They need a Pete Carroll-type would be ideal for the Raiders, though he's locked up with the Seahawks, but maybe try and pluck a premium college coach up. Jim Mora Jr. would have been another young, fiery head coach perfect for this job but he just signed on with UCLA They need someone who's well known enough to the players to command their respect, at the same time, they need someone with energy and who will fire that team up rather than sit back and point fingers.

Wild Card Weekend Review: 49ers Get Saints

Well, the Texans game was exciting until they just pulled away late, but other than that, no game this weekend came close to the drama the Pittsburgh Steelers/Denver Broncos game brought. At the same time, the 49ers couldn't get their wish, and indeed will end up playing New Orleans after Drew Brees disected the Lions defense.

Gotta give it up to Tebow and Demaryius Thomas for their performance against the Steelers on Sunday, cause Pittsburgh's defense was playing pretty stoutly. They weren't allowing Tebow or McGahee to get any running space, so Denver had to beat them through the air and Tim Tebow did just that, breaking 300 yards and throwing for a couple of scores. Demaryius Thomas was probably the most valuable receiver of Wild Card weekend as well, as he reeled in 204 receiving yards, a huge 50 yard pass-interference play and the game winning 80-yard TD catch. That was a big day for Thomas in the maturation category as I think he finally showed his real potential, and will be a beast from here on out. They'll need him to be with Eric Decker likely sidelined for the rest of the year. The other, less exciting games went pretty much as I predicted; Eli Manning and Ahmad Bradshaw tore up Atlanta while Arien Foster and a healthy Andre Johnson carried the Texans, and of course, Drew Brees ate up the Detroit secondary!

Now, onto week two, in which the 49ers step into play. Now we'll probably be talking this game all week, so we won't get into it too much now, but my early thoughts are that the 49ers are going to have to be pressuring Drew Brees at all times. If they want to run Darren Sproles or Pierre Thomas, let them, the linebackers will track them down, but I'd have at least 5-6 guys going at Brees each play. The 49ers are corners have played strongly lately, but Tarrell Brown and Carlos Rogers will have their hands full as they'll likely be the ones covering Jimmy Graham and Marques Colston. And the Saints have more weapons than that, so the nickel and dime backs will have to be on their games next Sunday. Offensively, obviously the team will have to score, but I honestly think they need to do whatever they can to keep Drew Brees off the field. Play defense with your offense, so to speak. Do short 5-yard routes and screen plays, a lot of Frank Gore and Kendal Hunter. Just try and keep getting first downs and let the rest fall into place. We'll get more in-depth as we get into our game preview later on in the week, but what a wild-card weekend, just too bad Detroit couldn't pull off the upset!

Wild Card Weekend Predictions

I just wanted to jump in real quickly with my picks for this weekends NFL Wild Card matchups, guessing both the winning team and final score for each game with a brief reason as to why.

AFC WILD CARD Predictions

Houston 23 over Cinicinnati 17

In a defensive battle, with two young QB's and WR's with with injury concerns, the Texans get the advantage because A - They're at home and B - They have the best RB duo in the league and an early lead could spell trouble for Cinci. Andre Johnson needs to be healthy (looks like he is) and pose at least a threat for Cinci's corners to back off though and keep 8 out of the box, otherwise they could shut down Foster and Tate.

Pittsburgh 21, over Denver 13

I just don't see Tebow dicing through the Pitt. defense, even if they are banged up, and even if Ben Roethlisberger isn't 100%. Still though, without Rashard Mendenhall, the Pittsburgh is looking like the surest bet to be 1 and done. Even if Denver wins, the winner of this game is doomed next week!

NFC WILD CARD Predictions

New Orleans 38, Detroit 31

In a shootout in the Bayou, I see Drew Brees and Co. walking away the victors. The only way Detroit can get to them is if they get Kevin Smith going like he did that one game a few weeks back and Matt Stafford is perfect. Otherwise, it's tough to see Brees lose a playoff game vs. an average defense at home!

New York 28 over Atlanta 20

If this game were in Atl., I think the Falcons have a better shot, but I just am not a big fan of Matt Ryan on the road in the load Meadowlands environment. Not to mention, it'll be tough sledding for them to get any kind of run game going against the Giants defense which is finally healthy (last 2 games held Jets and Cowboys to combined 28 points and a combined 84 yards to starting RB's Shaun Green and Felix Jones. I see the Giants walking away the victors here, even though Atlanta won more games and is coming off a huge win in week 17!

Now we can look back Monday and see how terribly off I was!

A's Re-sign Coco Crisp, Now What?

Well, after the A's dealt away right-handed ace Trevor Cahill, premiere lefty Gio Gonzalez and all-star closer Andrew Bailey, then let every single one of their free agents walk without attempt to re-sign any, most people thought the A's were entering full-rebuild mode.

However, the A's just signed center fielder and leadoff man, Coco Crisp to a very lucrative 2 year, $14 million dollar deal, which defies the logic they've been using all offseason. First off, most people thought the A's would be going all young this year and giving Michael Taylor his shot in center, but he'll now likely move over to left field with Crisp's return and the addition of Josh Reddick. Secondly, I think the A's could have gotten Crisp for a helluva lot cheaper than they did, probably closer to 2 years/$10M, but he does have gold-glove defense. It also makes me wonder whether or not Billy Beane may be pulling a page out of Brian Sabean's book and waiting until free agents get desperate enough to sign somewhere, then you get them at a reduced price. Problem with that strategy is that if the player is a good one, he normally finds a home before that plan can come to fruition. Anyhow, if Beane is indeed looking for cheap players to help get A's fans excited for 2012, and help their chances in moving to San Jose, there are plenty of bargain-bin players still left on the market who the A's could definitely use. The names that immediately comes to mind is first basemen Casey Kotchman, who fits Beane's type of player to a T. He's patient, gets on base, and has a good batting average, just doesn't hit for too much power.

Either way, he'd be a huge upgrade at first base over the incumbent Daric Barton and he's still pretty young at 28, so he still hasn't reached his ceiling. They also need some help over at third base, and no the answer is not Kevin Kouzmanoff, obviously. I'd take a gander at Wilson Betemit if I were Beane though, he's a really good hitter (.285, 22 doubles and 8 HR in 97 games) and his most comfortable position is third base. I know Scott Sizemore did some good things after coming over from Detroit last year, but if they could get Betemit on a 1 year/$2M contract, then why they heck not get some competition in there!? Also, they better have a plan B if they're seriously planning on starting the year with Chris Carter in the starting lineup, whether it's at first or DH. The man who's destroyed every level of baseball he's ever played at has managed a mere .178 batting average with a whole 3 home runs in 114 big league at-bats. Small sample, but ugly showing non the less. Plus the one spot where this FA class is still pretty stocked, besides with mediocre pitching, is with DH-types. Carlos Pena would be sweet, even as a first basemen, but probably out of the A's price range. Rual Ibanez though, could very well sign a 1 year, "prove-it" type deal after a huge falloff in 2011. Or even bringing back Johnny Damon if the price is right. Cody Ross or Ryan Ludwick would also be nice right-handed additions who could play outfield or DH.

As far as their pitching staff, after they've dealt away what they did, Billy Beane should add at least one veteran influence to help lead this group of youngsters and as insurance. You probably can't count on too much in 2012 from Brett Anderson, so that leaves the rotation like this at the moment: LH Dallas Braden, RH Brandon McCarthy, RH Guillermo Moscoso, RH Tyson Ross, LH Tommy Milone. They also have the prize from their deal with the D-Backs Jarrod Parker knocking on the door. It looks like a nice young group and you can see why he felt comfortable dealing away Cahill and Gonzalez, but what if Milone and Parker prove to still be a year or 2 away? Not to mention the injury history with Moscoso and McCarthy then Braden coming back from his season-ender in 2011, there are some real questions around that staff. If they could bring back a guy like Harden or Jeff Francis or Brad Penny. None will get more than a one-year deal and all are focused on proving themselves again in 2012 after less-than-spectacular 2011 seasons. As far as their bullpen, it looks like they have plenty of options to take over for Andrew Bailey (Brian Fuentes, Joey Devine, Grant Balfour), and with all those young arms they have in their system, I wouldn't expect any other pitchers to be signed for bullpen duties.

49ers Clinch 2 Seed, Send 8 to Pro Bowl

It was a great week in the Bay Area for 49ers fans as the Niners finally got some long awaited respect again. Not only are they returning to the playoffs for the first time in 10 years, they're also sending 8 players to Hawaii for the Pro-Bowl in February.

Now, before we get ahead of ourselves and start talking potential 49er opponents for round two of the playoffs, I have to say, I was less than impressed with Sunday's win vs. the Rams. Not only was St. Louis starting a backup QB, but they're one of the worst teams in football, and they nearly came back and took that #2 seed away from San Francisco. It wasn't the offense's fault either, as they cruised through the Rams' defense, with Smith completing nearly 70% of his passes and throwing for a score and 220 yards. The team also rushed for over 100 yards again, although they did rest Gore for much of the game. The 49ers rush defense, which hadn't allowed a rushing score heading into week 16, allowed two more TD's via the ground, one coming against the first unit too. Granted, most of the Rams comeback was in the 4th quarter when most all 49ers starters were sitting, it was a tad unsettling to see them come that close to losing out on the crucial first round bye. But besides the 4th quarter meltdown, things went well in the first half, as Michael Crabtree continued his assault on NFL corners with 2 more TD's and 9 catches for 92 yards. The dude just catches everything you throw in his direction, as evidence of that TD reception from kicker David Akers. The dude is finally coming into his own, and has become a clear cut #1 wideout (starting to be a leader on field as well!).

Crabtree, unfortunately though, won't be joining 8 of his other teammates in Honolulu next month for the NFL version of the All-Star game, as the AFC and NFC square off in the ever meaningless Pro-Bowl. The 49ers and the Patriots each are sending 8 players, which leads all NFL teams. For the 49ers, both kicker and punter David Akers and Andy Lee will get a much deserved trip as those two were arguably a couple of the most valuable 49ers this season. Joining them and starting on the NFC's defense will be Patrick Willis and Carlos Rogers (pictured to right saving a big TD), while Joe Staley will start at RT for the offense. The other three players who earned the honor are Frank Gore, Justin Smith and Dashon Goldson. All who had huge years for 49ers playoff run. Also selected as alternates (which means some of these guys will probably make it) are linebackers NaVorro Bowman (how he wasn't a first-balloter is blowing a lot of minds around the Bay Area) and Ahmad Brooks as well as Vernon Davis, Mike Iupati, Jonathan Goodwin, Ray McDonald, Ted Ginn Jr., Blake Costanzo and Bruce Miller. My guess is Bowman and Davis end up making the team.

Going for the Raiders will be kicker Sebastian Janikowski, punter Shane Lechler and DT Richard Seymour.

New GiantsCast Up At Unify TV!

Thought I'd mix things up a little bit and post our most recent video-cast in today's post, just since we haven't talked Giants baseball, or really any baseball, here in a long time. Anyway, here is The GiantsCast you can find at the base of our page or right here at UnifySports.tv!

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