TJB Scout: San Francisco 49ers
A few weeks ago, the San Francisco 49ers were dead in the water. They were 2-5 under beleaguered head coach Mike Nolan, who had led to the team to an 18-37 record during his tenure. It was time for a change, and better motivation.
Enter Mr. Intensity, Mike Singletary.
Although never a coordinator at any level in the NFL, the demonstrative Singletary has long been a motivator, and quickly has put his stamp on this team. In his first game, he was hailed as a breath of fresh air, benching players he didn’t think were giving the proper effort and even (allegedly) dropping his pants during his haltime speech to make a point about how badly they were getting whipped — a long way from the suit-wearing Nolan, no doubt.
Personally, I have visions of him standing in front of the team, wildly gesticulating and constantly fixing his belt, like a certain motivational speaker: “Hi, my name is Mike Singletary. I am 50-years-old, I am thrice UPI NFC player of the year, and I live in a van down by the river . . . now I’m here to motivate you fellas, to get you back on the road to victory, but it won’t be easy .. . hey you, #85 — shut your damn piehole! Now listen, if you all think your old, lazy type of namby-pamby playing football is going to fly around here, well, then you don’t know JACK SQUAT!!!” And then he topples over and crashes through a wall of lockers.
You get the idea.
Okay, properly motivated, let’s do this TJB style — and with our pants on!
Cheerleader check: Oh my darlings . . . we’ve struck it rich with the San Francisco 49ers Gold Rush.
The scene: The game is at Monster Park in San Francisco, formerly known (and dreaded) as Candlestick Park. It is a natural grass surface. Currently, the forecast is partly sunny and in the high 50s — ideal for football.
Record: The 49ers are 4-8, good enough for 2nd place in the NFC West.
Streaks: The 49ers broke this season’s 16-game streak of no West Coast team coming to the Eastern Time Zone and winning, dumping the Bills 10-3 last week in Buffalo. They have also won two of their last three games and are still mathematically alive for the NFC West title.
Barometer: Rising, unlike Singletary’s pants. The 49ers seem to be enjoying their new “more intense” identity and are ready to give anyone a serious game.
Old Friends: If you were wondering where Jets cast-offs Jacob Bender and Sean Ryan ended up, wonder no more! They are in the city by the bay.
The Big Question: Will coach Singletary be able to keep his pants on at halftime?
Key injuries: Cornerback Nate Clements (thumb), safety Michael Lewis (abdomen), cornerback Allen Rossum (ankle).
Five things to know about the 49ers offense:
- The Mad Scientist – Offensive guru Mike Martz runs the 49ers offense, and doesn’t have near the talent that he even had with the Lions let alone the “Greatest Show on Turf.” Currently, the 49ers middling offense ranks 21st in scoring (21.8 points/game), 17th in passing (205.8 yards/game), 25th in rushing (98.6 yards/game) and 26th in total yards (304.4 yards/game). After the Broncos’ success this past week, expect Martz to head back into laboratory to create some attacking three- and four-receiver sets — including many empty backfield looks — to spread the Jets out. The 49ers line has yielded 43 sacks this season.
- King of the Hill – Since stepping into the starter’s role in Week 8 against Seattle, undrafted quarterback Shaun Hill (out of Maryland) has lifted the sagging 49ers to wins in two of their last three games. Effectively running a dialed-down version of Martz’s offense, in five games he has gone 84 of 139 for 1,067 yards with 8 TDs and 3 interceptions. Hill hasn’t been brilliant, but he hasn’t been awful or turned the ball over much, either. It seems as though these types of “adequate” quarterbacks have been feasting on the Jets pass defense lately; expect Martz to call a game for Hill to capitalize on his skill set.
- Go-Go Gore – The small (5’9”) but stout (217 lbs.) Frank Gore is the feature back of the offense, carrying 215 times this year for 926 yards (4.3 yards/carry) and 6 TDs. He’s also a threat out of the backfield (attention Jets linebackers!), tied for the team lead with 39 catches for 354 yards and a TD. He has struggled at times holding onto the ball, putting it on the ground twice last week, losing one.
- I, Receiver – Isaac Bruce is the 49ers’ leading receiver not named Frank Gore, with 39 catches for 625 yards and 6 TDs. He’s a “wily veteran” (i.e. now gets by on smarts and skills rather than pure speed) who provides a reliable target for the not-so-reliable passing attack. Other healthy receivers of note include 5th-year man Bryant Johnson (28 receptions, 353 yards, 2 TDs) and Jason Hill (18 catches, 230 yards, 1 TD).
- Variable Vernon – Former first-round pick (No. 6 overall) Vernon Davis has been underwhelming to be polite, only catching 19 passes for 263 yards and 2 TDs. (Must be something about first-rounders named Vernon.) Actually, he’s caught more hell than passes, getting reamed out publicly by Singletary and benched during the team’s 34-13 loss to Seattle. Coach and player been professionally polite since, but with the Jets’ troubles covering tight ends, expect all to be forgiven and Davis to be heavily featured this week.
Jersey watch (offense): Expect the #85 of Davis to give the Jets fits all day.
Five things to know about the 49ers defense:
- Buffaloed – The 49ers defense held the Bills to 3 points last week, a very good effort for defensive coordinator Greg Manusky’s unit that’s ranked 27th in points allowed (26.1 points/game), 16th in rushing yards (108.2 yards/game), 28th in passing yards (239.8 yards/game) and 23rd overall (347.9 yards/game). But numbers can be misleading — the defense has played with better intensity since Singletary has taken over the team, stopping the Bills three times inside the 10 yard line. Before last week, the 49ers had allowed opponents to score more than 10 points in 23 consecutive games.
- What You Tacklin’ About, Willis? - Following up on his dominant rookie season, linebacker Patrick Willis continues to be a tackling machine, racking up 111 through 12 games, including one sack. The defensive standout also has one interception (returned 86 yards for a TD), a forced fumble and 10 passes defensed. He is flanked by Takeo Spikes (78 tackles; 3 interceptions) on the strongside and oft-injured Manny Lawson on the weakside, who has missed four games this season and has struggled.
- Nate is Great (Well, Pretty Good) – Cornerback Nate Clements, who signed a monster free agent contract in 2007 has played very well, but hardly up to the numbers commiserate with his pay this year: 48 tackles, 2 interceptions and 6 passes defended. Still, he’s the 49ers top cover corner, and with Walt Harris (when Harris is healthy) make a pretty decent tandem. If Harris can’t go, it’ll be Donald Strickland getting the nod. The unit is coached by former Jet Johnnie Lynn.
- A Low Pressure Area – This is currently the rainy season in the bay area, but San Francisco has especially experienced low pressure, only registering 22 sacks on the season. Third-year linebacker Parys Haralson leads the team with 5.5 sacks, while former Bengal and defensive end/linebacker Justin Smith is second with 4.5 sacks. Only 7 other players have so much as a half sack; by way of comparison, the Jets have 16 players with at least a half sack.
- 4-3 to 3-4 . . . Sound Familiar? – After Singletary took over as coach, the 49ers decided to switch their base defense from a 4-3 to a 3-4, fitting some round pegs into square holes for now. There have been some bumps along the way — such as when the team got torched by Tony Romo, T.O. and the Cowboys for 341 passing yards and 3 TDs two weeks ago — but it has also given more room for the up-and-coming linebacker corps to make plays. They struggled against the run last week, giving up 134 yards to Marshawn Lynch.
Jersey watch (defense): Like the Jets, the guy wearing #52 (Willis) makes a lot of the stops.
Three things about the 49ers special teams:
- Just a Regular Joe – Joe Nedney is a decent kicker, having hit 22 of 25 this season (88%) with a long of 53. He is only averaging 63.2 yards/kickoff with 7 touchbacks.
- More Than Satisfactori-LEE – Punter Andy Lee is in the upper half of NFL punters, averaging 47.2 yards/punt with a net of 38.4, having dropped 10 inside the 20.
- Rossum? Damn Near Killed ‘Um – When healthy, kick and punt returner Allen Rossum has been very good this season, averaging 27.3 yards/return on kicks (with a 104-yard TD) and 16 yards/return on punts, with a long of 45. He missed last week’s game with an ankle injury, replaced by Delanie Walker on kicks (2 returns, 19 yard/return) and Nate Clements on punts (1 return for 3 yards).
What to expect from the broadcast booth: For some reason, the Jets again have drawn CBS’ A-Team of Jim Nantz and Phil Simms, so I think by this time you know what to expect from these two.
Spotlight matchup: Vernon Davis vs. Eric Barton, Kerry Rhodes, Abram Elam and a cast of dozens. As teams have discovered, the Jets have struggled to cover tight ends in the passing game, and Davis, who has displayed flashes of brilliance, should be able to exploit that. Look for Hill to go to him early and often.
The pressure is on: Shaun Hill. As the Broncos proved last week, the Jets can be beaten through the air if a quarterback is willing to take chances and doesn’t turn the ball over. And after the way the Jets struggled to pressure Jay Cutler, Hill should expect the Jets to come early and often.
Expect the unexpected from: Frank Gore. The Jets rush defense was exposed last week, so expect Martz and the offense to copy the Broncos blueprint — running from spread formations, which could mean a big day for Gore.
Bottom line: The 49ers do not want to end up in a van down by the river and have been playing well as of late. Coming off a big road win at home, expect them to be a tough out — and considering how badly the Jets have fared on the West Coast this season (and their propensity to play down to the level of their opponents), don’t be shocked if the 49ers can give them more than they can handle.
16 Responses to TJB Scout: San Francisco 49ers
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Joe B. says:
Sack -
I do remember that game. Luckily just about everything went right for us the next two weeks, but I remember feeling utterly disgusted after that loss on that hideous field in Champagne.
This game worries me just a bit. Though I think we’ll pull out the win, the 49ers have played better under Singletary than I thought they would, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them make this one a nailbiter. Add to that the two lousy performances the Jets have already thrown on the Left Coast, and I’m not chalking this up as a win yet. Definitely a must-win if we want to keep the inside track in the division race.
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Singletary: What do you want to be when you grow up?
Bassett: I want to live in a van down by the river.
Singletary: Well that’s not going to help you when you’re … oh.
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Bassett! It’s..
Singletary: You’ll have plenty of time to live in a van down by the river when (pauses to think) … you’re livin’ in a VAN down by the RIVER!
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charleyjet says:
I think this is a tough out for the Jets. The key to me is stopping Gore and being able to run effectively ourselves. I’ll take my chances with Shaun Hill.
Final score: Jets 17-SF10
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Andrew Weiss says:
I saw them play against the Cards a few weeks back and I was underwhelmed. Not much talent on either side of the ball. Still, they were relentless. I think if we get up on them early and rattle Hill it should be a relatively calm afternoon. But, then again, I thought we’d beat the Broncos.
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We need sacks, sacks and more sacks. Then Kerry Rhodes needs to come out from underneath the rock he’s been hiding under. Our Secondary needs him badly right now. Sacks should equal interceptions
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zenlaw says:
This is a game that the Jets should and need to win. It will be interesting to see what kind of gameplan the Jets use given the presence of Willis.
If the Jets can put a few points on the board and contain Gore, they should win this one.
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Dan C says:
I need Kerry Rhodes to come out of premature on-field retirement so I can win my fantasy league game.
Also, always great analysis Bassett, this is why I read this blog daily.
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SackDance99 says:
I like Willis and wanted the Jets to draft him (although Revis has turned out fine), but I don’t think his presence means that the Jets can’t light up the 49ers D. I mean Mayo had a great game against the Jets and they still hung 34 points on the Pats in their house. I know the Jets are 0-2 on the West Coast, but they’re also 2-0 against the NFC West and scored 103 points in those games. I say this every week, but if the Jets get an early lead, I don’t see this game as close. But, if it’s a struggle, the tighter team will lose and we know which team will have their collective throat constricted if they’re facing a 4th quarter deficit.
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R_in_CT -
Sorry that some people don’t read the bylines. Great work as usual.
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TOON2388 says:
Come out throwing on O & crowding the line on D. We have better OL & the better front 7, let alone the better skill position players. No reason why we should not win by 14+
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john r says:
i live out here and must say that you guys are giving this team way way way too much respect
this team flat out sucks, they dont have a qb, there secondary is old and weak, and i think gore gets eaten by jenkins and body slammed by pace
thomas jones will run wild, and yes in this game i hope brett will be bombing the ball deep
also one more note, its going to be sunny, dry, and in the mid 60′s. a little better than seeing last weeks game in the cold and the snow
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jim says:
we win big here and move on to finish buffalo off for the year
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JesusRevis says:
27 – 10 jets
san fran sucks
Bottom line: the Jets’ “A” game beats the 49ers “A” game. Every game from now until the end of the season is crucial and what I’m looking for is a return to the intensity that led to 3 straight road wins against the top (at the time) AFC teams.
As an aside, I liked Mangini’s intensity and demonstative disgust over the team’s effort on Sunday. Let’s hope the Jets raise that intensity level because there’s no easy games with 4 games left in the season (anyone remember the 2002 loss to the Bears on Illini Field?).