1662

I didn’t think it was possible for two teams to blow a game, but that’s exactly what happened in the Atlanta/Seattle game. The lack of a pass rush was a killer for both teams and Seattle needs a real receiving threat.

Also, I find it funny that Atlanta drove down the field and kick a game winning field goal with 35 seconds left while Denver, in roughly the same situation, decides to take a knee for OT.

1663

I’m no fan of Manning or Fox or Denver, but to be fair to them it’s an entirely different situation.

If Atlanta doesn’t score, they lose, end of story. If Denver doesn’t score, it goes to overtime. It’s still anyone’s game at that point.

1664

Denver should have at least tried to take a shot though, not a Hail Mary but an attempt to get into FG range.

1665

I don’t see Atlanta withstanding the 49ers unfortunately, meaning they’ll make the SB lest New England really screw up next week against the Ravens. I see them defeating the 49ers somehow, someway… same as they always do.

— Alan

1666

Personally, I don’t see how the 49ers get by Atlanta.

This game was essentially a practice game for the Falcons, against a mobile quarterback. It was exactly what they needed to prepare for the championship game.

Meanwhile, the 49ers looked very impressive but…it was at home against a so-so road team that had no running game. Their next game, the championship, will bear no resemblance to the Packer game.

1667

If Cam Newton doing whatever he pleased against that defense (twice!) wasn’t practice enough for Wilson then getting styled on by Wilson probably won’t help much against Kaepernick. Then again I can’t tell if that last sentence is actually about the Falcons. Personally I feel the 49ers match up very well against the Falcons and think the game will be very similar to both Packers games. Basically a brief stop in Atlanta on their way to New Orleans. Quest For Six!

1668

This is the Niners year. It’s their to lose it at this point. Atlanta is a balanced team but the Niners have a top 3 defense and a top 10 if not better now. And while Atlanta maybe have the playoff monkey off their back they know they nearly coughed up that game so they’ll have to do much better against a much tougher team.

On the AFC side, NE is basically the same as GB. Great offense with an average or so defense so I don’t see the Niners having a problem getting pass them. Just that this time they need to not lift the pedal off the gas and allow them to come back. As for Baltimore I pray that it’s not a Niners/Raven SB because I will not be able to stand two weeks of HarBowl II hype.

1669

And a terrible defense. Don’t forget the terrible defense.

1670

I can’t see Baltimore OR Atlanta having a chance, but I really hope you guys are right. I hate NE on general principles, and as a Cowboy fan I can’t stand the fact that San Fran has crawled out of mediocrity before Dallas did. I would welcome an Atlanta Baltimore Super Bowl, even if it means I have to see and hear more and more people use the “Rise Up” fucking thing all the time.

1671

Playing against Cam Newton teaches nothing because the Panthers aren’t a playoff team, at least not yet. Preparing for the championship game, it only matters who you’ve played in the playoffs.

I didn’t bring up defense(Packers) because frankly, the Falcon defense isn’t anything special. They gave up a crap ton of yardage to the Seahawks and I expect the same will happen in the upcoming game. The difference being I expect it to be more of a bend but don’t break situation. I would not be surprised to see the 49er QB have a 2td/2int 300yd+ type of game.

edit:

Well, at least be consoled knowing that the Cowboys crawled out of suckage before the 49ers did, even if the Cowboys have planted their roots in mediocrity since then.

1672

This season is weirding me out. As a fan of college football and the option offense, I ought to be cheering this young crop of option quarterbacks. But I’m having trouble because the sports talking heads and announcers are so excited about them. They’re wrong about everything. I feel like I must think the opposite of them.

If they were still trashing the zone read like they have been the last few years, it’d be a lot easier to like these quarterbacks.

I still think some of them are in for a sophomore slump. Every team in the league will be working on defensive packages during the offseason. The receivers Wilson threw to today were so laughably wide open. That doesn’t seem sustainable.

1673

“Playoff quality defense” does not mean quite what it used to…

1674

Tim,

Given that when a DB breathes too hard on a receiver it’s pass interference, it’s not too surprising that those guys were so wide open. While there are still good defenders around, the pendulum is pretty firmly in the offense’s camp right now.

However, this does not excuse the Redskins’ pass defense, which really did suck!

1675

Like normal, it just depends on what minute you’re watching, they still swing back and forth like a pendulum after ever win/loss. Like this week there was both a ton of backlash on how zone-read and similar schemes are unusable because RGIII takes too many hits and how it is awesome because 49ers.

1676

I was totally shouting at the TV for them to try it. That would have been awesome.

I know what you mean. Given that this is his last hurrah (hopefully - if he doesn’t Favre us), I think a lot of people are pulling for him. He’s been squeaky-clean since that whole trial thing, so I’m inclined to think that whatever the situation really was back then, he’s turned over a new leaf.

If Atlanta makes it, I hope to see the Dirty Bird make a comeback.

1677

After spending all those seasons with the Chiefs and stating he’s 95% sure he’ll retire after this season, Tony Gonzalez deserves his first SB ring, so I’m rooting for him. Ray Lewis already has one; otherwise, I’d be rooting for him.

1678

Yup, I too would really like to see Tony get a ring (hell an appearance would be nice for him at least).

~C~

1679

Orange peanut!

1680

Holy Shit, no one thought Chip Kelly suddenly turning his back on “I’m not leaving for the NFL and staying for Oregon” warranted a reaction?!?!?!

1681

I’m still in shock. (I’m an Eagles fan and a recent Ducks fan.)