San Francisco 49ers: Just the Stats

by Dave Cariello on Jan 12, 2012 11:00 AM CST

Scoring

	San Francisco	Opponent
Touchdowns	35	23
Rushing	14	3
Passing	18	20
Returns	3	0

Score By Periods	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	OT	Pts
Team	45	125	101	109	0	380
Opponents	43	42	40	101	3	229

Season Stats

	San Francisco	Opponent
Total First Downs	282	267
Rushing	101	53
Passing	150	190
Penalty	31	24
3rd Down: Made/Att	65/221	76/216
3rd Down Pct.	29.4%	35.2%
4th Down: Made/Att	9/14	7/17
4th Down Pct.	64.3%	41.2%
Possession Avg.	32:02	27:58
Total Net Yards	4974	4931
Avg. Per Game	310.9	308.2
Total Plays	993	974
Avg. Per Play	5.0	5.1
Net Yards Rushing	2044	1236
Avg. Per Game	127.8	77.3
Total Rushes	498	353
Net Yards Passing	2930	3695
Avg. Per Game	183.1	230.9
Sacked/Yards Lost	44/263	42/283
Gross Yards	3193	3978
Attempts/Completions	451/277	579/333
Completion Pct.	61.4%	57.5%
Had Intercepted	5	23
Punts/Average	79/50.3	87/45.0
Net Punting Avg.	43.4	37.1
Penalties/Yards	113/1014	98/867
Fumbles/Ball Lost	14/5	31/15

Individual Stats

Passing	Att	Cmp	Yds	Cmp%	Yds/Att	TD	TD%	Int	Int%	Long	Sack	Lost	Rating
A.Smith	445	273	3144	61.3%	7.1	17	3.8%	5	1.1%	56t	44/	263	90.7
C.Kaepernick	5	3	35	60.0%	7.0	0	0.0%	0	0.0%	19	0/	0	81.3
D.Akers	1	1	14	100.0%	14.0	1	100.0%	0	0.0%	14t	0/	0	158.3
Team	451	277	3193	61.4%	7.1	18	4.0%	5	1.1%	56t	44/	263	91.5

Rushing	No.	Yds	Avg	Long	TD
F.Gore	282	1211	4.3	55	8
K.Hunter	112	473	4.2	44	2
A.Smith	52	179	3.4	14	2
A.Dixon	29	87	3.0	9	2
T.Ginn	8	68	8.5	24	0
K.Williams	2	32	16.0	25	0
B.Miller	4	8	2.0	3	0
M.Crabtree	1	6	6.0	6	0
D.Walker	3	5	1.7	14	0
C.Kaepernick	2	-2	-1.0	-1	0
V.Davis	2	-5	-2.5	-2	0
A.Lee	1	-18	-18.0	-18	0
Team	498	2044	4.1	55	14

Receiving	No.	Yds	Avg	Long	TD
M.Crabtree	72	874	12.1	52t	4
V.Davis	67	792	11.8	44	6
K.Williams	20	241	12.1	56t	3
T.Ginn	19	220	11.6	26	0
D.Walker	19	198	10.4	29t	3
F.Gore	17	114	6.7	13	0
K.Hunter	16	195	12.2	44	0
J.Morgan	15	220	14.7	30t	1
B.Edwards	15	181	12.1	24	0
B.Miller	11	83	7.5	30t	1
B.Swain	2	15	7.5	9	0
J.Peelle	1	19	19.0	19	0
I.Sopoaga	1	18	18.0	18	0
J.Staley	1	17	17.0	17	0
A.Dixon	1	6	6.0	6	0
J.Hastings	0	0	0	0	0
Team	277	3193	11.5	56t	18

Interceptions	No.	Yds	Avg	Long	TD
C.Rogers	6	106	17.7	31t	1
D.Goldson	6	53	8.8	21	0
T.Brown	4	15	3.8	11	0
D.Whitner	2	48	24.0	48	0
T.Brock	2	18	9.0	18	0
C.Culliver	1	23	23.0	23	0
R.Smith	1	11	11.0	11	0
P.Willis	1	10	10.0	10	0
Team	23	284	12.3	48	1

Sacks

A.Smith 14.0

J.Smith 7.5

A.Brooks 7.0

R.McDonald 5.5

P.Haralson 2.0

P.Willis 2.0

N.Bowman 2.0

L.Grant 2.0

Total: 42.0

Punting	No	Yds	Avg	Net	TB	In	Lg	B
A.Lee	78	3970	50.9	44.0	9	28	68	1

Field Goals	1-19	20-29	30-39	40-49	50+
D.Akers	2/ 2	16/ 16	13/ 14	6/ 11	7/ 9

Punt Returns	Ret	FC	Yds	Avg	Long	TD
T.Ginn	38	18	466	12.3	55t	1
R.Smith	4	1	37	9.3	14	0
K.Williams	2	4	41	20.5	36	0
Team	44	23	544	12.4	55t	1

Kickoff Returns	No.	Yds	Avg	Long	TD
T.Ginn	29	800	27.6	102t	1
K.Hunter	6	156	26.0	43	0
K.Williams	4	104	26.0	33	0
Team	39	1060	27.2	102t	1

Offensive Rankings

Team	Yds / Game	Yds / Play	Rush Yds / Game	Rush Yds / Play	Pass Yds / Game	Pass Yds / Play	Int. Rate	Sacks / Pass Att.	First Downs / Game	Punt Return Avg	Kickoff Return Avg	Field Goals Made	3rd Down Pct	4th Down Pct	Red Zone Pct	Goal to Go%	Avg Time of Poss.	Pts / Game
SF	310.9	5.01	127.8	4.10	183.1	6.50	1.11%	9.76%	17.6	12.4	27.2	84.62%	29.41%	64.29%	40.74%	53.57%	32:02	23.8
SF	26	24	8	19	29	16	1	26	23	5	1	13t	31	2	30	26	4	11

Defensive Rankings

Team	Yds / Game	Yds / Play	Rush Yds / Game	Rush Yds / Play	Pass Yds / Game	Pass Yds / Play	Int. Rate	Sacks / Pass Att.	First Downs / Game	Punt Return Avg	Kickoff Return Avg	3rd Down Pct	4th Down Pct	Red Zone Pct	Goal to Go%	Pts / Game	Point Diff./ Game	Yard Diff./ Game
SF	308.2	5.06	77.3	3.50	230.9	6.38	3.97%	7.25%	16.7	8.1	23.1	35.19%	41.18%	41.18%	52.94%	14.3	9.4	2.7
SF	4	6	1	1	16	9	4	12	2	11	13	11	12t	4	4	2	4	14

Rushing Offense

Left End

Left Tackle

Left Guard

Up the Middle

Right Guard

Right Tackle

Right End

Plays: 84

Plays: 80

Plays: 47

Plays: 96

Plays: 51

Plays: 60

Plays: 58

NFL Rank: 2

NFL Rank: 6

NFL Rank: 15

NFL Rank: 18

NFL Rank: 12

NFL Rank: 9

NFL Rank: 11

Avg Gain: 5.13

Avg Gain: 5.23

Avg Gain: 2.17

Avg Gain: 3.95

Avg Gain: 3.31

Avg Gain: 5.38

Avg Gain: 5.40

NFL Rank: 23

NFL Rank: 7

NFL Rank: 31

NFL Rank: 20

NFL Rank: 23

NFL Rank: 7

NFL Rank: 10

Rushing Defense

Left End

Left Tackle

Left Guard

Up the Middle

Right Guard

Right Tackle

Right End

Plays: 31

Plays: 63

Plays: 27

Plays: 90

Plays: 46

Plays: 47

Plays: 36

NFL Rank: 29

NFL Rank: 11

NFL Rank: 29

NFL Rank: 22

NFL Rank: 17

NFL Rank: 21

NFL Rank: 27

Avg Gain: 4.26

Avg Gain: 3.35

Avg Gain: 3.67

Avg Gain: 3.18

Avg Gain: 3.78

Avg Gain: 4.60

Avg Gain: 3.86

NFL Rank: 4

NFL Rank: 5

NFL Rank: 10

NFL Rank: 3

NFL Rank: 18

NFL Rank: 17

NFL Rank: 7

Passing Offense

Short Left	Short Middle	Short Right	Deep Left	Deep Middle	Deep Right


















































Plays: 144	Plays: 59	Plays: 180	Plays: 24	Plays: 10	Plays: 33
NFL Rank: 18	NFL Rank: 32	NFL Rank: 18	NFL Rank: 30	NFL Rank: 32	NFL Rank: 24
Avg Gain: 6.35	Avg Gain: 8.00	Avg Gain: 5.19	Avg Gain: 15.42	Avg Gain: 16.70	Avg Gain: 9.94
NFL Rank: 12	NFL Rank: 11	NFL Rank: 23	NFL Rank: 3	NFL Rank: 6	NFL Rank: 19
Comp %: 65.28	Comp %: 64.41	Comp %: 62.78	Comp %: 50.00	Comp %: 70.00	Comp %: 36.36
NFL Rank: 18	NFL Rank: 20	NFL Rank: 18	NFL Rank: 3	NFL Rank: 1	NFL Rank: 16

Passing Defense

Short Left	Short Middle	Short Right	Deep Left	Deep Middle	Deep Right


















































Plays: 159	Plays: 98	Plays: 211	Plays: 35	Plays: 31	Plays: 42
NFL Rank: 11	NFL Rank: 19	NFL Rank: 5	NFL Rank: 19	NFL Rank: 8	NFL Rank: 10
Avg Gain: 5.94	Avg Gain: 6.29	Avg Gain: 6.76	Avg Gain: 9.54	Avg Gain: 10.71	Avg Gain: 9.10
NFL Rank: 14	NFL Rank: 5	NFL Rank: 30	NFL Rank: 6	NFL Rank: 6	NFL Rank: 8
Comp %: 59.75	Comp %: 64.29	Comp %: 65.40	Comp %: 34.29	Comp %: 35.48	Comp %: 30.95
NFL Rank: 4	NFL Rank: 12	NFL Rank: 20	NFL Rank: 6	NFL Rank: 3	NFL Rank: 9

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Comments

Is the fake FG counted as a return TD?

Otherwise we only have 2 this year (both in week 1)

"We ask no quarter, we give no quarter" - Jim Harbaugh

by Method24 on Jan 12, 2012 11:05 AM CST reply actions

Few other things I noted

- We can’t let up on the gas pedal in the 4th quarter against the Saints. Last week and week 17 showed how quickly a game can change when you let up on a team.
- David Akers is our secret weapon……look at that passer rating!
- Our receivers behind Crabs (Williams and Ginn) are really going to need to step up this week.

"We ask no quarter, we give no quarter" - Jim Harbaugh

by Method24 on Jan 12, 2012 11:10 AM CST up reply actions

Nope, the 3rd return TD is the pick six by Carlos Rodgers against the Bucs

by sirhcrocks on Jan 12, 2012 1:24 PM CST up reply actions

Kind of an abberation.

That for, what, almost 40 takeaways, only one pick-6.

Our D needs to work on this whole YAC thing.

by Mindless on Jan 12, 2012 1:29 PM CST up reply actions

Not if they do it Nate Clements/Dre Bly style…

Attack this day with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind. ~ Jack Harbaugh

by Virginia9er on Jan 12, 2012 1:31 PM CST up reply actions

y'all noticed, our illustrious leader didn't post the saints' stats..

so not to embarrass you, i suppose..
& method, my friend, if you don’t come out swinging and stay full throttle we will route you.. no superpunter is gonna save you, now..

by the 9th plague on Jan 12, 2012 5:58 PM CST up reply actions

Ooo.. numbers.. I like numbers.

by Mindless on Jan 12, 2012 1:02 PM CST reply actions

I'm noticing that a lot of you folks from Niners Nation are very stat-oriented.

You are all very cerebral about your team.

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by Dave Cariello on Jan 12, 2012 2:46 PM CST up reply actions

Not that there is anything wrong with that

"So I'll leave you with this. And I say this with all sincerity, right from the bottom of my heart, and with all due respect: Lick my balls." Grandmaster Wang

by DrWhoDat on Jan 12, 2012 2:49 PM CST up reply actions

It is the interpretation or arbitrary dismissal of certain stats that is wrong

There are a lot of rose-tinted glasses out there in SF.

by BlackandGold4ever on Jan 12, 2012 2:50 PM CST up reply actions

Our Black-and-Gold-tinted glasses are fun, too...

they block out half of stuff and all the rest has the Midas touch!

by sammasaaron on Jan 12, 2012 2:52 PM CST up reply actions

“tinted”?

A few of them (not all) are opaque.

It’s not the size of your TOP, it’s how you use it!

by Dan Kelly on Jan 12, 2012 9:00 PM CST up reply actions

Sorry, was that tinted?

or tainted?

This isn't about rules, it's about manners. Now there's no rule that says that I cant come over here and fart on your entree. But I don't do it. Why? Because it's not good manners.

by Doc Boudin on Jan 12, 2012 9:07 PM CST up reply actions

No absolutely

Not meant to be an insult whatsoever. It’s just different than what I notice with Saints fans. They seem to be more emotional in their thinking.

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by Dave Cariello on Jan 12, 2012 3:37 PM CST up reply actions

They seem to be more emotional

/Sobs hysterically

I like Hamburgers!
Uh oh...better put an Asterisk on it.

by Grumps on Jan 12, 2012 3:51 PM CST up reply actions

Who you calling emotional

Drew Brees....MVS Most Valuable Saint! Who Dat!!!

by cajuncommando58 on Jan 13, 2012 9:29 AM CST up reply actions

When you are terrible for a whole decade, you find anyway to squeeze some positives out. Even if it is the most obscure, possibly obtuse, stat ever created.

Attack this day with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind. ~ Jack Harbaugh

by Virginia9er on Jan 12, 2012 2:55 PM CST up reply actions

And when you are terrible for 4 decades…oh never mind….

"Move over Marino, there's a new Brees coming through town!"-Jim Henderson

by BRSaintsFan on Jan 12, 2012 3:27 PM CST up reply actions

if I am reading this right

we need to run right and throw short right. That’ll work for us. Boy, I hope we win. I would hate to see a team like this, with such bad offensive stats, go to the next round.

"We've established the run; we've established the pass. Now all we have to establish is another championship!"
"Some say the glass is half empty;
Some say the glass is half full.
I say- 'are you going to finish that beer'?"

by Philinwood on Jan 12, 2012 1:07 PM CST reply actions

What is bad about our stats?

13-3 seems like a very good offensive stat. Lowest number of giveaways in the league (to go with the largest number of takeaways) is a good offensive stat. Third lowest number of interceptions per pass attempt all time is a very good offensive stat.

Top 10 passing rating in the league is a good offensive stat.

running back in the league by yardage is a good offensive stat.

Or did you pick Alex Smith in your fantasy football league?

by Mindless on Jan 12, 2012 1:17 PM CST up reply actions

It does not like the hash sign.

That was N. 6 (six) running back.

by Mindless on Jan 12, 2012 1:17 PM CST up reply actions

see ranks below

by Philinwood on Jan 12, 2012 1:38 PM CST up reply actions

All fantasy stats. All do not win games by themselves.

Fantasy football ruined fans expectations.

by Mindless on Jan 12, 2012 1:56 PM CST up reply actions

Ranks are not fantasy stats. Surely you understand that fantasy stats actually have yards and points attached to them…then again, maybe you don’t…reminds me of this .

by BlackandGold4ever on Jan 12, 2012 2:36 PM CST up reply actions

Really?

Ranks are NOT stats. Who could have thought that.

Here is a hint for you: ranks are computed as a function of stats. They are as good as the underlying stat. Think it over.

by Mindless on Jan 12, 2012 2:43 PM CST up reply actions

Ranks are just what they say they are: ranks. They show how a team performs compared to other teams in certain areas. Basically, only six other teams move the ball less yards in every game than y’all do. Only six teams get sacked more on average than y’all do. Only one team converts on third down less than y’all do. Yeah, those are just fantasy stats…empty numbers…

by BlackandGold4ever on Jan 12, 2012 2:48 PM CST up reply actions

Yes. You are saying the exact same thing I just said.

But somehow interpret it like you are arguing my point about the relevance of those stats.

Ranks based on particular statistic is as good as that statistic.

by Mindless on Jan 12, 2012 3:04 PM CST up reply actions

Ah, but how do you rank?

Other then simple win-loss, rankings are subjective based on selected measures.

Some say the Niners D isn’t that great (based on yards allowed), others will say it is one of, if not the best D today (based on points allowed). Who is right?

Others like to compare Wins-Losses against the specific matchups to somehow quantify those even further.

This can all be fun, provide insight, and maybe glean some useful pieces of information but it isn’t really predictive. Who predicted KC would beat GB? Just goes to show…

by ColoradoNiner on Jan 12, 2012 3:10 PM CST up reply actions

Yes, they are computed on stats, but a ranking can easily obscure what is important.

Example. 32 teams have Rushing Yards/Game ranging from 110 to 120. The team with 120 is only 10 yards better (or 160-yards during the course of a year) than the worst. How important is that difference? A single busted play in one game could drop a team from 6th to 26th.

by Ship on Jan 12, 2012 4:22 PM CST up reply actions

Am I in the right place here, or is this a 49ers page?

by tommy v on Jan 12, 2012 1:57 PM CST up reply actions

Seventeen hamsters on meth.

Are everywhere.

by Mindless on Jan 12, 2012 1:57 PM CST up reply actions

umm

I think we only allowed 2 TD runs…

And when we win, we want to dominate. We want to take guys out. We want to hurt guys. We want to win. We just want to dominate, hit them in the mouth. - Rathman
Follow @manraj76

by manraj7 on Jan 12, 2012 1:13 PM CST reply actions

Three.

One to Lynch (Damn blocked punt), one to Rams QB, and one on that 1 yard play after the PI call.

by Mindless on Jan 12, 2012 1:19 PM CST up reply actions

NFL ranks

off ypg 26th
yds per play 24th
rushing yards per play 19 th

pass yds per game 29th
pass yds /play 16th

sacks per pass play 26th
firt downs per game 23th
3rd down % 31th

goal to go 26th

dem bad

by Philinwood on Jan 12, 2012 1:37 PM CST reply actions

No one has stated we have an explosive offense.

But because it is a team game (defense and sp teams have put the offense is good positions), all of this has still led to 23.8 ppg good for 11th in the league.

Certainly not as bad as those numbers would suggest upon first glance.

Attack this day with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind. ~ Jack Harbaugh

by Virginia9er on Jan 12, 2012 1:57 PM CST up reply actions

I'm statisticly confused!

The Dave posted this?
I
Touchdowns

35

23

Rushing

14

3

Passing

18

20

Returns

3

0
I’m having a hard time determening what the first column box is trying to convey.

Some people are born to fame; others achieve it, while celebrity is thrust upon a few. "T'is a consummation devoutly to be wished for" Col. Joe Rickey

"The team with P.O.M.P. wins the game 100% of the time!"Retired Oil Field Trash Tac Hammer

by Tac Hammer on Jan 12, 2012 1:57 PM CST reply actions

pretty sure the first column is SF and the second is their opponents on the year. Looks like the header was cut off from the first table.

by sammasaaron on Jan 12, 2012 2:00 PM CST up reply actions

That's correct.

My bad. Fixed it!

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by Dave Cariello on Jan 12, 2012 2:49 PM CST up reply actions

1st column 49ers, second column opponents.

by tommy v on Jan 12, 2012 2:02 PM CST up reply actions

sorry sammasaaron, you just beat me to the correct answer.

by tommy v on Jan 12, 2012 2:04 PM CST up reply actions

Rushing statistics

I was taking a look-see over at Football Outsiders at their rushing offense and defense DVOA for giggles. By DVOA (adjusted for opponents), the Saints have the 2nd rushing attack while the 49ers have the 1st rushing defense.

In all, the 9ers have played 3 teams in the top ten rushing: Baltimore, Philly and Pittsburgh. Interestingly, in the loss to Baltimore the run defense was most efficient, limiting the Ravens to around 2 ypc. In the wins over Philly and Pitt they allowed around 4.5 ypc, though still a low total yardage for each game (less than 100 or so).

By contrast, the Saints played 5 teams in the top-10 of rushing defense: Chicago, Jacksonville, Atlanta, Houston and Minnesota. Three of those (Chi, Atl, Jac) were 2nd, 3rd and 5th, respectively. In those games, we averaged between 4-5 ypc, except for the two ATL games: in the first we were held to 2 ypc, but in the second jumped up to 7 ypc. Chicago is closest in efficiency to SF, but Jax most closely resembles the defensive situation (good run defense, outside on grass).

Mainly I just confirmed my suspicion that the Saints can and have run on good run defenses. However, based on SF’s games, it might not necessarily be in our best interest to force the issue. The more you learn, the less you know, I guess.

by sammasaaron on Jan 12, 2012 1:58 PM CST reply actions

I know the 49ers are playing up the "underdog" angle,

But to watch ESPN and to read other media outlets on the internet, you’d think the Saints shouldn’t bother getting on the plan to San Francisco. It’s just mind-boggling. I’m not saying the Saints will win, but enough of this nonsense about how the Saints can’t win. But anyone who thinks that the 49ers are somehow being disrespected because of the line in Vegas (which is not a prediction of the outcome, but a means of getting people to wager on the game) is fooling himself.

by Nabb1 on Jan 12, 2012 2:01 PM CST reply actions 4 recs

Dunno what you're watchin' there but everything both on ESPN and NFLN has been picking Saints for the most part.

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by Drew Kerr on Jan 13, 2012 8:28 PM CST up reply actions

Well it's now official

The Saints have been picked against by the Florio-turd. http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/01/12/pfts-division-round-picks/

Guess that means about as close to a guarantee of victory as we’re gonna see.

by FriarBob on Jan 12, 2012 2:09 PM CST reply actions

I agree

Skip Bayless picked us, Deion Sanders said he liked Alex Smith. Things are really not looking good for us.

Attack this day with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind. ~ Jack Harbaugh

by Virginia9er on Jan 12, 2012 2:11 PM CST up reply actions

Yeah, now you've really got it bad...

If you win, it means Skip Bayless was right about something. Pretty sure that’s a sign of the apocalypse.

by sammasaaron on Jan 12, 2012 2:13 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs

Skip Bayless picked the Saints???

Must be reverse psychology, because yesterday he was picking the 49ers, and gloating about how the Saints were nothing more than a “dome team” and “the greatest show on turf”.

by Anthony_JK on Jan 12, 2012 3:28 PM CST up reply actions

No, no...

He picked the 9ers, not the Saints.

by sammasaaron on Jan 12, 2012 3:30 PM CST up reply actions

And there was much rejoicing.

Bayless is a bumdart.

I like Hamburgers!
Uh oh...better put an Asterisk on it.

by Grumps on Jan 12, 2012 3:52 PM CST up reply actions

I concur.

He makes Stephen A. Smith look knowledgeable.

by sammasaaron on Jan 12, 2012 3:56 PM CST up reply actions

True story...

I was standing directly in front of Stephen A. Smith in the Saints locker room after they won the Super Bowl. He didn’t really look very interested in what was going on.

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by Dave Cariello on Jan 12, 2012 4:22 PM CST up reply actions

Doubtful it was a Saints thing....

You have to remember…every sport in the eyes of Stephen A. Smith that isn’t basketball…is a waste of time. He humors it only because basketball isn’t year round.

-Lombardi was wrong...it's the internet, not fatigue that makes cowards of us all. But then again, what do you expect. Not like the guy could see the future.

by jeff.l.b on Jan 12, 2012 4:28 PM CST up reply actions

I thought it was weird that he was even there.

Was he covering the Super Bowl for a network?

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by Dave Cariello on Jan 12, 2012 11:38 PM CST up reply actions

He hasd his own radio show and since it is the Super Bowl, he had to go for credibility.

by BlackandGold4ever on Jan 13, 2012 8:32 AM CST up reply actions

Wow...just, wow.

I assume ESPN’s First Take must be their program for sportscasters who can’t read good and want to learn to do other stuff good too.

by sammasaaron on Jan 12, 2012 4:28 PM CST up reply actions

For the good of humanity...

If you win, it means Skip Bayless was right about something. Pretty sure that’s a sign of the apocalypse.

…can we get you guys to just forfeit this one? I don’t like the sound of the apocalypse, but I really hate the idea that Skip Bayless could be right about something.

This isn't about rules, it's about manners. Now there's no rule that says that I cant come over here and fart on your entree. But I don't do it. Why? Because it's not good manners.

by Doc Boudin on Jan 12, 2012 6:13 PM CST up reply actions

Oh well

Peter King picked them… that’s like the all-time jinx haha

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by Drew Kerr on Jan 13, 2012 8:29 PM CST up reply actions

I already knew that.

Florio subbed for Dan Patrick earlier this week and he’s been talking about it all week. Same BS “blah, blah, Saints stink outdoors, disrespected 49ers, blah, blah, blah.” I dunno, maybe the Saints lack of production had more to do with facing 4-3 defenses employing some cover-2 schemes than the fact they were outdoors, but I’m not a professional pigskin prognosticator. I’m just some jackass with a law degree. Hey, wait a second…

by Nabb1 on Jan 12, 2012 2:13 PM CST up reply actions

Everyone on Inside the NFL picked the Niners too.

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by Dave Cariello on Jan 12, 2012 2:49 PM CST up reply actions

Surprise, surprise

I bet they’d like to just erase all game tape from the 2009 postseason and pretend that never happened. Haters gonna hate

by BlackandGold4ever on Jan 12, 2012 2:51 PM CST up reply actions

SPOILER ALERT!

I hadn’t watched the latest episode yet.

It’s not the size of your TOP, it’s how you use it!

by Dan Kelly on Jan 12, 2012 9:04 PM CST up reply actions

look for coach Jim Harbaugh to find a way to use that sign of disrespect to whip his team into a frenzy

That’s a great way to lose to the Saints

by singleblow on Jan 12, 2012 3:06 PM CST up reply actions

What's up with the Saints can't play outdoors and in the grass?

You know these players on the Saints have played peewee, jr high, high school, and college football on grass outdoors. It’s not like they played every game growing up playing inside on turf. Many of them have also played in freezing weather also. What’s up?

by tommy v on Jan 12, 2012 2:12 PM CST reply actions

B-B-BUT THEY LOST AT SEATTLE LAST YEAR!!! AND AT TAMPA THIS YEAR!!!! AND THEY SCORED ONLY 23 AT TENNESSEE EVEN THOUGH THEY WON!!!!

God, I mean, forget indoors or outdoors – how many games have the Saints won when they gave up four turnovers to the other team and ended the day at minus-4?

by Nabb1 on Jan 12, 2012 2:16 PM CST up reply actions

But that is true.

by Mindless on Jan 12, 2012 2:23 PM CST up reply actions

So is the fact that we scored 34 outdoors on grass against the Super Bowl Champions on the day they unfurled their banner and wound up half a yard short of scoring 40. Yet somehow….I guess that just gets ignored.

But hey…it’s all true! You guys win. We obviously can’t compete with you guys…we give up. You’re right, we’re wrong.

-Lombardi was wrong...it's the internet, not fatigue that makes cowards of us all. But then again, what do you expect. Not like the guy could see the future.

by jeff.l.b on Jan 12, 2012 2:28 PM CST up reply actions

Yep, it is all true.

by Mindless on Jan 12, 2012 2:44 PM CST up reply actions

Yes indeed, it is all true

But the question is what does that mean? Does it mean the Saints will lose to the Niners? Of course not as I’m sure you know. Just like ‘Frisco having the top ranked defense doesn’t mean they will be able to stop the Saints and win. Each side is just wasting oxygen trying to convince the other side that their way of thinking is correct. Let’s just play the game!

"Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first.." - Mark Twain

by SaintsFanMD on Jan 13, 2012 9:13 AM CST up reply actions

What does it mean?

It means it is true, what else could it mean? Its a number.

by Mindless on Jan 13, 2012 12:56 PM CST up reply actions

We are counting on you Jeff

Don’t change your mojo now.

Drew Brees....MVS Most Valuable Saint! Who Dat!!!

by cajuncommando58 on Jan 13, 2012 9:43 AM CST up reply actions

The Seattle game has virtually nothing to do with this year’s team, and the offense moved the ball at will at that game anyway, so it doesn’t support the theory that Brees and the offense are lesser on the road and outdoors.. I don’t see it being a factor, except maybe a motivating factor in favor of the Saints this year. And as for the Tampa loss, that was a fired up division rival that at the time was playing some good football. I don’t think the Saints could win at home turning the ball over four times to zero (See, e.g. Cleveland last year, in the Dome). So, I think the outdoor conditions were less of a factor. Arguably the worst team performance of the year came in St. Louis, which is indoors. In order to attribute the poor performance in Tampa and St. Louis to being on the road, you also have to overlook the fact that Zach Strief was out and the O-line has played better since his return. So while being outdoors and on the road may be factors, I do not consider them decisive ones.

by Nabb1 on Jan 12, 2012 2:47 PM CST up reply actions

The Seattle game has virtually nothing to do with this year’s team

Expect it is largely the same team, with the same quarterback, same coach and under a similar circumstances playing a team with similar strengths and weaknesses.

Otherwise, nothing in common, indeed.

by Mindless on Jan 12, 2012 3:02 PM CST up reply actions

How does the Saints’ loss in Seattle last year demonstrate that the Saints’ offense is less effective on the road and outdoors? If anything, the defense played awful in Seattle, not the offense.

by Nabb1 on Jan 12, 2012 3:05 PM CST up reply actions

It does not.

I am just pointing out the common factors.

And I sure hope that your defense plays awful in Candlestick.

by Mindless on Jan 12, 2012 3:08 PM CST up reply actions

I’ll say this much, if the Saints replicate the offensive output the had in Seattle last year this Saturday, then the only explanation for a loss would be another dud by the defense.

by Nabb1 on Jan 12, 2012 3:10 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs

Funny how you always bring up last year and that it applies to the Saints...yet anytime anyone brings up a previous year for the 9ers you guys ignore it flat out. Oh yea...I forgot...such things only apply to the opponent.

-Lombardi was wrong...it's the internet, not fatigue that makes cowards of us all. But then again, what do you expect. Not like the guy could see the future.

by jeff.l.b on Jan 12, 2012 3:21 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs

Rest assured.

Nobody is ignoring what have happened to the Niners last year.

by Mindless on Jan 12, 2012 3:26 PM CST up reply actions

Really?

You should go read the other post then. There’s over a half dozen comments about you guys declaring last year doesn’t matter…different coach so it flat out doesn’t apply.

-Lombardi was wrong...it's the internet, not fatigue that makes cowards of us all. But then again, what do you expect. Not like the guy could see the future.

by jeff.l.b on Jan 12, 2012 3:27 PM CST up reply actions

Sure.

We all speak as one.

by Mindless on Jan 12, 2012 3:28 PM CST up reply actions

You said nobody...that is an absolute after all.

-Lombardi was wrong...it's the internet, not fatigue that makes cowards of us all. But then again, what do you expect. Not like the guy could see the future.

by jeff.l.b on Jan 12, 2012 3:36 PM CST up reply actions

Wow, I’m actually going to REC a comment by jeff. This may be a first all time.

by FriarBob on Jan 12, 2012 5:25 PM CST up reply actions

This is just inaccurate

Our O-line was totally different. Goodwin is now starting for you guys, who was replaced by Kreutz, who was replaced by De La Puente. We also had a different starting right tackle, and our current one, Strief, was back up.

Ivory and Thomas were both injured. We did not have Sproles. Jeremey Shockey, not Jimmy Graham, was the starting TE.

On the defensive line alone, we added Aubrayo Franklin and Sean Rogers.

If you want to say this team plays the same way as last year’s, make your argument, but this is a far cry from the team we fielded in Seattle last year.

by sammasaaron on Jan 12, 2012 3:13 PM CST up reply actions

Details, details.

It is all about the quarterback and the coach, right? At least that’s what ESPN keeps telling me.

by Mindless on Jan 12, 2012 3:17 PM CST up reply actions

Much more likely than being all about grass and the west coast…which is what 9er fans keep telling us.

-Lombardi was wrong...it's the internet, not fatigue that makes cowards of us all. But then again, what do you expect. Not like the guy could see the future.

by jeff.l.b on Jan 12, 2012 3:22 PM CST up reply actions

Well, if that’s the case, I like our chances.

by sammasaaron on Jan 12, 2012 3:24 PM CST up reply actions

I like your chances as well.

+3 is a reasonable line.

by Mindless on Jan 12, 2012 3:27 PM CST up reply actions

Coin flip. nods

-Lombardi was wrong...it's the internet, not fatigue that makes cowards of us all. But then again, what do you expect. Not like the guy could see the future.

by jeff.l.b on Jan 12, 2012 3:28 PM CST up reply actions

OH NO!

We have a bad history with coin flips this year…

by sammasaaron on Jan 12, 2012 3:32 PM CST up reply actions

Yeah, because Jim Harbaugh is so much better than Sean Payton.

I mean, look how many playoff games Harbaugh has coached and won??

Oh, wait…

by Anthony_JK on Jan 12, 2012 3:41 PM CST up reply actions

13-3 is pretty good for a rookie

"So I'll leave you with this. And I say this with all sincerity, right from the bottom of my heart, and with all due respect: Lick my balls." Grandmaster Wang

by DrWhoDat on Jan 12, 2012 9:18 PM CST up reply actions

Well, he's no Mike Singletary,

but I guess he’s all right.

This isn't about rules, it's about manners. Now there's no rule that says that I cant come over here and fart on your entree. But I don't do it. Why? Because it's not good manners.

by Doc Boudin on Jan 12, 2012 9:20 PM CST up reply actions

Yeah, right.

Let’s see here:

Last year, the Saints team was relying on Drew Brees that threw more INT’s, a running game made up of Reggie Bush and street scrubs, and a defense with a known history of giving up yards to good running backs and forgetting about the fundamentals of tackling. And yet, that team still managed to score 31 points while losing. Their fatal flaw was that the D got ripped too early and too often.

This year, the Saints have probably the best depth at running back in the NFL, the all-time all purpose yardage leader in Darren Sproles, two punishing backs in Pierre Thomas and Chris Ivory, an underestimated blocking back in Jed Collins, three Pro-Bowl calibre offensive linemen (and the other two linemen which have come out of nowhere, and one of the two best tight ends in all of football in Jimmy Graham. Oh, and just the all-time record setting pass offense in the NFL. Oh…and did I also mention that the Saints WR’s are also effective run blockers, too??

Keep trolling if you wish, Mindless, that your team will simply wave a magic wand and wish all this away, but the facts remain the facts. This is NOT the same Saints team that lost to Seattle last year…not even close.

by Anthony_JK on Jan 12, 2012 3:37 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs

Oh and we were one bobbled catch away from a 21-0 lead that would have almost certainly have taken all the fight out of them… or at least given us a MUCH better chance to pull off the “miracle comeback” later if everything else still went exactly the same…

by FriarBob on Jan 12, 2012 5:27 PM CST up reply actions

Oh snap, of course it's the same team, except:

New starting center (wonder where the old one went?)
New starting right tackle
2 new starting running backs
New rookie starting left DE
2 new FA tackles
Safety (Jenkins) playing
New PK
Reality is somewhere between “virtually nothing” and “largely the same team”

by Ship on Jan 12, 2012 4:37 PM CST up reply actions

yeah they bring up last year and forget to mention we were on our 7th RB of the season

and other players were out too- I thinbk Graham. Sharper was limping, No FB.

by Philinwood on Jan 12, 2012 5:36 PM CST up reply actions

Let’s see…did you bother to look at the injury report for that game? Or are you just mindlessly throwing that out there? Maybe your choice of screen name is appropriate.

by BlackandGold4ever on Jan 13, 2012 8:33 AM CST up reply actions

There is a good quote from the recent interview with our defensive coordinator.

Who happened to be the Saints linebacker coach for close to a decade. Dome Patrol unit…

He was talking about how they went to Buffalo and won in a blizzard.

I am looking from my window (towards the site of the new 49rs stadium), and there is no frigging blizzard. 60s and sunny.

Can’t they frigging make at e least some rain..

by Mindless on Jan 12, 2012 2:22 PM CST up reply actions

I guess the 49ers can't play well on turf and indoors.

by tommy v on Jan 12, 2012 2:14 PM CST reply actions

I think Seattle has a wilder and louder bunch of fans cheering for them also, more than the 49'ers can shout out.

by tommy v on Jan 12, 2012 2:18 PM CST reply actions

Candlestick ain't Seattle.

All the noise is blown out by the wind.

by Mindless on Jan 12, 2012 2:23 PM CST up reply actions

I love how 49ers fans bring up last year- but it really wouldn't be fair, would it, if we brought up

THE LAST DECADE?

by Philinwood on Jan 12, 2012 5:34 PM CST reply actions

You are treading on dangerous ground…if we keep going further back in history.

None of it is relevant though.

Attack this day with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind. ~ Jack Harbaugh

by Virginia9er on Jan 12, 2012 6:25 PM CST up reply actions

Drew brees

I was just reading on Niners nation and one of are own from canal street made a comment about brees. It was saying that brees was no rodgers come on man where did you come up with that have you not looked at the numbers get it right rodgers is not even close to being drew brees. Tom Brady is a close 2nd and it can be argued that he is the best but not Aron rodgers

by Whodat28 on Jan 12, 2012 5:52 PM CST via Android app reply actions

Prediction

Saints 31 to 49ers 17 drew will throw over 350 yards against the unstopable defense there saying. My thoughts is they haven’t had to play a offense like the saints who dat

by Whodat28 on Jan 12, 2012 5:58 PM CST via Android app reply actions

I'm sorry, even though I'm a stats guy...it just doesn't make sense.

I don’t care how good a team’s defense might be, there’s just no way a team that only converts 29.4% of their 3rd downs should be 13-3. Gotta be “smoke and mirrors” somewhere. Its just not right.

by RobertM320 on Jan 12, 2012 8:13 PM CST reply actions

did not see it disclosed in dave's study..

but i bet their average starting field position was up there.. it would make sense with the 28+ turnovers but very few defensive touchdowns..
with a lot less number of lengthy drives your 3rd down percentage will go down.. they are also, very suspect in the red zone which would reassure the poor 3rd down conversion even more..

by the 9th plague on Jan 12, 2012 8:51 PM CST up reply actions

Turnovers are king!

It’s not the size of your TOP, it’s how you use it!

by Dan Kelly on Jan 12, 2012 9:08 PM CST up reply actions

If the Niners' rush D has a weakness

It appears to be on the right side of the defensive line, which matches up with the strength of the Saints’ ground game (runs behind Nicks and Bushrod). We should see some good power runs from Thomas and Ivory, at least enough to keep the 49er safeties honest, opening up favourable opportunities deep on play-action rollouts (I’m hoping to see at least 1 Meachem/Henderson bomb TD).

by Dr.J on Jan 13, 2012 3:40 PM CST reply actions