We are now entering another difficult part of the schedule, and it's time to show the league that we are a legit contender once again. This Sunday is a game I am anxiously looking forward to. The 49ers have been one of the elite teams in this league since we've gone on our run. I see us winning this game to go 5 and 1, and be #1 on all power rankings. Here's a summary of my analysis:
We win because of home field and injuries to San Fran....and more. The 49ers look to be minus one of the best LBs in football - Patrick Willis, and without him, Bowman and Aldon Smith, they are not the same team. They've managed to play good D to date, 2nd in the league in total D, including 2nd in the passing game, AND 5th in run D. Those are pretty amazing stats given the loss of Bowman and Smith alone.
And this team has running capabilities (7th in the league), to complement a very mobile and quite accurate QB. Kaepernik has a 97% passer rating, which isn't too shabby.
But we have excellent stats and balance. And we will contain their run game (we're 4th in that category). Knighton and the boys are stuffers. The issue will be containing Kaepernik. That will be our focus, along with minimizing Gore and company. I trust our Dbacks, and I believe the tandem of Miller and Ware will keep Colin in some check.
We do need to continue to prove we can run. I am not enamoured with our rushing game, but we saw some hope this past week. If we get an average amount of rushing yards, we will be in great shape. Again, Willis is unlikely to play. Justin Smith is the guy we need to handle on D.
St. Lou outplayed San Fran for the first half, and sort of lost it once Jenkins blew his assignment on Lloyd with little time on the clock. And the once heralded Rams' D is getting nothing done this season. Without Long, no pass rush. And yet, with less than 1/2 minute to go in the half, they looked the better team.
WE ARE THE BETTER TEAM.
Broncos will win this one, by 7 (or more).
We win because of home field and injuries to San Fran....and more. The 49ers look to be minus one of the best LBs in football - Patrick Willis, and without him, Bowman and Aldon Smith, they are not the same team. They've managed to play good D to date, 2nd in the league in total D, including 2nd in the passing game, AND 5th in run D. Those are pretty amazing stats given the loss of Bowman and Smith alone.
And this team has running capabilities (7th in the league), to complement a very mobile and quite accurate QB. Kaepernik has a 97% passer rating, which isn't too shabby.
But we have excellent stats and balance. And we will contain their run game (we're 4th in that category). Knighton and the boys are stuffers. The issue will be containing Kaepernik. That will be our focus, along with minimizing Gore and company. I trust our Dbacks, and I believe the tandem of Miller and Ware will keep Colin in some check.
We do need to continue to prove we can run. I am not enamoured with our rushing game, but we saw some hope this past week. If we get an average amount of rushing yards, we will be in great shape. Again, Willis is unlikely to play. Justin Smith is the guy we need to handle on D.
St. Lou outplayed San Fran for the first half, and sort of lost it once Jenkins blew his assignment on Lloyd with little time on the clock. And the once heralded Rams' D is getting nothing done this season. Without Long, no pass rush. And yet, with less than 1/2 minute to go in the half, they looked the better team.
WE ARE THE BETTER TEAM.
Broncos will win this one, by 7 (or more).
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