49ers Another Ugly Win

The 49ers what can I say. This whole rebuilding mess that we have been in for years was because York didn't like Coach Mariucci's conservative playing style. If I recall the biggest problem was that everyone knew if it was 3rd down he would run the ball. Being predictable is probably the worst thing that could happen to a team in the NFL.

Today's game was taking it to yet another extreme. Let's just run the ball every single play! Don't get me wrong, I love Frank Gore and our heart goes out to his mother who passed away last Wednesday. Yes last year he carried us but this year defenses are ready for him so mix it up! I understand that running the ball is part of a routine that has to be done. I understand that he had 1 break for a 40+ yard touchdown run. I get all of that. But why do we have all these weapons such as Vernon Davis, Arnaz Battle, Darrell Jackson if we don't use them at all? Receivers don't have to go for the long bomb plays always, whatever happened to the 49ers West Coast offense? Did the Rams defense play that well? Get Vernon Davis the ball and let his arrogance get some yards after the catch. So far that number pick last year isn't doing anything for me. Darrell Jackson is probably being doubled and Battle almost had a nice long catch, but boys it's time to step it up. This revamped offense should not just be content "managing the game" we have been waiting to see teams fear our scoring ability. Coaching staff get this team to that level please!

Perhaps the most disappointing was in the 4th quarter when the Rams loss the ball on 4th down and we did not go for at least some short passes to get us in field goal range. We were only up 17 - 16 and the Niners got stuffed on back to back runs and end up punting the ball giving the Rams 2 minutes on the clock? Yes, we are worried about turnovers but come on! The message sent here is that we don't trust our offense to win this game, just let the defense win it for us.

On the defense I must say that I am thoroughly impressed and this was a surprise from pre-season until now. For once we have good corners in Walt Harris, Nate Clements I mean these guys are good players and great pickups. Rookie Patrick Willis is looking like a pro at the linebacker position freeing up Jeff Ulbrich to stop the run and rush the passer. The highlight for me today was that Bryant Young has still got it. After 13 seasons and the last hold out from the glory days of Joe Montana with 2 sacks and 2 steel rods in his leg the man has still got it!

On the final possession the 49ers had a big scare. Bulger went to the air and with no timeouts hit his receivers multiple times on the outside lines and they got out of bounds. Bottom line after the Rams just barely missed a 56 yard field goal and it really should not have come to that. We should have been able to get a first down at the 2 minute marker and run out the clock with control in our hands. Our defense came through today and lady luck was on our side. In the weeks to come the Niners best find some offense or else it is going to be a long season.

A win is a win and go Niners 2 - 0 undefeated in the division!

Photo courtesy of http://www.fannation.com/

Also post on the Morning Buzz from the Mercury News http://www.mercextra.com/blogs/buzz/2007/09/16/49ers-win-lets-discuss/#comments