49ers -6.5 at Cardinals (ov/un 37.5) Monday

[NFBuck]

Which is the only way they'll lose in the playoffs IMO. You have to get them behind, which is no easy task with that defense. You need to pressure Smith like the Giants always manage to do and make him force throws.

I'd tend to agree with you. But, if Smith gets a rhythm going, like the first couple weeks, or tonight...they're capable. Problem is, you're never quite sure what you're getting with Alex Smith. Holy Christ, could you imagine this team had they landed Peyton Manning?

 

[3074326]

Which is the only way they'll lose in the playoffs IMO. You have to get them behind, which is no easy task with that defense. You need to pressure Smith like the Giants always manage to do and make him force throws.

If you let them establish the run and grind it out, you're in trouble.

The Giants won last year because of fucking Kyle Williams. Niners had that game. Rarely do I place the blame on one player, but I am this time. Still a little pissed off about it. Pretty convinced SF would be champions if it weren't for that.

This year Smith was just shitty. Those two teams are as even as it gets when they're both on. The Giants shouldn't be able to get them down enough for the Niners to get too far off their gameplan if the Niners are playing well.

/excuses and or denial

 

[Poe McKnoe]

Which is the only way they'll lose in the playoffs IMO. You have to get them behind, which is no easy task with that defense. You need to pressure Smith like the Giants always manage to do and make him force throws.

If you let them establish the run and grind it out, you're in trouble.

Which is amazing considering:
1) Crabtree
2) Moss
3) Manningham
4) Ginn
5) Vernon Davis

 

[3074326]

Which is amazing considering:
1) Crabtree
2) Moss
3) Manningham
4) Ginn
5) Vernon Davis

Not considering Alex Smith, though. Harbaugh has done a good job of preventing Alex Smith from being Alex Smith. Smith still relies on check-downs far too often, and doesn't know when or how to make a risky pass. He has flashes, but he's never going to be an aggressive enough QB to get all those guys the ball. I really wish Peyton Manning would have come to SF....

 

[Tanner]

I wish Peyton had come to SF too, although one thing to remember is Alex Smith is limited as a passer but he's also limited in terms of what they are paying him.

Not sure exactly what would have been different but if they were paying Peyton more than twice what they are paying Smith, the rest of the roster doesn't look the same

 

[buckeyebri]

7 yds rushing...the Cards certainly miss Beanie....