Nov 29, 2011
The Swansonator strikes again.
seen from Italy
seen from Germany
seen from United Kingdom
seen from Türkiye
seen from Uzbekistan
seen from United States
seen from Germany
seen from United States
seen from Netherlands
seen from United States
seen from Ireland
seen from Russia
seen from Philippines
seen from United States
seen from Japan
seen from Poland
seen from United States
seen from Russia
seen from China
seen from Malaysia
The Swansonator strikes again.
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers: Opening Day Keys
Can you believe it? Football is finally here. Yes, I know that the NFL "officially" opened the 2011 season on Thursday night with an incredible contest between the New Orleans Saints and the defending Super Bowl Champion, Green Bay Packers. But as 49ers Faithfuls, our season opens tomorrow at precisely 1:15PM.
Much news will be made of the, ah-hem, Harbaugh-Carroll Rivalry but this game is more than a prideful showing up between two former PAC-10 head coaches. This is about a new beginning, a chance to give the 49ers a preview of what could be. If the 49ers defeat the Seahawks, it shows that no matter how truly mediocre and "new" this team is, they have a chance because they defeated the defending NFC West Champions. 7-9 is 7-9 but a division title is a division title. A win would give this team some confidence, some swagger and without further ado, I present to you my keys to the game.
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Key One: Offensive Line.
It's no surprise that offensive-line play is key number one for the 49ers' road to victory. After performing horrifically in the preseason, this unit will have to demonstrate its ability to gel and communicate effectively in the trenches. Joe Staley should preform fine in protecting Alex Smith's blindside but the other tackle, Anthony Davis is the one 49ers fans should be worrying about. He will see a huge dosage of Chris Clemons and must display his "athleticism" to buy Smith time in the pocket. The interior linemen will also be tested as their strength resides with run-blocking and not pass blocking. Center Jonathon Goodwin will likely make his first start in a 49ers uniform and must show good communication skills with his line mates. Alan Branch and Brandon Mebane are big strong defensive tackles so Iupati, Goodwin and Rachal must work together to efficiently diffuse bull rushes and stunts to Smith time AND create holes for Frank Gore to run through.
Ranking the offensive-line performances from worst to best in the preseason, I would rank the games as such: Houston Texans, New Orleans Saints, Oakland Raiders, San Diego Chargers. The Chargers are the only team in that group to run a 3-4 defense (by our latest DC, Greg Manusky). The three remaining teams run a 4-3 defense and the 49ers just were not capable of handling their duties (well, they were decent against the Raiders but then again, it's the Raiders). Guess what type of defense Gus Bradley runs for Seattle? You guessed it, 4-3. Does the offensive-line match up better against 3-4 defenses? Is it susceptible to 4-3 defenses? Was it just a matter of time for the line to build some kind of continuity? We'll, errrr, Alex Smith will find out tomorrow.
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Key Two: The Patchy Secondary
In 2010, the primary starters in the secondary included: Nate Clements, Shawntae Spencer, Dashon Goldson and Reggie Smith. None of these four 2010 starters will be starting tomorrow's contest versus the Seahawks. With Dashon Goldson "working through something" and out, the starters will be Carlos Rogers, Tarell Brown, Madieu Williams, and Donte Whitner. With Sidney Rice sitting out, the talent of the Seattle WR corps diminishes but the DBs will still have their hands full with two big and physical WRs in Mike Williams and Ben Obomanu. Expect Caroll and co. to try and stretch the field in an attempt to open up holes for Lynch and the Seattle ground game.
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Key Three: The least important...oh wait, Mike Singletary is in Minnesota now.
Yes, the quarterback is my last and final key to the game. Alex Smith will be booed and sacked but he MUST keep his composure. Arguably his biggest weakness is his inability to stay in the pocket and deliver the football down the field. With talented receivers in Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree, Braylon Edwards and Josh Morgan, it would be detrimental to the offense if Alex routinely checked down to Frank Gore and Moran Norris whenever a defensive-lineman breathes on him. Alex must play strong. Yes, most 49ers fans believe that Smith is most suited to be a "Trent Dilfer" but that does NOT mean he can hand the ball off, throw a couple check down passes and lead this team to a Week 1 victory. Alex Smith will have to make plays. I'm not talking about perfect, over-the-shoulder sideline bombs to Jordy Nelson. We know he's not Aaron Rodgers but Smith will have to complete several throws down the field to keep this Seattle defense honest.
No longer is the QB "just another player". Mike Singletary is gone but if there's one thing I ever agreed upon with Samurai Mike, it's this:
I. WANT. WINNERS.
OPENING DAY 2011. BEST DAY
The feeling I get while being at the stadium is beyond words. Even more special on Opening Day, my heart literally wanted to jump out of my body. Most tiring day in a while might I add (9am-9pm). The day was filled with great friends, BBQ and more than enough booze; all before we even entered the stadium. We sat with Giants fans all around which made my evening even more exciting. Made a bet with one of em' YAY for free beer; I won. So fucking glad baseball season is back.
Chavez Ravine -- I'll see you in 11 days!!