Originally posted by mrgneissguy:
Great post, but I have to say while I think the strategy will get wins, I don't think it will get us very far in the playoffs. The Colts just showed that if you can score touchdowns, you don’t necessarily need to win the TOP battle. And another thing that should worry us is the old standby that running the ball also gets you wins. Just this week in the NFL, we had three teams rush for more than 239 yards in a game and lose. Miami vs Indy last night, 239 yards, TOP more than 45 minutes lost 27-23; Tenn had 240 yards rushing in a loss to Houston; and Dallas had 251 yards rushing in a loss to the Giants. The difference…big play ability.
While I am happy that we have a QB that “manages” the game and limits turnovers, the old adage that you win in the NFL by the rush and ball control does not apply consistently from week to week. We can win some games that way, especially with the performance of the defense, but we are not going to be able to win consistently, and if we make it, I don’t think we’ll win in the playoffs with that type of game plan. I can only think of two teams in recent history (Tampa and the Ravens) to do well in the playoffs/Super Bowl relying on defense, a running attack and a “manager” for a QB. Hill has been getting wins, and has thrown the ball well in a few drives here and there, but he is not a QB that can make the down field throws and big plays consistently enough to win the games like those Miami, Tennessee, and Dallas played in this week. I also don’t think Smith is good enough, and Davis more than likely has a bit more learning to do for this year to make any significant difference. So it’s the best game plan for the personnel, but not the best game plan for getting far. It’ll be a good year I think, but not a great year. However, I am very optimistic about the coming years when Nate Davis takes over.
The two example teams you listed all did things the 49ers haven't in their games with the TOP advantage they have been having.....
it wasn't the big play ability (Dallas has that, Titans have that)
Dallas with their big play ability, lost the game because of Romo turning the ball over and over....and over.
Titans having a home run threat with a pass or run in Chris Johnson, lost the game because QB Kerry Collins fumbled the ball at a crucial time.
The Miami.....well Payton was just killing...but also on top of that Miami's defense (while being rested for God knows how long) laid an egg out on the field. miss tackles and stuff.
So I think that if we continue to play with the same mind set, we should do fine with Shaun back there of always staying in the game (like last year). maybe as the season goes on Shaun and the offense grows as well.
