Originally posted by NCommand:
Originally posted by HearstFan:
[Originally posted in the Alex completion thread - but think it is more appropriate here]
Here is what I saw that was different in this game:
1. More time in the pocket - hopefully this is the OL getting better and can be repeated - but it was also a function of poor Bills DL.
2. LOOKING OFF the defense - Alex did a MUCH better job of eye discipline - keeping his head turned slightly away from where he ultimately threw the ball. Ironically, that is a function of #1 above, because without pressure a QB is less urgently looking immediately to make his throw.
3. Receivers getting separation - In several previous posts I have noted (complained) that our offense doesn't seem to be able to generate that wide open receiver as often as other offenses do - which could be part receiver's lack of ability to separate and part scheme. In this game, there were many times receivers created great separation. I hope this was G-Ro scheme developing rather than poor Bills D.
This is the kind of game that an offense can use to build confidence to take more shots - even against better defenses in the future. Hope this is a big step forward.
Frankly, despite the win last week against the Jets I was worried that in order to win the 49ers were becoming 1 dimensional -- all run -- which would make them vulnerable to a high scoring game. This game was a huge step toward the 9ers becoming a truly balanced offense. It will take a few more like this to be complete - but huge to see the progress!! Go 9ers.
Great post but here is one to think about...
Back in the day, Walsh came into a league dominated by the RB position and installed the WCO going against the grain. Teams were not equipped to beat a short-to-intermediate, quick passing game. Flash forward to 2011. Today in the NFL, aside from the Lions and Bills, who invest money into their DL's anymore during a league that is clearly about the passing game (paying heavily to CB's and S's, LBers, etc.).
So we just ran right over the Lions and Bills and dominated others like GB & didn't even attempt that against the Vikings.
So, in today's game, even if we go one-dimensional (run game), who is equipped to stop us with their DL? Texans? This just seems Walshian-like to me! Except we run to set up the pass in today's WCO. And then run a ton in the 2nd half just like the original WCO.
Yeah I have spoken about this on several occasions in my weekly "Thoughts after rewatching the game."
When Walsh became the head coach of the Niners, it was a league dominated by the run. It was all about huge players who could rough you up and stop the run. Walsh devised an Offense that ran counter to conventional wisdom and dominated the NFL.
Fast-forward 30 years. Its a pass dominated league. Defenses have been forced to counter by stocking up on smaller, faster players to get the edge on the pass rush and cover fleet recievers in space. Harbaugh and Roman do something very Walshian and devise an offense that counters the conventional wisdom and innovate in the RUN game. Teams are no longer built to stop the run and are no longer anywhere near as stout.
I have read for years now that it's a passers league and you NEED to throw the hell out of the ball to win. Thats true...until it's not.
