Originally posted by BrianGO:
This is actually the better angle. You can really see how the throw was effected by the pass rush into Kap's face.
You can also see that if the throw had more air, and was perfect, its a touchdown. The difference is the pass rush. It's the reason Dick s**tman has success on this defense.
defenderDX, JDMathews49ers & Buchy...you three seem to be on an after-defeat rampage but I like this view as well. I can't blame you...we've lost the last three playoff games (2 NFCCG and 1 Superbowl) on the final play of the game, essentially!
You can clearly see Irvin 100% squatted, facing and focused on CK (spying CK all the way)...totally ignores Hunter's route who's 3 yards behind Irvin and 1 yard to the right. This is great scouting defense b/c even Smith knows there is no way we're going to a check down..ever...so he sprints down for field for an INT. Once CK sees Sherman "ahead" of Crabtree's route there is plenty of time and space to check quickly to Hunter who even turns and faces him as a true outlet. CK is 6'5" and the pass leading Hunter downfield (Montana-esque) over Irvin wouldn't even need much of a lob on it. If you actually believe Hunter was "covered" here b/c a defender was within 3 yards of Hunter (and in front of him), that's fine. I don't and I think a simple leading touch pass here would be extremely easy for a QB to make in this situation (a lot easier than a 35 yard corner post route against Sherman or a 6-inch window 20+ laser slant to Crabree with Maxwell all over him. Was Crabtree covered by the 2 underneath defenders on that pass? Of course not...even though they were in the general "vicinity."
The bottom line is, this pass was going to Crabtree no matter what...so to us focusing on Hunter or esp. anyone on the other side of the field (Patton or even Boldin or VD) is a moot point. Harbaugh himself said this was a pre-determined pass play. The more I think about this the more I almost feel like ego played a part in this play call...a corner route TD over Sherman to win the game...redeem Crabtree from the Superbowl and destroy the biggest mouth on the Seahawks while crushing their hopes and dreams at home? Hell yeah...dial it up!
Davis and CK destroyed this play...I don't care what play was dialed up by HaRoMan in the huddle (horrible call IMHO - poor situational awareness and matchup)...I don't care if the defensive coverage then justified the pass (1on1 matchup). Once he saw Sherman
ahead of Crabtree's route knowing the spot where Crabtree had to get to, you pull that ball down, scramble or check down instantly. Even if you decide to go for it anyhow, you throw that ball to the very back corner of the EZ (still a VERY low % pass though)...but Davis destroyed any chance of CK fully stepping into the throw anyhow. But the pass to the corner of the EZ s/h have been his 3rd option in the decision-making process IMHO. Personally, it was a collective fail from the start.
No need to retort...you have your perspective and I have mine. We'll agree to disagree here and get back to the game analysis.
[ Edited by NCommand on Feb 4, 2014 at 8:24 AM ]