The "showdown" between Colin Kaepernick and his predecessor, former 49er lightning rod Alex Smith, turned out to be more of a grind than a shootout. And that's exactly how the 49ers wanted it. The result may not have been as lopsided as many in 49erland would have hoped...but the little things came together in a way that they normally haven't this season. Colin Kaepernick effectively managed his way to a win. The defense succeeded in taming another daunting duo of running backs. And special teams became a part of the solution instead of remaining a part of the problem.
This week, we'll look back at those little things, last week's best players and take a look ahead to next week's Monday Night showdown with the Rams.
The "Little Things"
Winning football games is not just about offense, defense and special teams. There are a host of little things that go into making a team successful, and for the first time in the 2014 season, the overwhelming majority of those little things went right for the 49ers. Some of these things probably went undetected by the casual fan, but rest assured, they showed up on film.
First things first, Colin Kaepernick effectively managed the game...and that is a good thing. Instead of trying to throw through coverage, Kap took what was there, choosing to secure the ball, extend possessions and use the tools at his disposal instead of trying to win the game by himself. While his day through the air was far from prolific (14-26, 201 yards, 1TD), he avoided negative plays, took deep shots when he could (as opposed to when he had no choice), and kept the Chiefs defense honest. He wasn't perfect...but because he effectively managed the game, he didn't need to be. It may not be highlight reel material, but play like that wins football games.
Next, the 49er defense effectively contained Jamaal Charles and Knile Davis. These guys gashed the Patriots for 227 total yards and 14 points combined. Looking at this matchup prior to Sunday, logic seemed to dictate that the combination of Davis and Charles might be able to exploit 49er linebackers...especially in the passing game. Instead, the 49ers SOLD OUT to take the running backs out of the passing game, and despite some early hiccups, the strategy worked. By taking away the flat, the 49er defense shut down screens and swing passes...and given the Chiefs' lack of a credible deep threat, Alex Smith was forced out of his comfort zone...and away from his most effective weapons. Charles was far from the game breaker that he usually is, and Davis was a complete non-factor.
Finally, special teams was truly special. Phil Dawson was 5 for 5 with two of his kicks coming from beyond 50 yards. Kick and punt coverage did not surrender any back breaking scores. There were no blocked kicks. But most importantly, when called upon to make what many would call the play of the game, the punt team converted a 4th and 1 deep in its own territory...leading to the drive that would kill the clock, force the Chiefs to use all of their timeouts and eventually ice the game.
Was it perfect? No. Not even close. But did all of the little things that went right add up to more than the sum of their respective parts? Absolutely.
And The Game Ball Goes To...
There are a host of players that deserve recognition for their performance last week...but in my estimation, one rose head and shoulders above the rest. Frank Gore? Aaron Lynch? Perrish Cox? All played well...but not as well as Daniel Kilgore.
On paper, Dontari Poe should have gotten the better of Kilgore. Easily. On the field, not so much. For his efforts last week, Pro Football Focus rated him at +1.4. Frank Gore's two longest runs of the day (13 and 14 yards) were run off Center, and for the game, Gore averaged 6 yards per carry up the gut. All of that starts with Kilgore.
His matchup with Poe was one that most experts (myself included) expected him to lose. Poe is bigger (by about 35 pounds), stronger and faster. And yet for the entirety of the second half, Kilgore consistently blew him off the ball. By the time the 4th quarter rolled around, it looked like Poe would rather be somewhere (anywhere) else than lined up over the 49ers new starting Center. That might not make him the 49ers MVP, but it played a huge part in the 49ers success last week...and that gets him the game ball.
Two Minute Drill
* Chris Cook and Perrish Cox has been a pleasant surprise in the defensive backfield for the 49ers. When Tremaine Brock returns from his injury, he may have a difficult time regaining his starting spot.
* The 49er defense has weathered the absence of Aldon Smith and Navorro Bowman with ease. That is due in large part to the OUTSTANDING play of Aaron Lynch (+5.8 for the season). He has played far better than anyone could have expected to this point...and he's getting better with every game he plays.
Week 6 Picks
Indianapolis (-2.5) at Houston
I can't see any way for Houston to stand toe to toe with a more talented team for four quarters, JJ Watt or no JJ Watt. INDIANAPOLIS
Denver (-8) at NY Jets
Is there a mercy rule in the NFL? After watching this game, you'll wish there was. DENVER
Pittsburgh at Cleveland (-2)
Cleveland is actually favored to win a football game. In other news, hell has frozen over. PITTSBURGH
Jacksonville at Tennessee (-6)
Jacksonville is bad. Epically bad. So bad that I think the Titans might win this one by double digits.TENNESSEE
Chicago at Atlanta (-3)
Atlanta is banged up...but even a banged up Atlanta offense should be able to shred one of the worst defenses the Bears have ever fielded. ATLANTA
Green Bay (-3.5) at Miami
Aaron Rodgers is capable of winning this game in spite of his team's sieve-like defense. GREEN BAY
Detroit (-1.5) at Minnesota
If Bridgewater is playing at full strength and Megatron is still limited, this one could be closer than most expect. MINNESOTA
Carolina at Cincinnati (-7)
Returning home should help the Bengals remember how to play football. Especially against a depleted Panthers squad. CINCINNATI
New England (-3) at Buffalo
Falling off or not, the Patriots are better than the Bills. It may not be pretty, but Tommy Terrific and friends should pull this one out. NEW ENGLAND
Baltimore (-3) at Tampa Bay
The Ravens are horribly uneven...but the Bucs are just horrible. I don't expect this one to be as close as the oddsmakers do. BALTIMORE
San Diego (-7) at Oakland
The Chargers could spot the Raiders two scores and still cover. The Sparano era is going to get off to a rocky start. SAN DIEGO
Dallas at Seattle (-8)
Romo + road game in Seattle = loss. SEATTLE
Washington at Arizona (-3.5)
If the Cardinals keep losing QBs, they may have to talk Kurt Warner into a comeback. WASHINGTON
NY Giants at Philadelphia (-2.5)
Though the Giants have strung together a pair of solid games, the Chuck n' Duck project is more talented...and playing at home. PHILADELPHIA
San Francisco (-3.5) at St Louis
Given the early returns, this game should not be close. The Rams defense has underperformed this season, and their offense is comprised of Brian Quick...and that's about it. I don't expect a blowout, but if the 49ers stick to what works and force the Rams to defend the run and play on their heels, they should be able to dominate time of possession...and that should equal a workman-like, grind it out kind of win. SAN FRANCISCO