LISTEN: Does Kyle Shanahan Wear Too Many Hats For The 49ers? →

Anomaly or Trend?

Dec 7, 2003 at 12:00 AM

Videos are auto-populated by an affiliate. This site has no control over the videos that appear above.

The trend of dominating home wins continued in a game where the 49ers rammed the football down the throats of the Arizona Cardinals. Almost all phases of the game worked to perfection. Only a shut out would have made the day sweeter, as the 49ers won with their highest point total since 1994, 50-14.

The offense finally found its rhythm under Jeff Garcia in the first half. The opening series was beautiful to watch as the 49ers streaked across 73 yards in only 5 plays. They mixed a heavy dose of the pass with a quick-strike run and ended the opening drive with a score. It looked like the 49ers of old, with the middle of the field exploited by a receiving tight end.

Jeff Garcia went 3 for 3 for 59 yards, and then capped the drive off with a 3-yard run for a score. The 26-yard pass to tight end Jed Weaver was one of the longest passes that Garcia has completed this season. He ended the half with 195 yards, 4 passing TDs and 1 rushing score. Perhaps Garcia was trying to exorcize the demons that have plagued him since the Tim Rattay “controversy.” With 6 touchdowns total on Sunday, he did just that.

Owens came back to form on his 30th birthday, He even received a gift-wrapped touchdown from the cardinals when they forgot to cover Owens from the two-yard line. Owens ended the day with 7 receptions, 92 yards and two scores.

Although Garcia and Owens finally performed up to their Pro Bowl potential, the real bright spot on offense was the play of Kevan Barlow. In the first start of his 4-year career he ran over, under, and through the Arizona defense for 154 yards. His yards-per-carry average (YPC) was off the charts at a phenomenal 8.6 yards a carry. Garcia averaged 9 yards an attempt. Barlow played a near flawless game. His only blemish came in the third quarter when he fumbled the ball away on a scamper off left tackle. Barlow will have to learn how to protect the ball or he will be put in the same category as Tiki Barber and Ahman Green: a good back that tends to put the ball on the ground. With games becoming closer and closer in the NFL because of parity, fumbling may end up being costing the team. Nonetheless, with Barlow at running back the 49ers look poised to have a strong backfield for years to come.

The defense, once again, showed that it is a force to be reckoned with, holding Arizona to 183 total yards, notching a safety, forcing two turnovers, and sacking the quarterback 3 times. Tony Parrish recorded another interception today making it his fifth straight game in which he has an INT.

So what is there to say about such a dominating win? Well, once again the 49ers missed a PAT, just as they did in the blowout against the Bears. The theory before this game was that LaFleur, the holder, had trouble holding for a left-footed kicker. When Peterson, a right-footed kicker, landed the job, all seemed to be solved. Today however, LaFleur could not get a handle on the Jennings snap. This again will be glossed over because of the dominating win, but it needs to be addressed in practice.

The only other thing left to say is, “Where was this team the first time they played Arizona? Where was this team against Cleveland, Seattle or Green Bay? The Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde personality disorder must stop. But no amount of prescription medication can cure the ills that plague the 49ers on the road. This team must find a way to take the enthusiasm seen in San Francisco on the road to the team can win some games as opposed to looking like a flopping fish out of its native Bay Area water. The 49ers can relish the win now, but deep down they have to find the reason for their uninspired road play. Otherwise games like this will go down in the books as an anomaly, and not a trend.

The opinions within this article are those of the writer and, while just as important, are not necessarily those of the site as a whole.
Enjoy this article? Follow us to never miss more!

Powered by Follow.it


Comments

More San Francisco 49ers News

placeholder image

John Lynch compares Isaac Guerendo to former 49ers running back

By David Bonilla
54 mins

Rookie running back Isaac Guerendo, sporting No. 31, has turned heads with his explosive burst out of the backfield and ability to shift into another gear downfield. His playing style has drawn comparisons to former San Francisco 49ers running back Raheem Mostert, who excelled...


placeholder image

5 Biggest Threats in Week 13 49ers-Bills Showdown

By Wayne P. Brown
Nov 29

The San Francisco 49ers are set to visit Highmark Stadium this weekend for a critical Week 13 showdown against the Buffalo Bills. Which five players could pose the biggest threats to a 49ers victory? QB Josh Allen Allen is the biggest threat the 49ers must prepare for in Week...


placeholder image

Brock Purdy throwing at 49ers practice on Friday; No Trent Williams or Nick Bosa

By David Bonilla
Nov 29

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy appears to be making strides in his recovery from a shoulder injury. During the portion of Friday's practice open to the media, Purdy was seen throwing—a notable improvement after limited activity earlier in the week. Unlike...


placeholder image

49ers announce roster moves ahead of Week 13 Friday practice

By Site Staff
Nov 29

The San Francisco 49ers announced the signing of offensive lineman Sebastian Gutierrez to the practice squad. To make room on the practice squad, the team released offensive lineman Cameron Erving. The 49ers Communications staff provided the following rundown. Gutierrez...


Latest

Trending News

Share 49ersWebzone