3 Plays from 2011, 2012, and 2013 that will Haunt us Forever | Page 5

pwillis52beasty · 2014-02-11T22:06:29-08:00

Ok to start off, I realize this thread will generate some bashing and people who will say "see this is why they call us the forty whiners". Maybe some will say "what is the point of rehashing this old stuff, it's water under the bridge." Well this is a forum to discuss niner football, it's the offseason, and it's nice to vent from time to time about some critical moments where I believe we were screwed.. I think it is very fair to make the argument that we were hosed on three plays, and had they been correctly officiated, we are probably Superbowl Champs all three years. Keep in mind of course there were many other plays in all of these games that could have influenced the outcome of the games, but I'm just strictly talking about these three plays that I think by them self would have determined the outcome. 2011 Ahmad Bradshaw Fumble Anyways, lets start off with the first play from the 2011 season. The NFC championship game. With 2:19 left in the game, score tied 17-17, Navorro Bowman strips Ahmad Bradshaw at the Giants own 18 yard line and the 49ers recover. Refs claim forward progress is called instead and possession remains with the Giants. I have never seen forward progress called so fast and if you go back and look at the replay, even with how fast the forward progress was called, it was still called after Bradshaw had already fumbled. The replay shows the ball is out and then the whistle is blown. Should have been niners ball and in all likelihood we kill the clock and kick the game winning field goal. I don't think we would have had too much trouble with the Patriots. Of course I can't just declare that we would have won the Superbowl for sure, but I think many feel very confident that we would have, especially with that 2011 defense. Anyways, refresh your memory of that play for yourself.. 2012 Jimmy Smith helmet to helmet hit on Crabtree On the last drive in the Superbowl on third and goal, Kaepernick throws a pass to Crabtree in the flat. Smith comes up and leads with his helmet right into Crabs facemask. Should have been a personal foul for leading with the helmet, hitting a defenseless receiver, and targeting the head, which would have resulted in a new set of downs at the four yard line. Then of course we have the infamous no holding call the very next play, where Smith basically hugs Crabtree and grabs some jersey. How neither of those were called, is beyond me. With a first down from either the four yard line, or the one yard line, it's not a guarantee that we get in, but the chances are very good. 2013 Ahmad Brooks hit on Drew Brees With 3:18 left in the game, 49ers up by 3, Brooks sacks Brees, Brees fumbles and 49ers recover close to midfield. It's likely at that point that the 49ers win the game. Refs call a penalty on a hit to the head and neck area of the quarterback. It was the wrong call as the initial hit was to the very upper portion of Bree's chest. Naturally as he was going down, Brooks arm grazes his neck. The hit itself was not to the neck, nor did Brooks hook his neck or bring him down by the neck. Obviously it is very difficult to see in game time speed, but that is why I think these type of plays need to be reviewable in the future. Anyways, if the refs don't throw the penalty on Brooks, we earn homefield advantage and likely win the NFC championship game. After all, the Seahawks haven't won in Candlestick since 2008. Then I doubt we have much trouble with the Broncos as well. Of course you can always just say oh well you should have played better and it wouldn't have come down to this or that play. That always makes me laugh. It's tough to always be that much better than your opponent. A blown call or two can really change a game and even a season as we have seen. So had these three plays gone our way, I feel it is very likely we are Superbowl champs the last three years. Anyways, here's to hoping that we are so good in 2014 that it can't come down to a few blown calls. Hopefully we dominate our opponents so thoroughly that officiating can't make a difference.

Feb 14, 2014 at 10:27 AM

#61

Pillbusta
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Posts: 25,624

Originally posted by crabman82:
and scott norwood

LOL! Poor guy. They never really ever forgave him. Parcells coached the hell out of that game though with Jeff Hostetler converting all those fourth downs and the clock killing drives with Anderson toting the pill at his age. I pulled for the hated Giants though because I would rather be two than three or four. We've been two the last three years. Would be epic if we win this year. Arguably best team in football the four years straight

Feb 14, 2014 at 10:28 AM

#62

crabman82
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Posts: 17,024

Originally posted by Pillbusta:

Originally posted by crabman82:
and scott norwood

LOL! Poor guy. They never really ever forgave him. Parcells coached the hell out of that game though with Jeff Hostetler converting all those fourth downs and the clock killing drives with Anderson toting the pill at his age. I pulled for the hated Giants though because I would rather be two than three or four. We've been two the last three years. Would be epic if we win this year. Arguably best team in football the four years straight

yeah their take the air out of the football game plan was brilliant vs that bills team, the only way they were really going to win that game.

Feb 14, 2014 at 10:32 AM

#63

Pillbusta
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Posts: 25,624

Originally posted by crabman82:
yeah their take the air out of the football game plan was brilliant vs that bills team, the only way they were really going to win that game.

I think the bills had the ball for 19 minutes that game while scoring 19 points. You hit the nail on the head. Bills that year were so potent that not even Jim Harbaugh could punch Jim Kelly out!

Feb 16, 2014 at 12:08 PM

#64

9ermex
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Posts: 1,020

These last 3 years have been brutal, to loose the games is one thing but to loose them feeling we were the better team everytime sucks even more...

Feb 16, 2014 at 10:55 PM

#65

Pillbusta
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Posts: 25,624

Originally posted by 9ermex:
These last 3 years have been brutal, to loose the games is one thing but to loose them feeling we were the better team everytime sucks even more...

Well one way to fix that is to play big in big games and put teams away and finish them off. I'm hoping our time is soon

Feb 17, 2014 at 1:36 AM

#66

sanjo49er
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Posts: 5,075

Originally posted by 9ermex:
These last 3 years have been brutal, to loose the games is one thing but to loose them feeling we were the better team everytime sucks even more...

12' with the Giants . Damn...
13' with with the Ravens. What can you say?
14' with the she hawks. Damn.....'

Feb 17, 2014 at 1:54 AM

#67

xtm059
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Posts: 1,979

oh my god f**k this thread.

im mad again

Feb 19, 2014 at 2:19 PM

#68

Constantine
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Posts: 2,248