Originally posted by RickyRoma:
Originally posted by VinculumJuris:
I don't subscribe to this view because it falls short of explaining the beating we took at home against a division rival with the number 1 seed on the line. You're telling me their guys showed up more hyped for that game than our guys, yet that mindset difference won't carry on into future matchups?
It also just feels like a cop out to point to something so amorphous as the primary difference. Sure, momentum matters, but I think it can be (and is) simultaneously true that they have the advantage in talent, age, and scheme (at least on the defensive side of the ball). To disregard those advantages and attribute the beatings to momentum seems awfully optimistic, and I don't share that view.
I guess we'll find out because we get to play them twice a year at least. I expect the beatings to continue for a couple seasons but will gladly own it if we do hang with them.
Edit: I acknowledge that injuries played a major role as well and also have a lot of faith in Shanny (not so much Lynch) to keep us competitive with the broader league. Many factors to consider here.
First, it was nowhere near the beating that happened in Seattle, which is a major crux of my point. As I said, the Niners needed the ball to bounce their way, and when they give up a truly demoralizing opening KOR for a major, that's about as bad a start as one can have given the situation. Playing IN Seattle, when the Hawks have a strong defensive front, is a major advantage as I've explained. Second, I didn't say it was the 'only' reason, but that hype/adrenalin is a real factor....and clearly it shows when you look at games played in environments that really are major home field advantages.
So you agree your argument doesn't address the beating we took at home? Or do you have a separate argument for that loss? Because that was a f**king beating as well, even if you don't think it was nearly as bad.
I didn't say you identified it as the 'only' difference, but your post gave me the strong impression you think it was the 'primary' difference (as I said in my post). Your analysis really centered on that, seemingly to the exclusion of other factors. I strongly disagree with that take. Yes, Seattle has the ability to snowball leads into blowouts based on building momentum, but talent and scheme often put them in that position in the first place. The kickoff return TD was brutal and fluky in my opinion, and we never had momentum after that. However, even without that kickoff return, I think they still kill us in that game.
