[Giants]

Wow, Tampa Bays secondary was a disaster.  Cowboys receivers were wide open.

BC

They averaged 18.4 a game. Gave up 21.  They were a pretty bad team.

Dallas 5-3 v. SF in playoffs.  Doesn’t it seem like they played against each other a lot more?

[Giants]

Wow, Tampa Bays secondary was a disaster.  Cowboys receivers were wide open.

BC

They averaged 18.4 a game. Gave up 21.  They were a pretty bad team.

Dallas 5-3 v. SF in playoffs.  Doesn’t it seem like they played against each other a lot more?

[Mick]

Wow, Tampa Bays secondary was a disaster.  Cowboys receivers were wide open.

BC

They averaged 18.4 a game. Gave up 21.  They were a pretty bad team.

Dallas 5-3 v. SF in playoffs.  Doesn’t it seem like they played against each other a lot more?

Yes, in the regular season, the Cowboys are 19-18-1 overall against the 49ers. After next Sunday, the Cowboys will be 19-19-1 against the 49ers.

I think the spread (Niners, -4.5) is a little weak. Here's a statistical rundown:

Offense Passing: Niners #2 in NFL by passer rating, Cowboys #16
Offense Rushing: Niners #9 in NFL by YPC, Cowboys #18
Defense yards given up per game: Niners #1 with 300.6, Cowboys #12 at 330.2. 
Defense INTs: Niners #1 with 20, Cowboys #7 with 16. Cowboys only had 60 yards on the INT returns, but the Niners had 305.
Defense Fumbles: Cowboys #1 with 17 recovered, 49ers #7 with 10 recovered.
Point differential: Niners #2 with 173 point differential, Cowboys #3 with 125 point differential.
Season records: Niners are 13-4, Dallas is 12-5. Niners have won 11 straight.
Common Opponents: Niners beat the Buccaneers by 28, Cowboys beat them by 17.  Niners beat the Commanders by 17, Dallas lost to the Commanders by 20 
Intangibles:
1) Arrival of McCaffrey
2) Niners are healthy!
3) Dallas has two fewer days to rest/practice.
4) Dallas has to fly across country to get to Levi's.
5) Arrival of Elliott.
6) Introducton of Brock Purdy.

My only concern is that Dak Prescott -- and other mobile quarterbacks can give the 49ers fits. 

I think the Niners win by at least 10.

[Mick]

Wow, Tampa Bays secondary was a disaster.  Cowboys receivers were wide open.

BC

They averaged 18.4 a game. Gave up 21.  They were a pretty bad team.

Dallas 5-3 v. SF in playoffs.  Doesn’t it seem like they played against each other a lot more?

Yes, in the regular season, the Cowboys are 19-18-1 overall against the 49ers. After next Sunday, the Cowboys will be 19-19-1 against the 49ers.

I think the spread (Niners, -4.5) is a little weak. Here's a statistical rundown:

Offense Passing: Niners #2 in NFL by passer rating, Cowboys #16
Offense Rushing: Niners #9 in NFL by YPC, Cowboys #18
Defense yards given up per game: Niners #1 with 300.6, Cowboys #12 at 330.2. 
Defense INTs: Niners #1 with 20, Cowboys #7 with 16. Cowboys only had 60 yards on the INT returns, but the Niners had 305.
Defense Fumbles: Cowboys #1 with 17 recovered, 49ers #7 with 10 recovered.
Point differential: Niners #2 with 173 point differential, Cowboys #3 with 125 point differential.
Season records: Niners are 13-4, Dallas is 12-5. Niners have won 11 straight.
Common Opponents: Niners beat the Buccaneers by 28, Cowboys beat them by 17.  Niners beat the Commanders by 17, Dallas lost to the Commanders by 20 
Intangibles:
1) Arrival of McCaffrey
2) Niners are healthy!
3) Dallas has two fewer days to rest/practice.
4) Dallas has to fly across country to get to Levi's.
5) Arrival of Elliott.
6) Introducton of Brock Purdy.

My only concern is that Dak Prescott -- and other mobile quarterbacks can give the 49ers fits. 

I think the Niners win by at least 10.

[Giants]

Wow, Tampa Bays secondary was a disaster.  Cowboys receivers were wide open.

BC

They averaged 18.4 a game. Gave up 21.  They were a pretty bad team.

Dallas 5-3 v. SF in playoffs.  Doesn’t it seem like they played against each other a lot more?

Yes, in the regular season, the Cowboys are 19-18-1 overall against the 49ers. After next Sunday, the Cowboys will be 19-19-1 against the 49ers.

I think the spread (Niners, -4.5) is a little weak. Here's a statistical rundown:

Offense Passing: Niners #2 in NFL by passer rating, Cowboys #16
Offense Rushing: Niners #9 in NFL by YPC, Cowboys #18
Defense yards given up per game: Niners #1 with 300.6, Cowboys #12 at 330.2. 
Defense INTs: Niners #1 with 20, Cowboys #7 with 16. Cowboys only had 60 yards on the INT returns, but the Niners had 305.
Defense Fumbles: Cowboys #1 with 17 recovered, 49ers #7 with 10 recovered.
Point differential: Niners #2 with 173 point differential, Cowboys #3 with 125 point differential.
Season records: Niners are 13-4, Dallas is 12-5. Niners have won 11 straight.
Common Opponents: Niners beat the Buccaneers by 28, Cowboys beat them by 17.  Niners beat the Commanders by 17, Dallas lost to the Commanders by 20 
Intangibles:
1) Arrival of McCaffrey
2) Niners are healthy!
3) Dallas has two fewer days to rest/practice.
4) Dallas has to fly across country to get to Levi's.
5) Arrival of Elliott.
6) Introducton of Brock Purdy.

My only concern is that Dak Prescott -- and other mobile quarterbacks can give the 49ers fits. 

I think the Niners win by at least 10.

Yeah, I knew they played each other a lot in the regular season.  It just seemed like they faced each other more than eight times in the playoffs.

I’m not as optimistic as you are but I am hopeful.  Dallas will be the toughest hurdle in Niners post season run.  If they win Sunday, “they.. could.. go.. all… the.. way”.

[Giants]

Wow, Tampa Bays secondary was a disaster.  Cowboys receivers were wide open.

BC

They averaged 18.4 a game. Gave up 21.  They were a pretty bad team.

Dallas 5-3 v. SF in playoffs.  Doesn’t it seem like they played against each other a lot more?

Yes, in the regular season, the Cowboys are 19-18-1 overall against the 49ers. After next Sunday, the Cowboys will be 19-19-1 against the 49ers.

I think the spread (Niners, -4.5) is a little weak. Here's a statistical rundown:

Offense Passing: Niners #2 in NFL by passer rating, Cowboys #16
Offense Rushing: Niners #9 in NFL by YPC, Cowboys #18
Defense yards given up per game: Niners #1 with 300.6, Cowboys #12 at 330.2. 
Defense INTs: Niners #1 with 20, Cowboys #7 with 16. Cowboys only had 60 yards on the INT returns, but the Niners had 305.
Defense Fumbles: Cowboys #1 with 17 recovered, 49ers #7 with 10 recovered.
Point differential: Niners #2 with 173 point differential, Cowboys #3 with 125 point differential.
Season records: Niners are 13-4, Dallas is 12-5. Niners have won 11 straight.
Common Opponents: Niners beat the Buccaneers by 28, Cowboys beat them by 17.  Niners beat the Commanders by 17, Dallas lost to the Commanders by 20 
Intangibles:
1) Arrival of McCaffrey
2) Niners are healthy!
3) Dallas has two fewer days to rest/practice.
4) Dallas has to fly across country to get to Levi's.
5) Arrival of Elliott.
6) Introducton of Brock Purdy.

My only concern is that Dak Prescott -- and other mobile quarterbacks can give the 49ers fits. 

I think the Niners win by at least 10.

Yeah, I knew they played each other a lot in the regular season.  It just seemed like they faced each other more than eight times in the playoffs.

I’m not as optimistic as you are but I am hopeful.  Dallas will be the toughest hurdle in Niners post season run.  If they win Sunday, “they.. could.. go.. all… the.. way”.

[French Rage]

Yeah, I knew they played each other a lot in the regular season.  It just seemed like they faced each other more than eight times in the playoffs.

8 times in the playoffs (70-72, 81, 92-94, 2021), but 6 times in the CCG (every time except 72 and 2021).  So the importance of those game, and three in a row two different times probably makes it feel that way.

[French Rage]

Yeah, I knew they played each other a lot in the regular season.  It just seemed like they faced each other more than eight times in the playoffs.

8 times in the playoffs (70-72, 81, 92-94, 2021), but 6 times in the CCG (every time except 72 and 2021).  So the importance of those game, and three in a row two different times probably makes it feel that way.

[cardcrimson]

That's the end of the game. The game is over:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVJamNLmZ4A

[cardcrimson]

That's the end of the game. The game is over:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVJamNLmZ4A

[OutsiderFan]

The Bucs only ran the ball 12 times. That's a recipe for failure in the playoffs. Let's be honest. The only reason Dallas wasn't a big favorite was the Tom Brady resume, not what the Bucs had demonstrated with him playing this season. Had the Bucs started a random 45 year old QB with the same team stats in that game as they put up with Brady, Dallas would have been favored by 10+. But it's a testament to how inconsistent Dallas is and how little trust the public has in that team that most people expected a close game, and couldn't rule out a Bucs upset.

I like how the Niners CBs matchup against the Dallas WRs. And apparently, the Niners gave up the 5th fewest fantasy points to TEs in 2022, so they are prepared to handle Dalton Schultz one would think.

The thing that concerns me most about Dallas is they are the #1 Red Zone TD scoring team in the NFL. The Niners - as mentioned earlier in this thread - are not great at scoring TDs or stopping them from being scored in Red Zone. Dallas had 4 TDs in 4 Red Zone opportunities vs. Tampa Bay. I know it's an obvious statement, but the Niners are best served limiting the number of trips Dallas has into the Red Zone. Sometimes giving up yards between the 20s and relying on Red Zone defense, is a sound strategy.  It's not against Dallas.

The Niners and Cowboys both convert and stop 3rd down at about the same clip. The Niners are #1 in turnover margin, but this isn't an advantage c as Dallas is #2. So this game will likely come down to Red Zone TD efficiency, which scares the crap out of me. One thing that mitigates the Niners' RZ inefficiency, however, is the sheer number of times they get there vs. their opponents.

Since Purdy took over for Garopppolo, Niners TDs in RZ and allowed in RZ:
17/33 scored = 51% TD - Below average percentage
9/15 allowed = 60% TD - Well below average percentage

-9% Red Zone TD efficiency on 18 more opportunities than opponents

Dallas RZ TD scoring over same stretch:
22/27 scored = 81% TD - Elite percentage
13/26 allowed = 50% allowed - Above average percentage

+31% Red Zone TD Efficiency on 1 more opportunity than opponents

Obviously, the Niners +18 RZ tries is kind of a big outlier here. Even with below average RZ efficiency over the last 7 games, the Niners are outscoring their opponents by 16.4 PPG, almost a full TD more than their league leading season average point differential. So the Red Zone efficiency difference may not matter much. It's still my biggest concern going into the Division round, however, and why I'm not as confident the Niners will prevail against Dallas as I was against Seattle.

[OutsiderFan]

The Bucs only ran the ball 12 times. That's a recipe for failure in the playoffs. Let's be honest. The only reason Dallas wasn't a big favorite was the Tom Brady resume, not what the Bucs had demonstrated with him playing this season. Had the Bucs started a random 45 year old QB with the same team stats in that game as they put up with Brady, Dallas would have been favored by 10+. But it's a testament to how inconsistent Dallas is and how little trust the public has in that team that most people expected a close game, and couldn't rule out a Bucs upset.

I like how the Niners CBs matchup against the Dallas WRs. And apparently, the Niners gave up the 5th fewest fantasy points to TEs in 2022, so they are prepared to handle Dalton Schultz one would think.

The thing that concerns me most about Dallas is they are the #1 Red Zone TD scoring team in the NFL. The Niners - as mentioned earlier in this thread - are not great at scoring TDs or stopping them from being scored in Red Zone. Dallas had 4 TDs in 4 Red Zone opportunities vs. Tampa Bay. I know it's an obvious statement, but the Niners are best served limiting the number of trips Dallas has into the Red Zone. Sometimes giving up yards between the 20s and relying on Red Zone defense, is a sound strategy.  It's not against Dallas.

The Niners and Cowboys both convert and stop 3rd down at about the same clip. The Niners are #1 in turnover margin, but this isn't an advantage c as Dallas is #2. So this game will likely come down to Red Zone TD efficiency, which scares the crap out of me. One thing that mitigates the Niners' RZ inefficiency, however, is the sheer number of times they get there vs. their opponents.

Since Purdy took over for Garopppolo, Niners TDs in RZ and allowed in RZ:
17/33 scored = 51% TD - Below average percentage
9/15 allowed = 60% TD - Well below average percentage

-9% Red Zone TD efficiency on 18 more opportunities than opponents

Dallas RZ TD scoring over same stretch:
22/27 scored = 81% TD - Elite percentage
13/26 allowed = 50% allowed - Above average percentage

+31% Red Zone TD Efficiency on 1 more opportunity than opponents

Obviously, the Niners +18 RZ tries is kind of a big outlier here. Even with below average RZ efficiency over the last 7 games, the Niners are outscoring their opponents by 16.4 PPG, almost a full TD more than their league leading season average point differential. So the Red Zone efficiency difference may not matter much. It's still my biggest concern going into the Division round, however, and why I'm not as confident the Niners will prevail against Dallas as I was against Seattle.

[lex24]

The Bucs only ran the ball 12 times. That's a recipe for failure in the playoffs. Let's be honest. The only reason Dallas wasn't a big favorite was the Tom Brady resume, not what the Bucs had demonstrated with him playing this season. Had the Bucs started a random 45 year old QB with the same team stats in that game as they put up with Brady, Dallas would have been favored by 10+. But it's a testament to how inconsistent Dallas is and how little trust the public has in that team that most people expected a close game, and couldn't rule out a Bucs upset.

I like how the Niners CBs matchup against the Dallas WRs. And apparently, the Niners gave up the 5th fewest fantasy points to TEs in 2022, so they are prepared to handle Dalton Schultz one would think.

The thing that concerns me most about Dallas is they are the #1 Red Zone TD scoring team in the NFL. The Niners - as mentioned earlier in this thread - are not great at scoring TDs or stopping them from being scored in Red Zone. Dallas had 4 TDs in 4 Red Zone opportunities vs. Tampa Bay. I know it's an obvious statement, but the Niners are best served limiting the number of trips Dallas has into the Red Zone. Sometimes giving up yards between the 20s and relying on Red Zone defense, is a sound strategy.  It's not against Dallas.

The Niners and Cowboys both convert and stop 3rd down at about the same clip. The Niners are #1 in turnover margin, but this isn't an advantage c as Dallas is #2. So this game will likely come down to Red Zone TD efficiency, which scares the crap out of me. One thing that mitigates the Niners' RZ inefficiency, however, is the sheer number of times they get there vs. their opponents.

Since Purdy took over for Garopppolo, Niners TDs in RZ and allowed in RZ:
17/33 scored = 51% TD - Below average percentage
9/15 allowed = 60% TD - Well below average percentage

-9% Red Zone TD efficiency on 18 more opportunities than opponents

Dallas RZ TD scoring over same stretch:
22/27 scored = 81% TD - Elite percentage
13/26 allowed = 50% allowed - Above average percentage

+31% Red Zone TD Efficiency on 1 more opportunity than opponents

Obviously, the Niners +18 RZ tries is kind of a big outlier here. Even with below average RZ efficiency over the last 7 games, the Niners are outscoring their opponents by 16.4 PPG, almost a full TD more than their league leading season average point differential. So the Red Zone efficiency difference may not matter much. It's still my biggest concern going into the Division round, however, and why I'm not as confident the Niners will prevail against Dallas as I was against Seattle.

Micah Parsons. He’s a force.  He will line up all over the field.  But I suspect he will attack the edge off the right side.   McGlinchy.  

 Prescott.  Inconsistent.  But when he’s good, he’s very good. 

 Pollard/Elliott.  Speed in Pollard. Power in Elliott. 
 Those are my biggest concerns.

[lex24]

The Bucs only ran the ball 12 times. That's a recipe for failure in the playoffs. Let's be honest. The only reason Dallas wasn't a big favorite was the Tom Brady resume, not what the Bucs had demonstrated with him playing this season. Had the Bucs started a random 45 year old QB with the same team stats in that game as they put up with Brady, Dallas would have been favored by 10+. But it's a testament to how inconsistent Dallas is and how little trust the public has in that team that most people expected a close game, and couldn't rule out a Bucs upset.

I like how the Niners CBs matchup against the Dallas WRs. And apparently, the Niners gave up the 5th fewest fantasy points to TEs in 2022, so they are prepared to handle Dalton Schultz one would think.

The thing that concerns me most about Dallas is they are the #1 Red Zone TD scoring team in the NFL. The Niners - as mentioned earlier in this thread - are not great at scoring TDs or stopping them from being scored in Red Zone. Dallas had 4 TDs in 4 Red Zone opportunities vs. Tampa Bay. I know it's an obvious statement, but the Niners are best served limiting the number of trips Dallas has into the Red Zone. Sometimes giving up yards between the 20s and relying on Red Zone defense, is a sound strategy.  It's not against Dallas.

The Niners and Cowboys both convert and stop 3rd down at about the same clip. The Niners are #1 in turnover margin, but this isn't an advantage c as Dallas is #2. So this game will likely come down to Red Zone TD efficiency, which scares the crap out of me. One thing that mitigates the Niners' RZ inefficiency, however, is the sheer number of times they get there vs. their opponents.

Since Purdy took over for Garopppolo, Niners TDs in RZ and allowed in RZ:
17/33 scored = 51% TD - Below average percentage
9/15 allowed = 60% TD - Well below average percentage

-9% Red Zone TD efficiency on 18 more opportunities than opponents

Dallas RZ TD scoring over same stretch:
22/27 scored = 81% TD - Elite percentage
13/26 allowed = 50% allowed - Above average percentage

+31% Red Zone TD Efficiency on 1 more opportunity than opponents

Obviously, the Niners +18 RZ tries is kind of a big outlier here. Even with below average RZ efficiency over the last 7 games, the Niners are outscoring their opponents by 16.4 PPG, almost a full TD more than their league leading season average point differential. So the Red Zone efficiency difference may not matter much. It's still my biggest concern going into the Division round, however, and why I'm not as confident the Niners will prevail against Dallas as I was against Seattle.

Micah Parsons. He’s a force.  He will line up all over the field.  But I suspect he will attack the edge off the right side.   McGlinchy.  

 Prescott.  Inconsistent.  But when he’s good, he’s very good. 

 Pollard/Elliott.  Speed in Pollard. Power in Elliott. 
 Those are my biggest concerns.

[82lsju]

Trey Lance to the Titans??

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/20...n-carthon/

[82lsju]

Trey Lance to the Titans??

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/20...n-carthon/

[cardcrimson]

Trey Lance to the Titans??

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/20...n-carthon/

Trey who?

[cardcrimson]

Trey Lance to the Titans??

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/20...n-carthon/

Trey who?

[OutsiderFan]

Trey Lance to the Titans??

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/20...n-carthon/

Apparently - and not surprisingly - this is clickbait nonsense.

I don't have any social media account, but do read Twitter, and saw someone who does have social media accounts say Trey Lance uses the fingers crossed emoji all the time in his IG posts. IOW, it would seem there is no "there" there in terms of  Trey Lance hoping for or asking for a trade anywhere, just his way of wishing Ran Carthon well.

The underreported and way more important fact is the Niners get another 3rd rd compensatory pick after one of their assistant ethnic minority employees was hired for a Head Coach or GM job. This brings the Niners total of such picks to 3 (Robert Saleh DC to HC, Mike McDaniel DC to HC, Ran Carthon Assistant GM to GM), and soon will be 4, after DeMeco Ryans is hired away in a few weeks from DC to HC.

[OutsiderFan]

Trey Lance to the Titans??

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/20...n-carthon/

Apparently - and not surprisingly - this is clickbait nonsense.

I don't have any social media account, but do read Twitter, and saw someone who does have social media accounts say Trey Lance uses the fingers crossed emoji all the time in his IG posts. IOW, it would seem there is no "there" there in terms of  Trey Lance hoping for or asking for a trade anywhere, just his way of wishing Ran Carthon well.

The underreported and way more important fact is the Niners get another 3rd rd compensatory pick after one of their assistant ethnic minority employees was hired for a Head Coach or GM job. This brings the Niners total of such picks to 3 (Robert Saleh DC to HC, Mike McDaniel DC to HC, Ran Carthon Assistant GM to GM), and soon will be 4, after DeMeco Ryans is hired away in a few weeks from DC to HC.

[Mick]

Trey Lance to the Titans??

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/20...n-carthon/

I don't think this happens, even if the 49ers wanted it to happen, unless the Titans are willing to give up three first round picks and a third-round pick, chiefly because it would be a dead money disaster if the Niners were to trade Trey Lance at this time.

The Niners realize that you need two great QBs. The last time the Niners had a single QB for most of the year was 2019. An out-for-an-extended-period-of-time situation is far more common for QBs. The Niners need two QB1s, if they can afford them and have them on roster...like Bill Walsh did with Montana & Young. BTW, they provide great motivation for each other. Don't know if you recall, but the Niners went 3-6 the year after they won their first Super Bowl. They lost in the conference championship in 1983, won the Super Bowl after 1984 season, then went 10-6 and lost in the wild card after 1985, then they lost in the divisional series after 1986. That was it for Eddie D. in his eyes, they had two Super Bowls and six other years of failure at the hands of one Mr. Joe Montana. In 1986, Joe's quarterback rating had bottomed out at 80.7 for the season.

Eddie and Bill Walsh decide to bring in Steve Young, five years younger than Montana, with tools that Montana couldn't touch. And presto...with the competition from go in training camp, Joe has his best quarterback rating, increasing to 102.1. Two years later, he would have a career high of 112. They lost in the division series in 1988, but then won two consecutive Super Bowls, and Montana won his two NFL MVP awards.

Incidentally, the Niners wouldn't have even been in the 1988 playoffs, if it hadn't been for this highly improbably run by Steve Young:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbPwwmEcws0

[Mick]

Trey Lance to the Titans??

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/20...n-carthon/

I don't think this happens, even if the 49ers wanted it to happen, unless the Titans are willing to give up three first round picks and a third-round pick, chiefly because it would be a dead money disaster if the Niners were to trade Trey Lance at this time.

The Niners realize that you need two great QBs. The last time the Niners had a single QB for most of the year was 2019. An out-for-an-extended-period-of-time situation is far more common for QBs. The Niners need two QB1s, if they can afford them and have them on roster...like Bill Walsh did with Montana & Young. BTW, they provide great motivation for each other. Don't know if you recall, but the Niners went 3-6 the year after they won their first Super Bowl. They lost in the conference championship in 1983, won the Super Bowl after 1984 season, then went 10-6 and lost in the wild card after 1985, then they lost in the divisional series after 1986. That was it for Eddie D. in his eyes, they had two Super Bowls and six other years of failure at the hands of one Mr. Joe Montana. In 1986, Joe's quarterback rating had bottomed out at 80.7 for the season.

Eddie and Bill Walsh decide to bring in Steve Young, five years younger than Montana, with tools that Montana couldn't touch. And presto...with the competition from go in training camp, Joe has his best quarterback rating, increasing to 102.1. Two years later, he would have a career high of 112. They lost in the division series in 1988, but then won two consecutive Super Bowls, and Montana won his two NFL MVP awards.

Incidentally, the Niners wouldn't have even been in the 1988 playoffs, if it hadn't been for this highly improbably run by Steve Young:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbPwwmEcws0

[Giants]

Trey Lance to the Titans??

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/20...n-carthon/

I don't think this happens, even if the 49ers wanted it to happen, unless the Titans are willing to give up three first round picks and a third-round pick, chiefly because it would be a dead money disaster if the Niners were to trade Trey Lance at this time.

The Niners realize that you need two great QBs. The last time the Niners had a single QB for most of the year was 2019. An out-for-an-extended-period-of-time situation is far more common for QBs. The Niners need two QB1s, if they can afford them and have them on roster...like Bill Walsh did with Montana & Young. BTW, they provide great motivation for each other. Don't know if you recall, but the Niners went 3-6 the year after they won their first Super Bowl. They lost in the conference championship in 1983, won the Super Bowl after 1984 season, then went 10-6 and lost in the wild card after 1985, then they lost in the divisional series after 1986.  That was it for Eddie D. in his eyes, they had two Super Bowls and six other years of failure at the hands of one Mr. Joe Montana. In 1986, Joe's quarterback rating had bottomed out at 80.7 for the season.

Eddie and Bill Walsh decide to bring in Steve Young, five years younger than Montana, with tools that Montana couldn't touch. And presto...with the competition from go in training camp, Joe  has his best quarterback rating, increasing to 102.1. Two years later, he would have a career high of 112. They lost in the division series in 1988, but then won two consecutive Super Bowls, and Montana won his two NFL MVP awards.

Incidentally, the Niners wouldn't have even been in the 1988 playoffs, if it hadn't been for this highly improbably run by Steve Young:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbPwwmEcws0

One of Phogge’s top efforts…

[Giants]

Trey Lance to the Titans??

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/20...n-carthon/

I don't think this happens, even if the 49ers wanted it to happen, unless the Titans are willing to give up three first round picks and a third-round pick, chiefly because it would be a dead money disaster if the Niners were to trade Trey Lance at this time.

The Niners realize that you need two great QBs. The last time the Niners had a single QB for most of the year was 2019. An out-for-an-extended-period-of-time situation is far more common for QBs. The Niners need two QB1s, if they can afford them and have them on roster...like Bill Walsh did with Montana & Young. BTW, they provide great motivation for each other. Don't know if you recall, but the Niners went 3-6 the year after they won their first Super Bowl. They lost in the conference championship in 1983, won the Super Bowl after 1984 season, then went 10-6 and lost in the wild card after 1985, then they lost in the divisional series after 1986.  That was it for Eddie D. in his eyes, they had two Super Bowls and six other years of failure at the hands of one Mr. Joe Montana. In 1986, Joe's quarterback rating had bottomed out at 80.7 for the season.

Eddie and Bill Walsh decide to bring in Steve Young, five years younger than Montana, with tools that Montana couldn't touch. And presto...with the competition from go in training camp, Joe  has his best quarterback rating, increasing to 102.1. Two years later, he would have a career high of 112. They lost in the division series in 1988, but then won two consecutive Super Bowls, and Montana won his two NFL MVP awards.

Incidentally, the Niners wouldn't have even been in the 1988 playoffs, if it hadn't been for this highly improbably run by Steve Young:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbPwwmEcws0

One of Phogge’s top efforts…

[lex24]

Trey Lance to the Titans??

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/20...n-carthon/

Trey who?

“Never been embraced”.  Give me a break.  They gave him the job.  Fans were completely behind him.  He got hurt. What were they supposed to do then?  

Garbage article.  He ain’t going anywhere.

[lex24]

Trey Lance to the Titans??

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/20...n-carthon/

Trey who?

“Never been embraced”.  Give me a break.  They gave him the job.  Fans were completely behind him.  He got hurt. What were they supposed to do then?  

Garbage article.  He ain’t going anywhere.

[OutsiderFan]

I was wrong about the number of minority promotion hire draft picks the Niners have had. David Lombardi reported yesterday that the number will be up to 8 3rd round compensatory picks for the Niners, and could be 9 with DeMeco Ryans. At the same time, contrary to fan opinion, the Niners are loaded with draft picks this year, projected to have as many as 11, all 3rd round or lower. This seems to be a deliberate and adroit strategy - and why I never bought into the "it was a mistake to trade all those first round picks for Lance" hysteria heard from so many quarters, nor those crying about trading picks to get CMC "because he's just a RB."

The reality is the Niners don't have the money to spend on first or second round picks due to having so many high-priced players. They need lower round draft picks to be key contributors to keep their best players. How would they have afforded Deebo and soon Bosa if they had to pay two more first round picks and a second?  Now it looks like they will have a starting QB on a 7th round deal, that will make it easier still. They had already budgeted for Bosa, but having a starting QB on a 7th round deal for a few years is a luxury of epic proportions.

The Niners have proven they can draft and develop talent after the second round, so why not trade first and second round picks to get players you feel great about and then draft and develop cheaper second and third day picks? I believe in the NFL the evidence suggests sheer number of picks particularly in rounds 3-5 is a better draft strategy than trying to draft high anyway, because this is from where the bulk of NFL rosters come.

[OutsiderFan]

I was wrong about the number of minority promotion hire draft picks the Niners have had. David Lombardi reported yesterday that the number will be up to 8 3rd round compensatory picks for the Niners, and could be 9 with DeMeco Ryans. At the same time, contrary to fan opinion, the Niners are loaded with draft picks this year, projected to have as many as 11, all 3rd round or lower. This seems to be a deliberate and adroit strategy - and why I never bought into the "it was a mistake to trade all those first round picks for Lance" hysteria heard from so many quarters, nor those crying about trading picks to get CMC "because he's just a RB."

The reality is the Niners don't have the money to spend on first or second round picks due to having so many high-priced players. They need lower round draft picks to be key contributors to keep their best players. How would they have afforded Deebo and soon Bosa if they had to pay two more first round picks and a second?  Now it looks like they will have a starting QB on a 7th round deal, that will make it easier still. They had already budgeted for Bosa, but having a starting QB on a 7th round deal for a few years is a luxury of epic proportions.

The Niners have proven they can draft and develop talent after the second round, so why not trade first and second round picks to get players you feel great about and then draft and develop cheaper second and third day picks? I believe in the NFL the evidence suggests sheer number of picks particularly in rounds 3-5 is a better draft strategy than trying to draft high anyway, because this is from where the bulk of NFL rosters come.

[jonnyss]

Trey Lance to the Titans??

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/20...n-carthon/

I don't think this happens, even if the 49ers wanted it to happen, unless the Titans are willing to give up three first round picks and a third-round pick, chiefly because it would be a dead money disaster if the Niners were to trade Trey Lance at this time.

The Niners realize that you need two great QBs. The last time the Niners had a single QB for most of the year was 2019. An out-for-an-extended-period-of-time situation is far more common for QBs. The Niners need two QB1s, if they can afford them and have them on roster...like Bill Walsh did with Montana & Young. BTW, they provide great motivation for each other. Don't know if you recall, but the Niners went 3-6 the year after they won their first Super Bowl. They lost in the conference championship in 1983, won the Super Bowl after 1984 season, then went 10-6 and lost in the wild card after 1985, then they lost in the divisional series after 1986.  That was it for Eddie D. in his eyes, they had two Super Bowls and six other years of failure at the hands of one Mr. Joe Montana. In 1986, Joe's quarterback rating had bottomed out at 80.7 for the season.

Eddie and Bill Walsh decide to bring in Steve Young, five years younger than Montana, with tools that Montana couldn't touch. And presto...with the competition from go in training camp, Joe  has his best quarterback rating, increasing to 102.1. Two years later, he would have a career high of 112. They lost in the division series in 1988, but then won two consecutive Super Bowls, and Montana won his two NFL MVP awards.

Incidentally, the Niners wouldn't have even been in the 1988 playoffs, if it hadn't been for this highly improbably run by Steve Young:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbPwwmEcws0

the downfield blocking on that run is just great -especially considering that it's initially a pass play.

[jonnyss]

Trey Lance to the Titans??

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/20...n-carthon/

I don't think this happens, even if the 49ers wanted it to happen, unless the Titans are willing to give up three first round picks and a third-round pick, chiefly because it would be a dead money disaster if the Niners were to trade Trey Lance at this time.

The Niners realize that you need two great QBs. The last time the Niners had a single QB for most of the year was 2019. An out-for-an-extended-period-of-time situation is far more common for QBs. The Niners need two QB1s, if they can afford them and have them on roster...like Bill Walsh did with Montana & Young. BTW, they provide great motivation for each other. Don't know if you recall, but the Niners went 3-6 the year after they won their first Super Bowl. They lost in the conference championship in 1983, won the Super Bowl after 1984 season, then went 10-6 and lost in the wild card after 1985, then they lost in the divisional series after 1986.  That was it for Eddie D. in his eyes, they had two Super Bowls and six other years of failure at the hands of one Mr. Joe Montana. In 1986, Joe's quarterback rating had bottomed out at 80.7 for the season.

Eddie and Bill Walsh decide to bring in Steve Young, five years younger than Montana, with tools that Montana couldn't touch. And presto...with the competition from go in training camp, Joe  has his best quarterback rating, increasing to 102.1. Two years later, he would have a career high of 112. They lost in the division series in 1988, but then won two consecutive Super Bowls, and Montana won his two NFL MVP awards.

Incidentally, the Niners wouldn't have even been in the 1988 playoffs, if it hadn't been for this highly improbably run by Steve Young:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbPwwmEcws0

the downfield blocking on that run is just great -especially considering that it's initially a pass play.

[lex24]

Time for the defense to have a performance worthy of the NFLs no 1 defense.  Cowboys present problems with their balance. Pollard and Elliott are an excellent 1-2 punch. Prescott is very good. He’s got a strong arm, is accurate and he’s an underrated runner. The latter being a big concern - Niners struggle with running QBs.  Lamb is a top receiver. Schultz a very underrated TE. This is an excellent offense.

Niners have not had a great 60 minute defense effort in a while.  They will need it to win Sunday. Cause I don’t see the Niners winning a shootout. Bosa was bottled up by Seattle. He’s playing on same field as Parsons. Extra motivation. For both of them. Bosa needs to have a big game.

 This will be, by far, Purdys biggest test.  (It gets old saying that week in week out. But I actually think it’s true this week. Because of the quality of the defense). Cowboys have a strong pass rush, led by the only defensive player in the conversation with Bosa for DPOY.  Purdy is going to have to get the ball out.  I don’t see him beating Parsons and Co by scrambling. Dallas is also opportunistic defensively. They force a lot of turnovers.

To win, Niners need to run effectively and shut down Dallas running game. That and avoid giving up big pass plays.  And of course be at least equal on turnovers.

When both teams play their best game, Niners are better.  But this is close on paper. Very close.

[lex24]

Time for the defense to have a performance worthy of the NFLs no 1 defense.  Cowboys present problems with their balance. Pollard and Elliott are an excellent 1-2 punch. Prescott is very good. He’s got a strong arm, is accurate and he’s an underrated runner. The latter being a big concern - Niners struggle with running QBs.  Lamb is a top receiver. Schultz a very underrated TE. This is an excellent offense.

Niners have not had a great 60 minute defense effort in a while.  They will need it to win Sunday. Cause I don’t see the Niners winning a shootout. Bosa was bottled up by Seattle. He’s playing on same field as Parsons. Extra motivation. For both of them. Bosa needs to have a big game.

 This will be, by far, Purdys biggest test.  (It gets old saying that week in week out. But I actually think it’s true this week. Because of the quality of the defense). Cowboys have a strong pass rush, led by the only defensive player in the conversation with Bosa for DPOY.  Purdy is going to have to get the ball out.  I don’t see him beating Parsons and Co by scrambling. Dallas is also opportunistic defensively. They force a lot of turnovers.

To win, Niners need to run effectively and shut down Dallas running game. That and avoid giving up big pass plays.  And of course be at least equal on turnovers.

When both teams play their best game, Niners are better.  But this is close on paper. Very close.

[OutsiderFan]

After watching four different analysts opine on the All-22 from the Seahawks-Niners, it is clear Brock Purdy has some improving to do, but he is also already very good, and does things that make QBs great. He makes excellent reads and decisions. He is decisive and quick. It looks like most of his improvement will be anticipating things more, and trusting his protection to climb the pocket and throw downfield. He drifts and retreats a bit too much.

There is this idea floating around amongst football geeks that the best way to stop the Niners is to play a 4-man front and man coverage behind it, like the Saints did when they held the Niners to a 13-0 win. The All-22 video makes clear the Seahawks tried this approach and still failed miserably at it because, and I know this might shock some people, Brock Purdy is better than Jimmy Garoppolo. Purdy's feet and ability to throw off platform are the difference. Jimmy G must have his feet firmly planted and set to make an accurate throw and he can't avoid pressure to re-set. Purdy can not only throw accurately with his feet set, he can escape and re-set, throw accurately on the run, and also can pick up first downs running against man coverage.

Shanahan also unleashed a play that is borderline unfair.  The first play of the 4th quarter 33 yard strike to Jennings came off a bootleg action, but instead of being a bootleg, Purdy stopped and threw from what was effectively a rollout. He has an uncanny ability to keep track of what is in front of him even after he turns his back to it. After seeing this play, and all the bootlegs off fake tosses that look like outside zone, I don't know how a defense can stop this offense if Purdy keeps playing so well.

[OutsiderFan]

After watching four different analysts opine on the All-22 from the Seahawks-Niners, it is clear Brock Purdy has some improving to do, but he is also already very good, and does things that make QBs great. He makes excellent reads and decisions. He is decisive and quick. It looks like most of his improvement will be anticipating things more, and trusting his protection to climb the pocket and throw downfield. He drifts and retreats a bit too much.

There is this idea floating around amongst football geeks that the best way to stop the Niners is to play a 4-man front and man coverage behind it, like the Saints did when they held the Niners to a 13-0 win. The All-22 video makes clear the Seahawks tried this approach and still failed miserably at it because, and I know this might shock some people, Brock Purdy is better than Jimmy Garoppolo. Purdy's feet and ability to throw off platform are the difference. Jimmy G must have his feet firmly planted and set to make an accurate throw and he can't avoid pressure to re-set. Purdy can not only throw accurately with his feet set, he can escape and re-set, throw accurately on the run, and also can pick up first downs running against man coverage.

Shanahan also unleashed a play that is borderline unfair.  The first play of the 4th quarter 33 yard strike to Jennings came off a bootleg action, but instead of being a bootleg, Purdy stopped and threw from what was effectively a rollout. He has an uncanny ability to keep track of what is in front of him even after he turns his back to it. After seeing this play, and all the bootlegs off fake tosses that look like outside zone, I don't know how a defense can stop this offense if Purdy keeps playing so well.

[Mick]

Trey Lance to the Titans??

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/20...n-carthon/

I don't think this happens, even if the 49ers wanted it to happen, unless the Titans are willing to give up three first round picks and a third-round pick, chiefly because it would be a dead money disaster if the Niners were to trade Trey Lance at this time.

The Niners realize that you need two great QBs. The last time the Niners had a single QB for most of the year was 2019. An out-for-an-extended-period-of-time situation is far more common for QBs. The Niners need two QB1s, if they can afford them and have them on roster...like Bill Walsh did with Montana & Young. BTW, they provide great motivation for each other. Don't know if you recall, but the Niners went 3-6 the year after they won their first Super Bowl. They lost in the conference championship in 1983, won the Super Bowl after 1984 season, then went 10-6 and lost in the wild card after 1985, then they lost in the divisional series after 1986.  That was it for Eddie D. in his eyes, they had two Super Bowls and six other years of failure at the hands of one Mr. Joe Montana. In 1986, Joe's quarterback rating had bottomed out at 80.7 for the season.

Eddie and Bill Walsh decide to bring in Steve Young, five years younger than Montana, with tools that Montana couldn't touch. And presto...with the competition from go in training camp, Joe  has his best quarterback rating, increasing to 102.1. Two years later, he would have a career high of 112. They lost in the division series in 1988, but then won two consecutive Super Bowls, and Montana won his two NFL MVP awards.

Incidentally, the Niners wouldn't have even been in the 1988 playoffs, if it hadn't been for this highly improbably run by Steve Young:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbPwwmEcws0

the downfield blocking on that run is just great -especially considering that it's initially a pass play.

Breaking seven would-be tackles was pretty entertaining as well...

[Mick]

Trey Lance to the Titans??

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/20...n-carthon/

I don't think this happens, even if the 49ers wanted it to happen, unless the Titans are willing to give up three first round picks and a third-round pick, chiefly because it would be a dead money disaster if the Niners were to trade Trey Lance at this time.

The Niners realize that you need two great QBs. The last time the Niners had a single QB for most of the year was 2019. An out-for-an-extended-period-of-time situation is far more common for QBs. The Niners need two QB1s, if they can afford them and have them on roster...like Bill Walsh did with Montana & Young. BTW, they provide great motivation for each other. Don't know if you recall, but the Niners went 3-6 the year after they won their first Super Bowl. They lost in the conference championship in 1983, won the Super Bowl after 1984 season, then went 10-6 and lost in the wild card after 1985, then they lost in the divisional series after 1986.  That was it for Eddie D. in his eyes, they had two Super Bowls and six other years of failure at the hands of one Mr. Joe Montana. In 1986, Joe's quarterback rating had bottomed out at 80.7 for the season.

Eddie and Bill Walsh decide to bring in Steve Young, five years younger than Montana, with tools that Montana couldn't touch. And presto...with the competition from go in training camp, Joe  has his best quarterback rating, increasing to 102.1. Two years later, he would have a career high of 112. They lost in the division series in 1988, but then won two consecutive Super Bowls, and Montana won his two NFL MVP awards.

Incidentally, the Niners wouldn't have even been in the 1988 playoffs, if it hadn't been for this highly improbably run by Steve Young:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbPwwmEcws0

the downfield blocking on that run is just great -especially considering that it's initially a pass play.

Breaking seven would-be tackles was pretty entertaining as well...

[OutsiderFan]

"Brock Purdy is even better than you think."

This is not only a fact, but demonstrated by this truly fantastic analysis of what makes it so. Even if you are a Brock Believer™, this video will wow you. As someone who has been calling for Purdy to play since sitting at Levi's during the Chiefs debacle, was impressed by what I saw in his limited action, and who has not been skeptical about him as some have been, even I can say he is better than I thought after watching this video. It's one of the best such analysis videos I've ever seen.

Whether you doubt Purdy, want to believe but remain unconvinced, or are in love already, this video will leave you with one thought: Brock Purdy is well on his way to being a Top 5 NFL QB.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzgjFPzb9sA

[OutsiderFan]

"Brock Purdy is even better than you think."

This is not only a fact, but demonstrated by this truly fantastic analysis of what makes it so. Even if you are a Brock Believer™, this video will wow you. As someone who has been calling for Purdy to play since sitting at Levi's during the Chiefs debacle, was impressed by what I saw in his limited action, and who has not been skeptical about him as some have been, even I can say he is better than I thought after watching this video. It's one of the best such analysis videos I've ever seen.

Whether you doubt Purdy, want to believe but remain unconvinced, or are in love already, this video will leave you with one thought: Brock Purdy is well on his way to being a Top 5 NFL QB.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzgjFPzb9sA

[newguy]

Patrick Mahomes has just sustained an injury to his right ankle.
if i were Andy Reid, i would let Henne finish the game, and if they lose, then they lose.
imo it's not worth it to risk the career of a rare talent.

---

aaaand the guy who fell on Mahomes' ankle gets flagged for roughing the passer against Henne.

[newguy]

Patrick Mahomes has just sustained an injury to his right ankle.
if i were Andy Reid, i would let Henne finish the game, and if they lose, then they lose.
imo it's not worth it to risk the career of a rare talent.

---

aaaand the guy who fell on Mahomes' ankle gets flagged for roughing the passer against Henne.