What Colin Kaepernick Should Say

This isn't a big story nationally yet but the San Francisco media is fed up with 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick. See Kaepernick has a bit of Bill Belichick in him when he's being interrogated interviewed in press conferences after games and during the week. Well this has the San Francisco media peeved. Scott Ostler says, "Kaepernick bites the hand that feeds", like Kaepernick is only successful because of the media. Noted pot stirrer Lowell Cohn says, "It's time for Kaepernick to open up to the media and fans". About what Kaepernick is suppose to open up to, I have no idea.

Well since I'm always here to help, I thought I'd give Kaepernick some advice about "opening up" and suggesting what he should say to the San Francisco media during press conferences.

To Scott Ostler, "Thank you for the question Scott. And yes the media is the hand that feeds me. I'd prefer if folks would bring me something a little more healthier but I know you media folks don't eat anything healthy so this pizza and beer are fine."

To Lowell Cohn, "Well you see Lowell why I hardly say anything to you is because you're a mean son of a bitch. I saw you wrote a column calling Pablo Sandoval a "fatso" so I'm a little more guarded around you because you're quite mean with a keyboard. By the way Lowell, I see your kid is in charge of Niners coverage for the Santa Rose Press Democrat. At least that newspaper doesn't have a nepotism problem or anything."

To Ann Killion, "Yes, thank you for the question Ms Killion. By the way that's a lovely blouse you have on I'll have to get one for my mother for Christmas. As for your question Ms Killion I'm not as polished with the media like Russell Wilson because frankly I don't care what you or the New York Times thinks about me. I mean I guess I can give you insincere answers but what's the point?"

To Mark Purdy, "Who are you again?"

To Tim Kawakami, "You're the guy that was yelled at by Al Davis' flunky after Mr. Davis fired Lane Kiffin via projector, right?"

To Ray Ratto, "Thank you for the question Ray. By the way I should say in front of all you that Ray is the best columnist in this group. His sarcasm and wit are a must read for myself and the rest of you should learn how to write like Ray. As for your question Ray, well yes I hate these questions with a passion because here's the truth about the media. You can't win with them. What's the point in talking to the media if you can't win? I could be charming like Alex Smith and still be ripped for winning or losing (like he was). I could be charming like Russell Wilson and still be thought of as a phony (which I'm sure some people out there do think he's phony). So why should I open up? I have only one responsibility is to this organization and that's winning. That's the only thing this team cares about and that's what the fans care about.

You see that's the difference between the media and fans. The media doesn't care if I lose or win games. You care if I'm interesting. Fans and the team care if I win or lose. They don't care if I'm interesting or not. Look at Buster Posey. What do people really know about him? Hardly anything and the fans and the San Francisco Giants love him. So I ask again why do I need to open up? Why do I need to say more than a few words to press conference questions? For the media can take a quote to either rip or love me? I don't care what the media thinks of me.

Thank you all for coming today, I'm out."

Why I'm Both Nervous and Optimistic About the Niners

With Super Bowl week winding down and every pre-Super Bowl story line beaten into the ground it's finally time to concentrate on the actual game. Right now I'm not as nervous like when the Giants played in the World Series in 2010 and 2012. Still though I have reasons to be nervous but also have reasons to be optimistic.

Nervous

The Pass Rush- Football Outsiders says don't worry about the pass rush or Joe Flacco throwing down the field. I'm still nervous though. Yes as FO said the Niners are excellent at preventing teams from moving the ball on first down. Still though they need a pass rush and they need Aldon Smith to get at least one sack and a half in this game. Without a pass rush my biggest fear is that Flacco will destroy the secondary with long passes to Torrey Smith.

David Akers- Once again a smart football writer says "don't be worried", this case it's Bill Barnwell, but I'm still nervous about Akers. I'm not worried about Akers screwing up a kickoff or an extra point or even a field goal within 30 yards. It's the long kicks that have me worried. It's the kicks that could give the Niners a lead or extend the lead that worry me. Akers has plenty of distance on his kicks, it's been the accuracy. He's pushed the kicks to the left and this scares the shit out of me. I hope he can redeem himself in the Super Bowl, but I'm not confident about it.

Ed Dickson- He destroys Northern California teams. End of story.

kt1000's Q&A with Me About the Niners

Kris answered my questions yesterday so it's time for me to answer his questions today regarding the Super Bowl.

Q. Is the Bay Area becoming the new Boston in terms of teams making championship runs? Who right now is more popular-the Niners or the Giants?

A. That means the Warriors and Sharks would have to win a championship for the Bay Area to become the new "Boston". And I seriously doubt that either team wins a championship this year although you're never sure about a lockout shortened year in the NHL.

I will say this the Giants have definitely become the "new Red Sox" not in terms of going on a spending spree in free agency but by the non-stop marketing they do for that team. The pink hats have been replaced with Panda and Giraffe hats. 'Sweet Caroline' has been replaced by Journey's 'Lights'. It's quite disgusting really.

As far as who is most popular, the Giants or the 49ers? I would still have to go with the 49ers. Even when the Niners were bad they still sold out Candlestick. The Giants meanwhile either have to be good or have Barry Bonds chase a record to draw fans. I remember when after Bonds broke the career home run record which happened in early August, that ballpark became emptied. I mean they barely had 20,000 fans in that park after the record was broken because the team was so bad. There was hardly a moment when Candlestick wasn't at least close to being sold out when the Niners were bad. So the Niners will always hold the people's attention over the Giants.

Q. Is Jim Harbaugh the new Bill Belichick?

A. It's still too early to tell. With Belichick you get the impression he has his hands on everything except offensive play-calling. Belichick picks the players and comes up with the defensive schemes. While Harbaugh has gotten to chose a few players for the team (Randy Moss as an example) I don't get the feeling he's making the final choice on all the personnel decisions. Also I'm not really sure how much of the offensive scheme he's come up with? I'm not sure if the Pistol was his idea or Roman's? So I can't call him the new Belichick until I can confirm he makes the personnel decisions and creates the offensive schemes.

Q. Which 49ers player makes you cringe everytime you see him on the field? 

A. This has become a running joke at the Cantina but it's Delanie Walker. Walker is one of those guys who can't help but cringe when the ball is thrown to him because he's catches about 50 percent of the balls thrown to him. There wasn't one game in the playoffs this year or a game all year where Walker was thrown to and he flat dropped the ball. Even grosser he's been targeted more than Davis when Kaepernick became the starter.

Q&A With Ravens Fan Kris Thompson

My Internet friend Kris Thompson (kt1000) is a huge Baltimore Ravens fan. And I'm a huge San Francisco 49ers fan. Our teams are playing in the Super Bowl. So we're going to ask each other questions about our respective teams. Enjoy.

Q. What's been the most annoying local news story on the Ravens leading up to the Super Bowl?

A. I could definitely do without the stories on New Orleans travel tips. I believe it’s all a plot from BIG TOURISM to remind all of us in Baltimore how awesome New Orleans is and how Baltimore blows. I just want to remind them that “The Wire” is far superior to “Treme,” even if I would trade for Creole and Cajun food in a heartbeat.

Q. What's been the most annoying national story line on the Super Bowl? The Harbaugh brothers? Ray Lewis's character being dissected?

A. At this point, the whole “Is Joe Flacco elite?” story line makes me want to claw my eyes out. Flacco suffers from the fact he isn’t smooth in front of the cameras & just looks like kind of a goof. I mean, has anyone ever been successful with a unibrow?

Q. What are Ravens fans thoughts on John Harbaugh? Do they believe he's a good coach or a great coach? And what are his coaching strengths and weaknesses?

A.Obviously most fans at this point love the guy. I don’t believe his strength lies in X and O scheming. First, he’s embraced technology. The Ravens are at the forefront of the technology revolution in the NFL, from advanced metrics, to putting their playbooks on iPads. More importantly, you can easily tell that Harbaugh absolutely loves on the field competition. But it was more than just coaching–it was clear his passion was leading from the heart and serving as a role-model and mentor to his players. Harbaugh is caring, and passionate about football–and by the smile on his face when he talks about his players, you could tell he really loves them. He has no visible ego, a wonderful sense of humor, and repeatedly pokes fun at himself and his own weaknesses. It’s obvious the players love & respect him & it filters down to the way they stand by each other in the tough times. This also leads to his weakness: he is over-loyal to his assistants & players he likes (most people believe Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti played a huge role in firing Cam Cameron) & stubborn to a fault. Once a player lands in his Chateau Bowwow, it takes a long time for them to escape it. He also takes after his mentor Andy Reid in ridiculous challenges that have no hope of succeeding.

We'll Also Hear About This For The Next 2 Weeks

In yesterday's post of Super Bowl story lines that will annoy the public I knew I would miss a couple of story lines. For instance the Blind Side guy Michael Oher. Here's another story I missed that I'm sure will be told roughly a million times in the coming weeks, Ray Lewis' first sack victim was Jim Harbaugh. CBS Sports is the first website to beat this drum.

But there is one piece of beautiful irony that has been overlooked, something so delightfully full circle. Lewis' first career sack, in 1996, was of San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh. At the time Harbaugh was quarterback of the Indianapolis Colts and Lewis was playing in just his sixth career game.

It's truly amazing that, of Lewis' 41.5 sack victims, he'd meet his first in his final game, a Super Bowl. For his part, Harbaugh was asked about being Lewis' first victim earlier this month, and he said he didn't find out until recently, when his father told him.

"No, I didn't know that. ... My dad called me up and said he was in Baltimore and some of the writers there had mentioned it to him," Harbaugh said.

"My legend grows. Ray Lewis' first sack."

Oh that Jim Harbaugh, what a crack up. 

This will be another one of those story lines that will drive us nuts for two weeks. DID YOU KNOW RAY LEWIS' FIRST SACK WAS AGAINST JIM HARBAUGH? Ugh these two weeks can't go by fast enough.

Reasons Why I'm Worried About the Niners

Beginning of this week I was confident in the 49ers heading into the championship game against Atlanta. They looked great against Green Bay, Kaepernick looked super human while Aaron Rodgers looked like any other quarterback. As the week has dragged on though I've started to worried about Niners. Here are my reasons why I'm worried about them:

The Betting Line: I know I should have more confidence in Vegas. Bookies know more about sports than the people who participate in them. Still though I'm worried the Niners are a +3 favorite on the road against this season's best team. Being favored always leads to my next reason to worry.

Hawks Motivation: One of my big knocks on sabermetric writers is that they take for granted the psychological aspect of the game. In a perfect world, yeah everything would play out just like the numbers. One problem though is that you're dealing with real humans and not a lab experiment. Motivation is something that can't be computed and that's why the betting line scares me. The Hawks can play the "us against the world" angle. Now does that work for the entire game or portion of the game? I'm not sure but everyone needs a little motivation and that betting line is motivation enough for the Hawks.

Momentum Won't Be A Factor: As Bill Barnwell stated this morning momentum won't be a factor. As he stated and I watched all year the Niners would crush teams (Bills, Jets, Bears, Packers) and then lose big (Seahawks, Giants). The Niners beating the Packers last week and the "momentum" from that victory won't matter here. Ditto for the Falcons after their sneaky victory over the Seahawks.

Story Time With Cris

After listening to Cris Collinsworth slobber all over Tom Brady last night I imagined him reading a story to children called "The Book of Tom Brady". Here's that story:

"Hello children let me tell you the greatest story every told. One that you won't believe and will tell your own children one day. It's the story of Tom Brady.

In the beginning when Tom Brady created the heavens and earth he said, "let there be light!" And then there was light.

And then Tom Brady created the light and dark days. And Tom Brady would then decide to lose games at night because he was feeling charitable.

And then Tom Brady created the sky. You have always wondered why the sky is blue? Well the sky is blue because it's Tom's favorite color to go along with his Ugg boots.

And then Tom Brady created the seas for his private yacht. That yacht by the way you will never be allowed on because you're a weakling. You hear me? a weakling!

On the fourth day Tom Brady created mornings for him to drink expensive coffee with his no ass supermodel wife. And then he created the nights to make babies to populate the world with his genius and good looks.

On the fifth day Tom Brady created human life. Or mankind as you would know it. So you can thank Mr. Brady for creating your wonderful. And while you're thanking him, kiss his feet because you're human waste and he's the greatest of all time.

Tom Brady blessed human kind and said, "You're all weaker than me but go on and live your miserable lives. I'll be here on top of a mountain making love to my wife every day in Ugg boots. And if I hear one vile comment on my boots, I will smite you with lightning." He really is a great guy.

On the sixth day Tom Brady will blow a snot rocket while the rest of the stadium is mourning the loss of innocent children in a senseless slaying. Because deep down children just get in his way to the Ugg store.

On seventh day Tom Brady said everyone should rest. "Watch as I play and then lose in Super Bowls to Eli Manning. Don't worry though everyone will forget about these losses and still think I'm better than Joe Montana which I'm not because Montana would have never lost to Eli Manning."

And that is the greatest story ever told children."

/the children look on horrified

THE END

Donovan McNabb Isn't Alone

Full disclosure: I watched the 49ers give up 14 points in the Rams in the first quarter before even scoring themselves before I went out to the movies and dinner. (I watched the new James Bond movie Skyfall which I thought was OK as a movie) When I got out of the theater (that movie was way too long) and was waiting for a table at the restaurant I looked at my phone for the 49ers score. When I looked at the score I couldn't believe my eyes. The Rams-49ers game ended in a tie. This is the first tie since the infamous Bengals-Eagles game where Donovan McNabb didn't know a game could end in a tie. Well good ole Donovan isn't alone anymore.

49ers safety Dashon Goldson didn't know a football game could end in a tie,"I've never heard of a tie in football," Goldson said. "Where's everybody going? Did somebody quit? Forfeit?" That's a Washington education for you. (Kidding) That would be funny if a game was over because someone quit or forfeit the game with a white flag. Kinda like the "Thriller in Manila" with Joe Frazier's trainer stopping the fight.

So the 49ers game ended in a tie and I didn't see it because I was watching James Bond and then Dashon Goldson joined the Donovan McNabb club of not knowing the OT rules. Terrific! Oh and DeMarcus Cousins was also suspended yesterday for confronting Spurs broadcaster Sean Elliot. Weird day in the Northern California sports scene.

(Quote via CSN Bay Area)

Bookies Love Jim Harbaugh This Morning

Confession: I despise gambling on sports and laugh at people who do and then lose money on games. There's something so unappealing to me about gambling on sports. I'd rather go out for a nice dinner instead of gambling on a game. My reason, sports are too unpredictable. Something fluky can happen in a game that can destroy your bet and there goes all your money. Example of a fluky situation swinging a gambling line, last night's Seattle-San Francisco game.

With the 49ers leading 13-6 with the game coming to the end, a chop block penalty was called on Seattle in the end zone. That would result in a safety to give the 49ers a 15-6 lead and push the spread past 7 points. Harbaugh fearing an onside kick or a fumbled kickoff return, Harbaugh declined the safety and took the ball for a kneel down (The chop block happened on a 4th down and Seattle didn't reach it past the first down marker). And that's where Harbaugh goes right into the doghouse for a lot of gambling degenerates. Via RJ Bell of Pregame.com:

What did the safety mean for bettors?

An estimated 65% of the money bet on the game backed San Francisco;
with 35% of the money backing Seattle.

Overall, it’s safe to say that Coach Harbaugh’s unconventional decision
resulted in a $75 Million dollar swing worldwide
with the Bettors overall losing that amount (due to 65% of action on 49ers)
and the Bookies overall winning that amount.

Breakdown:
49ers -7 had money refunded (but would have won with the safety)
49ers -7.5 or -8 lost (but would have won with the safety)
Seahawks +7 had money refunded (but would have lost with the safety)
Seahawks +7.5 or +8 won (but would have lost with the safety)

Hold on for a second, HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA (BREATHES) HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

You gambling degenerates reaped what you sowed. Don't bet money on sports games. They're too unpredictable and something fluky like what happened last night can happen that swings the line. Gamble that money on the slot machines or blackjack. Or something even smarter, don't gamble at all and just enjoy life instead of blowing your money on gambling.

/gets off high horse

(Via Deadspin)

Jim Harbaugh's Love Letter To Alex Smith

After some digging and the news that Peyton Manning will sign with the Denver Broncos, KSJ has found the love letter Jim Harbaugh wrote for Alex Smith.

Dear Alex,

This is Jim Harbaugh. You know the guy who would pound his fists into your shoulder pads before every game. Anyway I just wanted to let you know you're still my number 1 Alex.

This whole flirtation with Peyton Manning didn't mean anything. I just needed a break with you. It was all on me though and has nothing to do with you. I love how you can't throw a screen to a receiver. I love how I piss my pants every time you're behind center and it's 3rd and long. I love how you're basically Tim Tebow but only faster. Speaking of Tebow, he has been totally screwed by Denver right? Maybe I should see if he's available err if he needs some consoling.

I also want to let you know that I did not flirt with Matt Flynn. Sure I would have liked to sign Flynn to that friendly contract Seattle gave him, but I was too busy petting Manning's neck scars. And that's the truth, I only cheated on you with one QB.

Also I don't think you want to sign with the Dolphins. South Beach is a disgusting place filled with tramps and whores and I'm just talking about the Miami Heat. HeyYo! No seriously you don't want to go to Miami. I was there last year and their owner is crazier than that three tit woman from Total Recall. You also wouldn't like that division. I can already picture you pooping yourself against the Patriots and Jets. At least in the terrible NFC West your lawn darts don't look as bad.

So why don't you come back to San Francisco, Alex. I bought that diamond ring Kobe gave to Vanessa at a Los Angeles pawn shop just for you. I want to see you throwing lawn darts in Candlestick. This Peyton Manning thing meant nothing Alex. I honestly mean that. (Harbaugh is crossing his fingers behind his back)

Love & Wolverines
James Harbaugh

Playing With House Money

You've got to know when to hold 'em
Know when to fold 'em
Know when to walk away
Know when to run
You never count your money
When you're sittin' at the table
There'll be time enough for countin'
When the dealin's done- The great Kenny Rogers

Living in California and close proximity to Reno, I've spent a fair enough amount of time in a casino. Whether it was a Indian casino or a casino in Reno/Las Vegas.  I'm not a card player because I don't like poker and I can't play Blackjack because I can't count fast enough. I'm like an old lady and just play the slots.

Now I'm not a big money gambler. I'll usually put about $100 dollars in the machine and start playing. If I hit a jackpot it's usually for $80 dollars, not much, but considered a success for me because I don't gamble large amounts of money. That $80 dollars is the house money and I'm just trying to extend that dollar amount.

And that's where I get in trouble. Instead of just walking away satisfied with my earnings I keep gambling with the house money. The allure of a bigger pool of earnings is too tough to fight. And that's where the house wins. I keep gambling and losing money. Eventually that $180 dollars I eventually had all of a sudden becomes $80 dollars. And yet I still can't walk away. I lost $100 dollars and yet still playing and keep losing. Eventually I'm down to 50 cents and can't play any longer, the house won.

It's always dangerous playing with house money. The allure of a bigger pool of money keeps you playing and maybe you get lucky and actually beat the house, extend the pool, and get to take home a lot more money than you started gambling with. Most times than not though, the house always wins.

Sports in a lot of ways is like gambling. Teams play with house money. Some of them lose and some of them win. They obviously can't walk away because the end prize is too big to just walk away from.

I can't think of any other sport than baseball where you see teams playing with house money who usually will win. I don't know why baseball is the sport where you see teams beating the house but just look at the past 15 World Series champions and you'll see 7 teams broke the house: 97 Marlins, 01 Diamondbacks, 03 Marlins, 04 Red Sox, 06 Cardinals, 2010 Giants, and 2011 Cardinals.

The 97 Marlins won despite always playing on the edge. The 01 Diamondbacks won despite Byung-Hyun Kim betting more money than he had. The 03 Marlins beat the house twice before reaching the World Series because of Jose Cruz Jr and Bartman. The 04 Red Sox beat the house by coming back against the Yankees. The 06 Cardinals were given the house by the Tigers pitchers. The 2010 Giants beat the house with help from Brooks Conrad. And the 2011 Cardinals destroyed the house and sent pit bosses home crying.

:(

20-17 Giants. I'm too bitter, sad, and angry to even talk right now and my hands are shaking so bad I can barely type. It was a fun season that came to a very bitter end tonight. GO SHARKS!

Full of Confidence

Unlike last week, I'm full of confidence for the Niners game. I was at ease last week, just happy to see the Niners in the playoffs again. Nothing like a good dose of VD (see what I did there?) to change my expectations in one week.

This week though I'm full of confidence. All week I keep hearing about how the football Giants will beat the 49ers. From analysts like Ross Tucker, to writers like Chris Burke, to Jim Rome, everyone seems to be picking the Giants. That's what I want. I want everyone to pick the Giants. I want my team to be the underdog despite playing at home. I love the "us vs world" mentality. Here are the other reasons why I'm confident this weekend about the 49ers.

Special Teams: The 49ers have one of the best special teams in the NFL if not the best. Andy Lee and David Akers are both All-Pros and when healthy Tedd Ginn is one of the better return men in the league. The Giants on the other hand are mediocre on special teams and were knocked out of the playoffs last year because of their special teams. Now the weather could definitely neutralize the Niners special teams, but even with the weather looking bad the Niners special teams could play a huge role on Sunday.

Weather: The weather will be a huge factor. There's only a 40% chance of rain on Sunday in San Francisco, but it rained yesterday and is suppose to stay wet for the next week. No matter what happens on Sunday the field is going to be a mess. The field itself is below sea level and retains water and is also natural grass. The field is going to be a mess on Sunday. I don't care what kind of cleats the Giants receivers put on, they're still going to slip and slide in the field.

49ers Already Beat The Giants: Everyone keeps talking about how will the 49ers cover the Giants three receivers. Well they already covered them once and won. Sorry if I don't buy into the notion that this is a different Giants team. They aren't. The defensive line is the same, the receivers are the same, Eli was the Quarterback that day. The Niners have already beat all of them once before.

Turnovers: The Niners were the best team this year at creating turnovers. They forced 5 turnovers from the Saints last Saturday. Eli will definitely throw at least one interception in this game. The 49ers will also force at least one fumble in this game. And in a game this big, one turnover could be huge.

I'm not predicting a 49ers victory although I'm confident they'll win. I'm just stating a few reasons why I'm confident the 49ers have a chance to win on Sunday. No matter what I believe this game will be close and whoever has the ball last will probably win. Whatever happens it should be a fun game.

49ers vs Giants, Next Sunday

If you told me at the beginning of the NFL season the 49ers would be hosting the NFC championship game I would have said you're crazy. Well it's reality. The 49ers will host the New York Giants in the NFC Championship game next Sunday. This will be the first playoff game between these two teams since the amazing 2002 Wild Card game and the first NFC championship game between these two teams since 1991. I'm going to be nervous as hell all week but it should be fun. I'll have more on the game in the coming week.

Until then, GO NINERS!

Why I'm At Ease For The 49ers Game

The San Francisco 49ers play the New Orleans Saints this weekend at Candlestick Park and I'm at complete ease. Normally I would be nervous if my team is playing in the playoffs. Worrying they might lose despite being higher ranked or someone gets seriously hurt during the playoffs changing the course of the franchise. Those are the wounds I still carry from Sharks and Kings playoff losses. Chris Webber blowing out his knee against Dallas still haunts me and the Sacramento Kings.

For whatever reason though I'm not worried by this for the 49ers. Yes they're the highest ranked team in the game and could be embarrassed and have key players who could get hurt. I'm not worrying about that though and here's why.

I'm Just Happy To Be There: The last time I was just happy to see one of my teams in the playoffs, the San Francisco Giants, they won the championship. Now obviously the MLB playoffs are much different than the NFL playoffs. One mistake and the 49ers could lose. The Giants could make up for a mistake in a 5 or 7 game series (See: Rick Ankiel Home Run in the NLDS).

I'm just happy the 49ers are in the playoffs. They haven't played this late in the season since Terrell Owens played for them. Think for a minute how many teams Owens has played for since leaving the 49ers? So it's been a long time since the 49ers played in the playoffs and I'm just happy they're there.

The Power Outage at Candlestick Was One Big Conspiracy According to Ryan Clark

Let's get some facts straight first. Candlestick Park opened in 1960 as a baseball only ballpark. The 49ers moved to Candlestick in the early 1970's. Candlestick Park was a dump in the 1960's when the park was brand new and that hasn't changed in 50 years. The Park was built on a wind swept point on the cheap. It's a dump and everyone knows this.

The Giants fled the point for the China Basin over ten years ago. The 49ers are on the verge themselves on getting the hell out of Candlestick Point. The stadium is old and falling apart. This is clear. Now let's clear the air on this, the 49ers didn't purposely break the power breakers to prove that they need a new stadium. The cracks in the cement on the concourses are proof and 40 degree weather in the middle of summer are enough that the 49ers need a new stadium. Just don't tell this to Pittsburgh Steelers corner Ryan Clark.

“I just feel like San Francisco took a big stage to show the NFL and to show the state of California that they needed a new stadium. I think it was a very strategic move and Candlestick may be no more very soon,” Ryan Clark said.

Read the news every once in a while Ryan. I'm sure you were in San Francisco the day before Monday's game. The Santa Clara stadium news is all over the newspapers in the Bay Area lately. But don't let facts get in the way of your conspiracy theory. I'm sure Mr. Clark you also believe Apollo 11 didn't actually land on the moon but was actually shot in a movie studio in Hollywood.

Now James Farrior on the other hand has a reasonable conspiracy theory that I do actually buy.

“This is an old place,” Steelers linebacker James Farrior said, “or they didn’t pay their light bill.”

I buy this because I know how cheap the York family is. There was an legend during the last days of the Steve Mariucci days that the coaching staff had to ask a secretary for pens and paper because Dr. John York was monitoring if office supplies were being wasted and for he didn't have to spend money on them.

Also I love how the NFL would have moved this game to the Oakland Coliseum if there was another power outage. Because you know moving from one dump to another would totally be fine. It's not like there's a perfectly capable college stadium where the 49ers have played before after Candlestick was damaged by the 89 earthquake where these two teams could have finished the game.

(Via Niners Insider)

It Feels So Damn Good

Eight long years the San Francisco 49ers were dormant. I was in the 8th grade the last time the 49ers made the playoffs. The wait is finally over as the 49ers clinched the NFC West yesterday and a birth in the playoffs. The 49ers can even clinch the 2nd seed and a Wild Card bye if they don't lose another game and New Orleans losses. I'm not going to get ahead of myself though just yet. I'm just going to celebrate the fact the 49ers are finally back in the playoffs.

Ted Ginn Jr. Get's Knocked Back To Ohio State

The 49ers won again on Sunday. It was an ugly win which saw the normally perfect David Akers miss three field goals, two of which were blocked. The 49ers didn't score a touchdown until the second half of the game. The 49ers still won though and now must go to Baltimore on short notice to play on Thanksgiving night.

Back to Sunday's game. Ted Ginn Jr. returned a punt against the Arizona Cardinals and was absolutely crushed by Stewart Bradley on the return. Watch.



I watched this game with my brother and uncle. All three of us had this reaction when was saw that play, "WHOA!" Thankfully Ginn Jr. got back up because all three of us where laughing at that play because Ginn was crushed.

Enjoying the Game Again

"Just play. Have fun. Enjoy the game."- Michael Jordan 

For 8 long years, I never enjoyed the NFL. How could I? My favorite team, the San Francisco 49ers, were a laughingstock of the league. They had bad general managers, bad players, and even worse coaches. They were a rudderless ship.  So I stopped watching the NFL with the same passion. It drove me to love the college game because I really have no dog that can compete for a national championship in college. 

Now the 49ers are 7-1 on the season and could clinch their division before Thanksgiving. They could even clinch a first round bye in the playoffs. I'm not even sure how to react to this notion. Eight years of losing will do that to you. So at this moment I'm just enjoying the game again. 

I'm enjoying Alex Smith not doing too much and not making mistakes. I'm enjoying Frank Gore run for over 100 yards each week. I'm enjoying Patrick Willis dominate. I'm enjoying watching rookie Aldon Smith pass the rusher. I'm enjoying NaVarro Bowman make his case for all-pro at linebacker. I'm enjoying the 49ers again. 

That's all what I'm doing right now though. I'm just enjoying the game because I just don't believe this team will make the Super Bowl. Alex Smith has been good, but he's not good enough to beat Aaron Rodgers or Drew Brees. He's a game manager and the 49ers aren't exactly the 85 Bears on defense. So no I don't have big expectations for the 49ers in the postseason. And that's how it really should be for 49ers fans. You're just setting yourself up for heartbreak if you're think Super Bowl or bust. 

So sit back and enjoy the 49ers at the moment. Enjoy the winning. Enjoy seeing the 49ers near the top in power rankings. Enjoy the ride. This has been a fun year so far for the 49ers.  

"Just when I thought I was out...they pull me back in."

The famous Al Pacino line in The Godfather, Part 3 "Just when I thought I was out.....they pull me back in" perfectly describes how I'm feeling about the San Francisco 49ers. Why shouldn't I feel excited for the 49ers at the moment? They lead the NFC West by two games, have beaten two east coast teams, came back against the "Dream Team" in Philly and steamrolled the Buccaneers. Alex Smith is actually looking like a first overall draft pick, Frank Gore is doing Frank Gore things, and they're dominating both sides of the line of scrimmage. So why do I have only one foot on the bandwagon?

I'm not fully jumping on the bandwagon yet because the season is still early. Because Alex Smith could revert back to the Alex Smith we've seen for the past six seasons. Because the 49ers are still lead by a rookie coach in Jim Harbaugh. Still I'm straddling the fence. The 49ers have pulled me back in, just when I thought I was out again.

I'm pulled in because they 49ers have the best turnover margin in the league. I'm pulled in because Alex Smith hasn't made any crippling mistakes so far which is more a credit to Harbaugh and the coaches for making it hard for Smith to fail. I'm pulled in because the 49ers actually have a pass rush. I'm pulled in because the 49ers aren't giving up red zone points along with any rushing yards.

Now with all that said, I do not believe the 49ers are in the same class with Green Bay or New Orleans or really anywhere close to those teams. I would still take Rodgers and Brees over Alex Smith in a New York minute. And while the 49ers defense has been really impressive this year, I don't see how they stop either of those offenses. Stranger things have happened in the NFL playoffs, but 49ers just aren't in the same class with the top NFC teams. I do believe they're right there though with any of the NFC East team, the rest of the NFC South and North.

Right now though I'm just going to enjoy watching the 49ers. I'm riding the wave with every other fan on the three-game winning streak. This is the first time in years that I can just sit back and really enjoy the 49ers play football and I'm loving every minute of it. It feels good being a 49ers fan again.