Flying High

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It was a great day for the 49ers as they were able to hang on for a 25-20 win against the Baltimore Ravens and snap their 4 game losing streak.

The Good

  • The offense moved the ball well.  Overall, it was nice to see the big plays to Aquan Boldin, Torrey Smith, Quinton Patton, and yes, even Bruce Miller.
  • Though Carlos Hyde was slowed with a foot injury, the offensive line played well overall, with Andrew Tiller getting a positive PFF rating and logging more snaps than Jordan Devey.
  • Colin Kaepernick has looked much more comfortable under center and made some very good throws.
  • The defense did just enough to win. They did get some pressure and forced an interception.
  • Phil Dawson is still a great kicker

The Bad

  • Center Marcus Martin is still looking like a backup rather than a starter. The Niners really need Daniel Kilgore back in the lineup.
  • Injuries will be tough to deal with this week. A lot of the offensive line is hurt, as is Hyde and Boldin. All will likely play, but it’s unknown as to how much they’ll be affected.
  • Consistency. While everything worked out, if the Niners are going to win Thursday against Seattle, they need a complete game from everyone. This team, especially the defense, is not consistent and it shows every week.

Going forward

  • Vernon Davis and Reggie Bush look like they will be back in the lineup, which will hopefully help. 
  • NaVorro Bowman played in all 77 snaps and looks like he’s starting to turn the corner on being all the way back
  • Seattle has problems all over the place on their team, but they still appear to be able to likely win on Thursday. It will be interesting to see if Carroll is losing the team or if they have just lost close games to good teams.

49ers vs Giants Preview

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After the offensive performance by the offense last week, the 49ers are looking to rebound this Sunday Night against the New York Giants.

Both teams aren’t playing very good, but the Giants are doing enough to maintain a .500 record and due to the ugliness that is the NFC East, the Giants can finish 9-7 and they will have a reasonable chance at winning their division.

While the Giants don’t have a great offensive line and have their issues on defense, the 49ers have a lot more problems they need to correct.

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49ers vs Packers Preview

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It’s Packers Week, but it doesn’t have the same ring to it as it had a couple of years ago.

Currently, the San Francisco 49ers are reeling and many have already thrown in the towel for the 2015 season. It is still to early for that, but there are serious concerns as to whether or not the Niners can right the ship and still be competitive.

When the Packers have the ball

The 49ers have had their share of problems on defense, but they’ll be put to an even bigger test this week as they face Aaron Rodgers.

The Packers do have injury problems. Right Tackle Bryan Bulaga is out and his replacement, Don Barclay, is average at best.

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49ers vs Cardinals Preview

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The first game against a division opponent is here. Sunday’s matchup will feature your San Francisco 49ers traveling to Arizona to take on the Cardinals

Preview

It will be a very difficult matchup first because of it being on the road. Arizona is a tough place to play, and also because Head Coach Bruce Arians is one of the best in the game.

Here are the keys to the 49ers winning the game on both sides of the ball:

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The Niners are Alive and Well!

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(UPDATE: Listen here for the 49ers Edition of The Grueling Truth Podcast with myself, former 49er Dexter Carter and special guest 49er beat writer Ryan Sakamoto)

While the media and many fans figured the San Francisco 49ers were headed for a 4-12 season, the Niners ignored everything and showed everyone that they’re not going away.

The first quarter didn’t go very well, despite a good opening drive. The blocked field goal and the Jarryd Hayne fumble definitely gave fans the feeling like maybe all the media predictions were going to end up to be true.

Nobody told Navorro Bowman and the defense. All they did was go out and completely shut Minnesota down in every way. Adrian Peterson was held to 31 yards on 10 carries. Teddy Bridgewater was under pressure much of the day and only converted one 3rd down conversion. It would be the defense that set the tone and gave the offense time to adjust and settle down.

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