The Half-Saks (Midseason Report) November 13, 2007
Posted by Todd in : Uncategorized , 1 comment so farThe 2007 NFL season has reached the midway point and that means it is time to point out some of the best and worst through 9 weeks. The Half-Saks are going to be awarded for outstanding achievement in NFL, and in case you were wondering, the honor is named after me, not Lance Armstrong. Before I hand out the Half-Saks, some thoughts on how 2007 has played out:
- The Patriots are the best NFL team I have ever seen. They are making other teams look foolish on a consistent basis, they have sound fundamentals in every aspect of the game, they have better coaches prepare better game plans, and they finally have superior talent than every other team in the league. Despite winning 3 Super Bowls since 2001, the Pats have only sent 8 different position players to the Pro Bowl (Brady, Brown, Seymour, Law, Bruschi, Dillon, Milloy, and McGinest) and only 3 offensive players. Now they have the talent and are executing at a level I have never seen. Even the Walsh and Montana-led 49ers could not hang with this team statistically. I know that the Pats are “running it up”, but I am of the opinion that if the defenses cannot stop you, why not go for it? The 2007 Patriots have a chance to put up numbers that will never be touched, and when future generations look back and see that this team threw 60 TD passes and averaged 40 points a game, we will say “I remember those guys, and damn were they fun to watch.”
- Brady has cemented himself as the premier QB in the league, and the case can no longer be made 
for Peyton. After the 5 INTs Buckethead Manning threw against the Chargers, analysts were making excuses by saying “He was without Harrison and Dallas Clark”. WELCOME TO BRADY’S WORLD!!!
My WRs are finally as good as my women
Tom has been saddled with the likes of Deion Branch, Jabar Gaffney, Christian Fauria, Reche Caldwell, Troy Brown, David Patten, and David Givens during his time in
New England, and that was when everyone was healthy!. Now Brady is getting a chance to throw to an outstanding group and he is showing what he can do. I know that Moss has made some incredible circus catches this season, but the majority of Brady’s TDs have been a result of precise throws that allow his WRs to not break stride and gain yards after the catch. Also, Brady is incredibly consistent. I cannot imagine a 5 INT game from the Patriots’ passer, and he rarely has a bad series, let along a sub-par half. Peyton, get ready to see a lot of your records fall this season…but don’t worry, your mark for most commercial appearances is amongst the 56 game hit streak and Cy Young’s win record as the most untouchable in sports.
- Speaking of Manning family, I didn’t see the Archie “the ultimate coattail rider” very much this weekend. I am sure it had nothing to do with his sons both getting their butts handed to them. 
Let’s take a look at Archie’s career stats. 50 more career INTs than TDs? I am starting to see where Eli gets it from, and why is Archie so revered?
We don’t have a cow. We have a bull.
- This season will be remembered for the Pats, but 2007 might also mark the low point of QB play in the history of the league. Who in their right mind would pay $100 for a ticket to watch Kyle Boller, Joey Harrington, Tim Rattay, David Carr, Cleo Lemon, Brooks Bollinger, Josh McCown, Gus Frerotte, Sage Rosenfels, or Quinn Gray start for their team? Scouts have been putting athleticism and arms strength above QB intellect, mechanics, passing skills, and leadership for too long and it is finally catching up to them. Kyle Boller, JP Losman, Alex Smith, David Carr, Jay Cutler, and Jason Campbell would all blow Drew Brees and Tom Brady out of the water in a combine exhibition. It is time scouts stop measuring a player on his ability to jump high or run fast and start looking at competitiveness, work ethic, the ability to win, leadership, and coachability as the most important qualities in a quarterback. Of course, it helps if a guy has a good arm or can run fast, but often times guys who lack the superior physical skills don’t get the opportunity to stay on a teams long enough to prove themselves…ahem…ahem.
Onto the Half-Saks:
WORST TEAM
The Dolphins won this award last spring when they drafted Ted Ginn and signed Trent Green. Ginn was flawed as a return man and a very unpolished WR and Green was coming off a horrific head injury and hadn’t had a good season in years. Now Ginn is invisible, the defense is getting old and lacks playmakers, and Green’s career is over. This team is going to get blown up in the offseason and they are going to build around John Beck? The lack of a long term strategy has killed this franchise since Marino left, and this year is another example.
Runners up
Rams - what team would be good after losing its starting QB, LT, RB, and top WR?
49ers – Alex Smith would be fighting for a roster spot if he wasn’t the first overall pick
BEST ROOKIES
Adrian Peterson is the obvious choice on offense with his record breaking performance against the 
Chargers. He is an incredible combo of speed, strength, hands, and vision. Already over 1,000yds on the season and the only reason Vikings fans would still show up. Beside the QB, can you name 2 other starters on offense or 5 on the roster? Get healthy young man, not just for my fantasy chances, but for the sanity of people who have to live in -10 degree weather.
Whatchu Talkin Bout?
LB Patrick Willis has been the best playmaker on the 49ers entire roster, and is leading the NFL in tackles. I went to the season opener and he was all over the field blowing people up. He is trusted with calling the signals as a rookie and his coach, Mike Singletary, has incredible praise for the young man. He is one of the few bright spots SF fans have had this season and could be a Ray Lewis type defensive leader (minus the accessory to murder).
Runner up
Joe Thomas – the Browns offense has been great this year, and he is a big reason why
Marshawn Lynch – looks like a player the Bills franchise can build around.
WORST ROOKIES
Ted Ginn – see above
JaMarcus Russell – he really must underwhelm the coaching staff in meetings or at practice if he can’t beat out Josh McCown on a team that is going nowhere.
Jarvis Moss – hasn’t helped a Broncos defense that gets destroyed on the ground.
SECOND BEST COACH
Belichik is the best coach right now, but how about the Mike McCarthy-led Packers turning this season 
into a fairy tale for
Green Bay and Favre fans? The coach has Brett playing like he did in his MVP days, the defense is stout and making plays when it counts, and it is a team that has stopped beating itself with bad penalties and poor execution.
OK Brett, give me Spread Right Run Around and Throw a 40yd Bullet for a TD…on Two on Two
There were no big offseason moves, which means this is basically the same team that finished 8-8, but McCarthy is doing something right and it is showing on the field as the 8-1 Packers are atop the NFC North.
Runners up
Rod Marinelli – able to overcome Matt Millen’s mistakes
Gruden – working Rich Gannon-like magic with Jeff Garcia
Wade Philips – offensive coordinator Jason Garrett receives most of the credit for the Cowboys’ success
WORST FATHER OF THE YEAR
I have a tremendous amount of respect for what Andy Reid has been able to accomplish during his tenure as the leader of the Eagles, but the failure with his family is unfortunately going to loom over his success on the field. As we have all heard by now, his sons were referred to by an area judge as turning Andy’s house into a “drug emporium” and they have been caught with guns, hollow point bullets, cocaine, OxyCotin, heroin, and marijuana. I can’t imagine what Reid is going through right now, but I do know that the problem with his sons needs more attention that the approximately 8-12 hours a week he can give them while being a full time NFL coach. 
Runner Up
Travis Henry having his kids draw straws to see who gets moeny for school clothes
Travis Henry – the Broncos RB has 9 kids with 9 women and is forced to pay child support for 7 of them. He also tested positive for smoking grass which led to a suspension and will keep him from earning the money to pay for his kids.
TMVP
Brady is the easy choice for MVP, Favre is the Second Most Valuable Player, but the Third MVP goes to Ben Roethlisberger. He is having an outstanding statistical season, but he is showing a different level of QB play this year. He is healthy, confident, and making some throws that only a couple of guys can make. As opposed to the Super Bowl team from two years ago, the offense is counted on to get the ball down the field and score points rather than control it on the ground and rely on the defense. Big Ben has moved into the elite QB category and he makes that Steelers team much scarier for opposing defenses.
Runners Up
Romo – the team doesn’t need him to play well to win, as evident with his 5 INTs against the Bills. Plus, he was seen with Britney Spears, and I am keeping the Half-Saks at least 2 degrees of separation away from that horrible human.
Randy Moss – the most dangerous player in the game from 4 years ago is back because he wants to be. He is a threat to score every play and even double teams have been ineffective.
Sorry for the long layoff between entries and I will try to be as regular as my cubicle neighbor who makes a bee-line for the bathroom at 7:45am sharp every morning. I am looking forward to the Patriots making a run at an undefeated season and sticking it to that bitterman Don Shula. How awesome would it be for the Pats to win 19 and the Dolphins to win 0? Those accomplishments would be worth of a Full-Sak, which will be given out at the end of the season. There are a ton of scenarios that are yet to be played out and questions to be answered: can the Pack make a Super Bowl run? Are the Browns for real? Will Brian Billick stop being referred to as a good coach? Will the 49ers score 2 TDs in a game? I can’t wait to see how the second half plays out.
Golden Nuggets: Seattle Lattes will be Needed to Stay Awake on Monday Night… November 12, 2007
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[Quick syndication note: this is the 11th of several weekly installments that I’m contributing to Fantasy Insights, throughout the NFL Season. A big thank you to Shawn McCullough for allowing us to syndicate to our site.]
It’s a little difficult for a team that was supposed to be bettered considerably this season, to look back at itself and realize that it has regressed. The phone lines on sports talk shows are saturated with irate 49er Faithful not comprehending that their team has slipped after improving itself considerably in the off season; following a 7-9 campaign. The whole regime has come into question; starting with its fearless leader, Mike Nolan. The suit-donning coach has always had enough chutzpah and bravado to assume the reigns of an NFL team. But the question is now: can he keep them?
Let’s face it; he grew up with a father in his household that set the example in the realm. Sheer obtuseness would have been to blame had he not taken up after his Old Man. But, naturally, cognitive osmosis took over, and Nolan came in to Stalag 49 with a little pep in his step. He brought a different attitude; a new flair. He was going to be the one that was going to change everything, and restore this franchise to respectability. He came in with bold, broad-sweeping statements. And most, including penny-pinching Owner Dr. York forked over the greenbacks and the keys to the whole enterprise. Player-personnel decisions were to go through him. He was the new sheriff in town. And you; as either a member of the media, a fan, or a player was going to know that from the get-go…
3 years later, the honeymoon is over. The heightened expectations from 2006 have created room for disappointment from a recent NFL doormat. The offensive line is falling apart due to injury. The protégé quarterback is showing signs of regressing (although I’ve been blaming a lack of flashes of brilliance since his inception in this league); making most Niner fans wish that Aaron Rodgers had been drafted in 2005, instead of rotting on the bench behind a graying gunslinger named Brett Favre. San Francisco misses Norv Turner, both as a creative play-caller and patient quarterback mentor; while he’s being blamed as a head coach in America’s Finest City after having taken over a 14-2 team from Schottenheimer and already doubled their loss total of 2006 with a .500 record of 4-4.
All of this leaves Mike Nolan a little clueless. His initial charisma has worn off. He loses patience with the media; blaming them for “bringing down” his team with their negativity. In adversity, we’re starting to notice that Coach Nolan doesn’t quite have the silver tongue that we’ve grown accustomed to from Niner coaches and executives (Walsh, Seifert, and Policy immediately come to mind). When put on the defensive, he reacts with verbal counterattacks, instead of defusing criticism by sprinkling in sense of humor. So much so, that the general sentiment in this town has moved from having Jim Hostler as our only scapegoat, to blaming Nolan vociferously for his lack of crisis management. Such is 49er situation these days…
In what will be the snoozer on Monday Night Football (that would even put the energetic Mickey Mouse to sleep), Tony Kornheiser will be the star of the show; as he will be asked to entertain and liven up a broadcast to keep the few viewers that will have even tuned in. Listen for many character stories interwoven throughout the broadcast. We’ll learn more about each player than we ever thought on a primetime football broadcast. ESPN’s research and production staff (I was going to say their writing staff; but suddenly remembered that they must be picketing somewhere in TinselTown) have their work cut out for them in the days leading up to the game. Despite his controversial comments about Theismann, ABC/ESPN is so desperate, they may well think about bringing Kimmel back to the proceedings…
While most Americans will be raking leaves in their backyards or performing other assorted household chores, San Francisco travels north to Qwest Field, to take on the struggling Seahawks. Seattle is leading the division with a .500 record at 4-4, in an unimpressive NFC West. You tell me there’s a bright side even in that Pacific Northwest fog? San Francisco is two games back in the division, with an opportunity to climb back into it with a win on Monday night? Don’t kid yourself, it won’t happen. So don’t get your hopes up. For that matter, don’t bother watching the game, even if some of its protagonists are on your fantasy team. This match-up may set a record for lowest ever ratings on Monday Night Football; even in its state as a declining television institution…
In the game that no one will watch, the Seahawks prey upon the hapless Niners…
Final score: 23-13.
INJURIES
1) Frank Gore: listed as “Questionable”
The Santa Rosa Press-Democrat tells us that Gore was limited in practice Thursday due to his lingering ankle injury. He is listed as questionable for Sunday. Stay tuned to injury reports as Sunday approaches…
Mike Nolan remains hopeful that his star running back will be able to start against the Seahawks on Monday Night Football.
2) Jonas Jennings: on IR
Jennings has been placed on IR by the 49ers. Adam Snyder will pick up where he left off, at left tackle; protecting Alex Smith’s blind side.
3) Justin Smiley: listed as “Out”
The Niner right guard dislocated his right shoulder in the 1st quarter of last Sunday’s 20-16 loss at the talons of the Falcons. A meeting with Dr. James Andrews on Wednesday confirmed that Smiley was going to need season-ending shoulder surgery. David Baas will fill-in at right guard.
4) Darrell Jackson: listed as “Probable”
The Associated Press reports that Jackson went through an entire practice on Thursday; which bodes well for Jackson returning from his quadriceps injury. Watch for him to start on Sunday against the Falcons.
QUARTERBACKS
Alex Smith: Against the Falcons, last week, Smith was more than mediocre. He was shown to be a sub-par QB in the National Football League. His 17-for-38, 149 yard, 3 INT performance certainly didn’t quite impress opposing defensive coordinators. (Seattle’s #25 ranking in pass defense won’t matter as) you compound Smith’s mediocrity with the fact that his already-injured offensive line is falling apart at its seams, and you’re going to get yourself a similarly poor performance against a different breed of bird.
Week 10 Prediction: 200 yards, 2 INTs, 25 yards scurrying
RUNNINGBACKS
Frank Gore: Mike Nolan tells us that his workhorse will be back this Sunday in Seattle. Despite his gimp leg, expect Nolan to force-feed Gore the ball time and time again, as he will be looking to inject some semblance of stability in an offensive squad that has struggled to score as many touchdowns as Randy Moss this season. With Julian Peterson anchoring the middle of their defense, the ‘Hawks rank far better against the run (13th); allowing an average of 102 yards per contest.
Week 10 Prediction: 33 carries for 110 yards & 1 TD rushing, 30 yards receiving
WIDE RECEIVERS
Darrell Jackson: His 2 receptions for 21 yards against the Dirty Birds last week don’t give us much hope is his capacities at producing a lot for any Fantasy Owner. If you’ve had this guy throughout the year because you thought he was going to be a true #1 for San Francisco, boy do I pity you…
Week 10 Prediction: 3 receptions, 33 yards
Arnaz Battle: Battle has been the only wide receiver on this squad to have shown anything consistent this Season. His 273 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns for this campaign thus far don’t quite scare anybody. But when it comes to tough catches over the middle, this wideout will stick his neck out for you. His 4 receptions for 35 yards are awfully close to what I had predicted for his game against Falcons. I’m going to try to remain as close with the following prediction:
Week 10 Prediction: 5 receptions, 45 yards
Ashley Lelie: After two games with contributions, Lelie decided to revert back to his old pure self. His minimalist receiving condition has been well-documented on this column. Watch for nothingness from this human being…
Week 10 Prediction: 0 receptions, 0 total yards
Bryan Gilmore: Last week, the Gilmour Girls had more receptions on the WB than Brian did in the Georgia Dome. With Darrell Jackson back in the lineup, and San Francisco’s pass offense in such disarray, watch for more of the same against Seattle…
Week 10 Prediction: 0 receptions, 0 yards
TIGHT ENDS
Vernon Davis: 7 receptions for 77 yards marked another good day for Davis at the tight end position. Expect more of the game plan to be woven for him; as he’s gaining the confidence of his offensive coordinator at this point.
Week 10 Prediction: 8 reception, 90 yards
PLACE KICKER
Joe Nedney: Now that he’s got a lighter wallet, the Niner kicker seems more focused at getting his job done. In the clinical atmosphere of the Georgia Dome, Nedney was able to nail three field goals, with a long of 49. His surroundings couldn’t be more different on Monday night, as he’ll be kicking in the humid, heavy air of the Pacific Northwest.
Week 10 Prediction: 2 FGs, with one from Pioneer Square (50+ yards).
DEFENSE
49ers Defense: Despite what Bryant Young and other defensive leaders have been telling us publicly over the past few weeks, San Francisco’s defense has grown wary of their offense’s ineptitude. They must be telling themselves privately that, were they just a mediocre attack, as opposed to a putrid one, they would be winning a lot of ballgames and may well be leading in the NFC West at this point. Instead, they feel like they’ve got to carry their jockstrap, each and every contest. Wouldn’t you grow tired of that, in the tenth week of the regular season?
We’ll see you next week, as we continue to pan for gold within the 49ers roster…
Golden Nuggets: San Francisco to Draw a Blank… November 12, 2007
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[Quick syndication note: this is the 10th of several weekly installments that I’m contributing to Fantasy Insights, throughout the NFL Season. A big thank you to Shawn McCullough for allowing us to syndicate to our site.]
The week, the general topic on talk radio airwaves in the Bay Area has been the deflation of all expectations for the Gold Miners. Having been the sexy pick to take the NFC West by many NFL pundits, in the off-season, many a Faithful had been drinking the Kool-Aid that Mike Nolan had been peddling early on… Even those that had ingested most of the sweet liquid have started to sour on San Francisco’s offensive woes. They’ve got a battered quarterback in Alex Smith, an offensive line that can’t pass protect, a running back wit a gimp leg, and receivers that are—for the most part—incapable of creating separation from opposing secondary. Apart from that, everything is hunky dory on that side of the pigskin. The young stout defense is getting frustrated at the offensive ineptness, and is starting to allow more points than its talent level…
This past Sunday, two 2-4 teams looking to reestablish themselves butted heads at Monster Park. The end result: an idea that each squad was going in opposite directions. An injured San Francisco is realizing that they have to get back to the drawing board on many facets of their game. After an off season spending spree, the 49ers find themselves at the same record through 7 games —2-5—that saw them finish 7-9 last season. While the Saints are finding some of the swagger—rebounding from an 0-4 start to within one game of the NFC South lead at 3-4—that took them deep into to the NFC Championship game last season.
Despite what Tony Dungy has tried to have us believe, over the past few days, leading up to what Chris Berman’s called “Super Bowl 41 ½”, Las Vegas is usually right in setting its lines (at least initially). Although one may think that the 49ers are supposed to get healthy against a poor 1-6 Falcons squad in the Peach State, Sin City has decided to make San Francisco a 3 point underdog in this affair. The 3-pointer is what Oscar Goodman’s city usually awards a team for playing at home. This means that, if these two teams played on a neutral site (the Super Bowl, being certainly foreseeable this year, for example 
) they would be exactly even. With that in mind, when you look at these two teams statistically, you notice that Atlanta ranks a little bit better on both sides of the football. When studying their respective strengths of schedule, you see that the Falcons edge out the Niners. Look for Atlanta to take this one, in a nail-biter, as San Francisco will the one drawing a Blank for most of the afternoon. The Falcons will sharpen their talons on the 49ers’ fools gold: San Francisco 17, Atlanta 20.
INJURIES
1) Alex Smith: listed as “Probable”
X-rays taken on Smith’s shoulder early this week turned up negative reports the Santa Rosa Democrat reports. Does that mean that Smith won’t be bothered by his shoulder this coming Sunday? Certainly not… We’ll be shown more shots of him grabbing at his arm every pass attempt…
2) Frank Gore: listed as “Questionable”
The San Jose Mercury tells us that Gore practiced on a limited basis only on Thursday. His starting on Sunday still remains up in the air…
3) Jonas Jennings: listed as “Questionable”
The Oakland Tribune alerts us that it appears unlikely that Jennings will start on Sunday against the Falcons, due to his ankle injury. It does not bode well for Smith’s blind side; and his injured shoulder.
4) Darrell Jackson: listed as “Probable”
The Associated Press reports that Jackson went through an entire practice on Thursday; which bodes well for Jackson returning from his quadriceps injury. Watch for him to start on Sunday against the Falcons.
QUARTERBACKS
Alex Smith: This quarterback’s right shoulder keeps giving him fits, as Fox was pointing out during the telecast this past Sunday. Despite the negative diagnosis on the X-rays, expect Smith to continue to struggle. He will be taking hits from the blindside, as his starting left tackle Jonas Jennings looks like he won’t be starting against the Falcons. Take this as a prediction that I haven’t been shy to put out, either in writing these pieces or on the radio airwaves from our Show: San Francisco will be left looking for a franchise quarterback in the off season.
Week 9 Prediction: 225 yards, 2 INTs, 15 yards scurrying
RUNNINGBACKS
Frank Gore: Gore is still hurting, and it will continue to show against the Dirty Birds. Last week, the workhorse running back only put up 41 yards on 12 carries. This type of low performance will continue on Sunday, as Nolan will both hesitate to wear out his back, and also fail in loosening up the defense with long pass plays. Keep in mind that Atlanta’s rush defense ranks 23rd in the NFL, allowing 126.4 yard per game. I just don’t know that Gore and his hogs up front, will be able to capitalize on that, in general…
Week 9 Prediction: 20 carries for 60 yards & 1 TD rushing, 20 yards receiving the pigskin
WIDE RECEIVERS
Darrell Jackson: the criticism for San Francisco’s wideouts is that they haven’t been able to create separation down the field with opposing defensive backs. If you caught them in a private moment, they may well tell you that the problem has been with Smith not finding them when they are able to demarcate themselves from the defense. Jackson is coming back from injury, and show more rust than the Eiffel Tour in Paris…
Week 9 Prediction: 3 receptions, 40 yards
Arnaz Battle: Battle has moved into the leading role when it comes to the wide receiver position for San Francisco, in Jackson’s absence. This past Sunday, he put up 22 yards receiving on 2 receptions. Not quite the stellar outing. Expect the same kind of production to continue from Battle, until the Niners figure themselves out on offense…
Week 9 Prediction: 3 receptions, 35 yards
Ashley Lelie: Lelie has started showing up in the box score; which is good news for the Niners. In the early portion of the season, he was walking away from the locker room with a game check each and every week, but nothing to show for it. Talk about a lack of a return on an investment… Last Sunday—for the second straight week—Lelie has decided to show up with 3 receptions for 20 yards. Expect to see him appear again, with his usually meager numbers…
Week 9 Prediction: 3 receptions, 25 total yards
Bryan Gilmore: Gilmore has started to develop into a Niner not-so-deep threat with his speed and agility in the open field. Against the Saints, he gave us 3 receptions for 23 yards. You can anticipate the same type of numbers against the Falcons this Sunday.
Week 9 Prediction: 3 receptions, 25 yards
TIGHT ENDS
Vernon Davis: Last week, coming off his injury, I had predicted a meager output for the athletic tight end, and he proved me wrong with his best production this season (6 receptions, 71 yards, and 1 TD). Vernon, thus far, has largely been overrated; underachieving for his Adonis physique and athleticism. Might this well a new beginning for the Niner tight end? Let’s hope so. Watch for Davis to continue to on this positive trend, and put up good numbers against the Atlanta secondary…
Week 9 Prediction: 7 reception, 80 yards, 1 TD
PLACE KICKER
Joe Nedney: Speaking of Dirty Birds, being a little lighter in the wallet—and thus in the fanny—this week should make for longer field goals by Nedney. To those that haven’t followed this story, Nedney was fined $7,500 by the league office on Wednesday for an obscene gesture directed at his own home fans on Sunday, after he kicked off out of bounds. “It was the culmination of a frustrating day for me,” Nedney told us. “Rather than taking a deep breath and counting to 10, I heard something that rubbed me the wrong way at the wrong time, and I made a mistake.” If your kicker flipping off his own fans doesn’t show the level of frustration, when it comes to this football team, I don’t know what does…
The Georgia Dome has seen its fair share of long and milestone field goals, over the years (most of them from Morten Andersen), as its clinical indoor atmosphere provides for an ideal kicking environment.
Week 9 Prediction: 1 FG from the Buckhead District (50+ yards).
DEFENSE
49ers Defense: There’s a new dynamic in San Francisco: the defense’s frustration over the lack of (run) support provided by their offensive counterparts. Their morale has certainly been affected. And it will continue to be throughout the season. Yes, the Falcons aren’t quite the offensive stalwarts—ranking 30th in the NFL—but they will manage to wear out a defense that will be spending a lot of time on the field. Gore’s ankle injury certainly won’t help the already struggling running game. Look for San Francisco to allow more points than what their talent should; as they will be, in the end, worn out by Atlanta’s defense.
We’ll see you next week, as we continue to pan for gold within the 49ers roster…
