After a three game losing streak, this weekend’s home game against the Titans presents the Niners with a very good opportunity to stop the bleeding and get back on track.
It’s going to be a battle of the forgotten top first rounders, Alex Smith and Vince Young, who have returned from the dead to give their respective teams some energy in the last couple of weeks. The Titans won their first game of the season last week with Young under center. And while they’re physically different, they play similar games and have experienced similar struggles and criticisms throughout their young careers. That said, I’m sure both would love to go back to college.
Since the Niners game plan is quite predictable, run with Frank Gore, the Niners must pass the ball. This will require Alex Smith to do more, but with talented receivers at his disposal, he can and should perform. After attempting twice as many of passes than runs last week, Coach Sing and offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye must trust Alex enough to open it up again against one of the worst pass defenses in the league. Although, they might need to if the Titans come out and focus entirely on Gore.
VY on the other hand will be expected to do much less. He has the NFL’s leading rusher, Chris Henry, and will most likely give it to him, especially with inept receivers on the outside. The Niners defense is stingy on the run though and must force Young to pass the ball. Screens to Johnson and letting VY convert with his feet on 3rd down could kill the Niners, but strong play from outside linebackers Parys Haralson and Manny Lawson can stop this threat. They’ve both been absent the last few weeks and will need to play at their highest level to contain Chris Johnson.
Ultimately, Juan and I believe both teams will take the run away and force each others quarterback to make plays. The team who can stop the run effectively and disrupt the quarterback will give themselves the best chance to win. VY is a bit of a headcase, much like Juan, and will struggle passing the ball for big yardage. I’d rather have Alex Smith and the 49ers receiving corps in this match up any day. Hopefully, the 49er offensive line will step up and protect Smith…
That said, Juan thinks the Niners and Titans are very similar teams, with similar personnel, but that the Niners edge them out in most skill positions and have a defense fast enough to keep up with Vince Young… So, what’s the score?
You don’t want to give it? Why?
Sure, you’ve been off recently, but don’t worry about it. It’s not like you’ve been putting money down on these games… You have?
$15,000 down! With the Russian mafia? Get out of my house… You can’t even pay for groceries and you live on my couch for free. Now you’ve got all this money to gamble?
The Russians after Juan...
Hold on… What’s your call? I need it…
24-13, Niners win. Great pick, Juan.
Now get out before these Russians knock me off because I’m associated with you. And pay me after you pay them. I want my rent and money for food…
I don’t want to hear it. Leave and make that money…
I don’t know how… You’re 71, figure it out.
