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San Francisco at Arizona (10/29/2012)

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Captain

Joined: Dec, 2008

Posts: 5051

Posted: Oct. 29, 2012 - 12:13 PM ET #26

So much talk about San Francisco not being as great as last season. Sad news is they're not. The '9 ers recorded a record number of turnovers in their 13-3 season. Unfortunately, such occurances as TO's cannot be replicated from year to year. I decided here to play the total:

OVER 38

0

Captain

Joined: Dec, 2008

Posts: 5051

Posted: Oct. 29, 2012 - 12:40 PM ET #27

Quote Originally Posted by Sammy_Ace:

At first glance, this number seems way too big. The 49ers offense hasn't looked the same since the Gmen came into town and completely shut them down. I feel that their offense is still a work in progress, and is struggling to find an identity. I think they should stop bringing in Kaepernick, and just find a more creative way to get Vernon Davis the damn ball (last week he had 0 targets). It is quite evident that Alex Smith doesn't like coming on and off the field during a drive.

That being said, this 49er team certainly has an identity on defense, and this matchup against the Cardinals is a huge mismatch. Arizona does not have the personnel to run the ball on this 49er front 7. They also have a quarterback in Skelton who has yet to find his groove this season (he has only started 2 games). Good luck finding your groove against this 49er defense. Arizona must use the short passing game to keep themselves out of third and longs because running the ball on that front 7 will be challenging to say the least.

What I found interesting is that Arizona's defense has been very effective against Alex Smith (sacking him 6 times in their previous matchup). Last time these teams played at Arizona, the Cardinals won 21-19 despite turning the ball over 3 times (the 49ers didn't turn the ball over). That is certainly a sign of strength if I've ever seen one. Skelton was also able to connect with Larry Fitz 7 times for a 150 yards and a TD.

Given that this a divisional game and that Zona hasn't won a game since week 4, I would say take the points on the Cards as they are going to be extra motivated to end this 3-game losing streak BUT, keep in mind the following:

Jim Harbaugh is a heck of a coach and he had extra time to prepare for this game because they were the thursday night game last week. Also, I group Harbaugh into the disciplinarian/scary type of coach. The 49ers are going into the bye next week, and I imagine this young 49er team is fearing a brutal week of practice if they lose.

I would also pay attention to the status of Darnell Docket who is listed as questionable. If he's not playing or not healthy, that could mean a big day for Frank Gore.

Sorry for all those who went down in flames with me on Green Bay, the Eagles, and the Chiefs. I will never take the Chiefs again. At least I got the Panthers and Gmen right. Good luck, I'm ending my week at 2-3.

Sorry Sammy- Couldn't get back to you on the GB comment you made to me. Was out of town. I think, as well as others, that your game writeups and analysis are great. They are very instructive and we all can gain great insights. Long analysis, and reams of stats ,is not what I'm about . I've been bashed for my glib comments, and self promoting style. But I'm not about style, but substance. For me I carefully research and handicap each game I post. I stand behind each selection. But I don't play them all. I play mostly pro football, and I specialize in finding and playing "live" underdogs. Of course, I don't stand alone, as I learn & share with many of my best friends on Covers, whom all are excellent cappers. Fortunately, I also consult with a family member, who runs bets in Vegas, as well as having a friend ,whom is a professional. So you had an "off" week- we all do. Keep it up & G/L!