Mostly a snore, but I managed to stay awake throughout this game to the very end and watch the 49ers pull out a win! Even with a victory, I'd like to imagine that the Niners will only continue to improve. Their defense looks stout enough... we'll see how well they do with each new challenge.
Special teams look solid too; it's the offense that I'm concerned about. But time spent working together while incorporating a new system and the game-planning of their (mostly) new coaching staff should see the team improving each and every week. I still have a very good feeling about the Jim Harbaugh-era although it will take some time. Someday I hope that they'll be able to run up the score at will - now wouldn't that be fun?
Next up: the Eagles on the road in Philadelphia.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Thursday, September 22, 2011
in a galaxy far, far away...
Here's a story I sometimes reflect on when I'm living in the past:
I wrote about this woman awhile ago; actually she was a student back at my high school, in the graduating class a year behind mine. She was a gorgeous sex-symbol type that I wasn't alone in thinking should have been a Playboy Playmate. So hot, it was pure folly for me even to think about having a crush on her. Naturally, I never met her, but I sure noticed her.
In a classic case of 'birds of a feather flock together,' at school she frequently walked around with another one of the school's hotties, a girl whose blonde hair complemented her own brunette hair. They just needed a third girl to complete their own set of Charlie's Angels.
After school, I would often find myself in the high school parking lot, hoping to get a ride either from my older brother who participated in track and thus might not be able to accommodate me or an acquaintance who would often be able to. In any case, I can remember standing there and looking for these two girls heading out to the blonde girl's light eggplant-colored Carmen Ghia and watching as they exited the parking lot heading off to what must have been another universe. To me, it was truly the 'unknown universe.'
I wrote about this woman awhile ago; actually she was a student back at my high school, in the graduating class a year behind mine. She was a gorgeous sex-symbol type that I wasn't alone in thinking should have been a Playboy Playmate. So hot, it was pure folly for me even to think about having a crush on her. Naturally, I never met her, but I sure noticed her.
In a classic case of 'birds of a feather flock together,' at school she frequently walked around with another one of the school's hotties, a girl whose blonde hair complemented her own brunette hair. They just needed a third girl to complete their own set of Charlie's Angels.
After school, I would often find myself in the high school parking lot, hoping to get a ride either from my older brother who participated in track and thus might not be able to accommodate me or an acquaintance who would often be able to. In any case, I can remember standing there and looking for these two girls heading out to the blonde girl's light eggplant-colored Carmen Ghia and watching as they exited the parking lot heading off to what must have been another universe. To me, it was truly the 'unknown universe.'
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
all I have to do is mention it
I can't take all the credit, but the website for CSNBayArea has been redesigned! Okay, so I can't take any of the credit. Still, soon after I mentioned how visually unappealing their old website was, it looks much, much better. Now, I won't hesitate to read Matt Maiocco's articles about my beloved 49ers anymore. Nor those of other CSNBayArea reporters. As long as those annoying pop-up online commercials are gone too. Those were getting irritating on the old site, and given how old and slow my computer is, they really tested my patience. All in all, though, exemplary job with the new design... good work!
Monday, September 19, 2011
game 2 - Cowboys vs. 49ers
That could have turned out better.
It's easy before the season to say that the 49ers will go through some growing pains installing a new system, but it's not so easy watching it happen. The Niners had set themselves up for a big win yesterday, but managed to lose the game anyway. Although the Cowboys were beat up and gimpy with all of their injuries, both in players that didn't even suit up for the game as well as players that were hurt during it, they still managed to come up with a victory. Perhaps that shows what having an already installed system can do for a team. A sense of confidence in being able to make the big plays when needed.
There's been a lot of discussion about a decision that Coach Harbaugh made in the 4th quarter – the 49ers had just made a long field goal when they were given a choice of taking the points off of the board and advancing the ball 15 yards due to a Cowboy penalty. Since it was the 4th quarter and the points would give the Niners a 10-point lead, Harbaugh opted to decline the penalty and take the field goal. Now in hindsight, it's natural to say that he should have taken the penalty and taken a shot at maybe scoring a touchdown, or at the very least, take some more time off of the clock by running some plays and making a closer field goal, hence still getting the 3 points.
Kicker David Akers is new to the team, but I trust that he would have made a closer kick. I suppose that there was the possibility of something going wrong, like a turnover... as it was happening, I didn't feel too strongly either way. Yet it gave me the same feeling I get while watching the 'prevent defense.' Even though it might work the majority of the time, that kind of strategy never projects an air of confidence. As I understand it, the Cowboy penalty on that field goal attempt would have placed the ball inside the Cowboy 25-yard line. Given a fresh set of downs, it would have been nice to see the 49ers try for a touchdown while at the same time saying to Akers, we know you can make another field goal anyway. Making another field goal certainly wouldn't have been high-risk.
Given the newness of the 49er roster this season and the new coaching staff and playbook, communication is of utmost importance. And it's clearly showing in two of the most crucial areas of the team: the offensive line and the defensive backfield. One of the reasons football is my favorite of the major sports is the coordination and synchronization necessary in all of the units. It's all about teamwork. The running game needs improvement and so does the passing defense. One blown assignment can change the entire outcome. As the season progresses, I expect that all the adjustments will be ironed out.
And finally, kudos to Tony Romo. Whereas last week he was criticized yet again for playing a good game only to make critical mistakes to lose the game in the end, this time he rallied the team for a comeback victory. With fractured ribs, no less. I'd hate to think that his coming out party was at the expense of the Niners, but this could be the start of something special for him. Still, I'm sick of the Cowboys...
It's easy before the season to say that the 49ers will go through some growing pains installing a new system, but it's not so easy watching it happen. The Niners had set themselves up for a big win yesterday, but managed to lose the game anyway. Although the Cowboys were beat up and gimpy with all of their injuries, both in players that didn't even suit up for the game as well as players that were hurt during it, they still managed to come up with a victory. Perhaps that shows what having an already installed system can do for a team. A sense of confidence in being able to make the big plays when needed.
There's been a lot of discussion about a decision that Coach Harbaugh made in the 4th quarter – the 49ers had just made a long field goal when they were given a choice of taking the points off of the board and advancing the ball 15 yards due to a Cowboy penalty. Since it was the 4th quarter and the points would give the Niners a 10-point lead, Harbaugh opted to decline the penalty and take the field goal. Now in hindsight, it's natural to say that he should have taken the penalty and taken a shot at maybe scoring a touchdown, or at the very least, take some more time off of the clock by running some plays and making a closer field goal, hence still getting the 3 points.
Kicker David Akers is new to the team, but I trust that he would have made a closer kick. I suppose that there was the possibility of something going wrong, like a turnover... as it was happening, I didn't feel too strongly either way. Yet it gave me the same feeling I get while watching the 'prevent defense.' Even though it might work the majority of the time, that kind of strategy never projects an air of confidence. As I understand it, the Cowboy penalty on that field goal attempt would have placed the ball inside the Cowboy 25-yard line. Given a fresh set of downs, it would have been nice to see the 49ers try for a touchdown while at the same time saying to Akers, we know you can make another field goal anyway. Making another field goal certainly wouldn't have been high-risk.
Given the newness of the 49er roster this season and the new coaching staff and playbook, communication is of utmost importance. And it's clearly showing in two of the most crucial areas of the team: the offensive line and the defensive backfield. One of the reasons football is my favorite of the major sports is the coordination and synchronization necessary in all of the units. It's all about teamwork. The running game needs improvement and so does the passing defense. One blown assignment can change the entire outcome. As the season progresses, I expect that all the adjustments will be ironed out.
And finally, kudos to Tony Romo. Whereas last week he was criticized yet again for playing a good game only to make critical mistakes to lose the game in the end, this time he rallied the team for a comeback victory. With fractured ribs, no less. I'd hate to think that his coming out party was at the expense of the Niners, but this could be the start of something special for him. Still, I'm sick of the Cowboys...
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
a fishy baseball team
One of the new stars of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim baseball team is outfielder Mike Trout. When I heard his name earlier this year, I couldn't help but think of other players that would complement his name while playing beside him in the outfield. I remember thinking wasn't there a player named Salmon? Oh yeah, Tim Salmon. Okay that's one... and then right away, I remembered a player named Kevin Bass.
So that's my outfield: Tim Salmon, Mike Trout, and Kevin Bass. I guess I'll have to let them decide who plays left, center, and right. Of course, Salmon and Bass are retired now, but I like to imagine the three of them all playing at the same time.
There is yet another player, currently playing, whose name is Mike Carp (no, really!). He can play the infield.
And what team would they play on? Why the Florida Marlins, of course!
So that's my outfield: Tim Salmon, Mike Trout, and Kevin Bass. I guess I'll have to let them decide who plays left, center, and right. Of course, Salmon and Bass are retired now, but I like to imagine the three of them all playing at the same time.
There is yet another player, currently playing, whose name is Mike Carp (no, really!). He can play the infield.
And what team would they play on? Why the Florida Marlins, of course!
Monday, September 12, 2011
game 1 - Seahawks vs. 49ers
While reading the various articles about the 49ers victory over the Seahawks yesterday, I've made little mental notes to myself about what I would like to mention in today's blog entry... knowing full well that I wouldn't remember most of them. So I'll do some sort of stream of consciousness, which is what most of my thoughts have seemed like lately anyway.
Hmmm... Ted Ginn, Jr.! Most excellent - and I missed watching his big plays in the 4th quarter because of a phone call. A bit of Niner history there, Ginn being the first 49er to run back both a kickoff return and a punt return for touchdowns in the same game. Oh well... I saw most of the game anyway. It was beginning to become a nail-biter after the Niners had built up a 16 - 0 lead. I hadn't realized that it had become a 2 - point game before the first of Ginn's special teams touchdown runs. When I was done with the phone call, I came back to find that the final score was 33 - 17 and my first thought was that the Niner offense had drummed up some points. Special teams points instead? I'll take it!
But I'll take some touchdowns by the offense in future games too! I have to keep reminding myself that installing Harbaugh's version of the West Coast Offense (WCO) will be a process. And has often been mentioned by myself and others over and over again, it was a shortened off-season this year, giving less time for this installation. The play-calling even seemed rather drab and unimaginative at times, but a fully realized WCO will show itself in the weeks and months to come. Besides, since the 49er defense was playing so well, it does seem feasible that they were keeping the offense a bit under wraps for future opponents. Pretty sly isn't it, keeping their cards close to the vest, even now in the regular season?
The defense also seemed to be keeping some secrets. And why not? They were playing quite effectively without having to employ risky blitzes and the like. These can start being unveiled in future games, thus giving future opponents less game film to study up on. Although Seattle is going through their own growing pains with rookies, new players and new coaches and schemes, it was still a well-earned victory for the 49ers.
Alex Smith! I'm no biologist, but maybe he can be seen as a molecule who has spent years waiting for the right catalyst, and that catalyst may well be Jim Harbaugh. How's that? His numbers were pretty modest, but like the rest of the team, maybe over time, the production will get greater and greater. Nothing like going through growing pains while winning at the same time! Next week they'll be tested by going against the Dallas Cowboys.
After Alex Smith ran in for a touchdown then was greeted and hugged by Coach Harbaugh on the sidelines, I imagined Harbaugh saying, "I LOVE you, man!" as they embraced.
Hmmm... Ted Ginn, Jr.! Most excellent - and I missed watching his big plays in the 4th quarter because of a phone call. A bit of Niner history there, Ginn being the first 49er to run back both a kickoff return and a punt return for touchdowns in the same game. Oh well... I saw most of the game anyway. It was beginning to become a nail-biter after the Niners had built up a 16 - 0 lead. I hadn't realized that it had become a 2 - point game before the first of Ginn's special teams touchdown runs. When I was done with the phone call, I came back to find that the final score was 33 - 17 and my first thought was that the Niner offense had drummed up some points. Special teams points instead? I'll take it!
But I'll take some touchdowns by the offense in future games too! I have to keep reminding myself that installing Harbaugh's version of the West Coast Offense (WCO) will be a process. And has often been mentioned by myself and others over and over again, it was a shortened off-season this year, giving less time for this installation. The play-calling even seemed rather drab and unimaginative at times, but a fully realized WCO will show itself in the weeks and months to come. Besides, since the 49er defense was playing so well, it does seem feasible that they were keeping the offense a bit under wraps for future opponents. Pretty sly isn't it, keeping their cards close to the vest, even now in the regular season?
The defense also seemed to be keeping some secrets. And why not? They were playing quite effectively without having to employ risky blitzes and the like. These can start being unveiled in future games, thus giving future opponents less game film to study up on. Although Seattle is going through their own growing pains with rookies, new players and new coaches and schemes, it was still a well-earned victory for the 49ers.
Alex Smith! I'm no biologist, but maybe he can be seen as a molecule who has spent years waiting for the right catalyst, and that catalyst may well be Jim Harbaugh. How's that? His numbers were pretty modest, but like the rest of the team, maybe over time, the production will get greater and greater. Nothing like going through growing pains while winning at the same time! Next week they'll be tested by going against the Dallas Cowboys.
After Alex Smith ran in for a touchdown then was greeted and hugged by Coach Harbaugh on the sidelines, I imagined Harbaugh saying, "I LOVE you, man!" as they embraced.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
interchangeable exteriors and interiors
Here's something I've wondered for a long while: why not take the coolest looking car exteriors from years ago and simply put into them the most modern and efficient interiors? For example, I think the best looking cars were from the 1960's... the Barracuda first comes to mind. Yes, I would say as a class of cars, the muscle cars of the 60's (and early 70's) are the most awesome and rad to look at.
But being muscle cars and not exactly designed to get the most mileage nor the best safety and crash test results, they are outdated to modern concerns and needs. It would seem to me that it wouldn't be impossible to outfit new cars with the best that modern technology has to offer, even including hybrid technology, yet keeping the awesome exteriors of yesteryear. Of course, it's not as simple as snapping an outer shell on and off like a toy slot car, although wouldn't that be neat?
I realize the materials used in modern car manufacturing are different and that would play a big role, as well as other complications that I'm not aware of, but it still sounds good to me. As you can tell, as far as I'm concerned, how fast a car goes or how it sounds (like a muscle car) isn't as important as how it looks. Actually, I'm not all that interested in driving period - it's all about the looks! Er, as long as they're aerodynamic and not shaped like boxes, if you've been reading my recent blog entries.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
easy to read
I am on Twitter to help me keep up with my favorite sports teams, primarily the 49ers. I follow a dozen or so people right now. Besides their respective abilities to keep up with the latest news and information, aka getting the 'scoops,' one of the things that makes one person's blog more appealing than that of another is the typestyle that is used and how large it is. I am very responsive to the visual appeal of one layout over another and how easy it is to read for aging eyes like mine.
For example, I used to find Matt Maiocco's online articles more appealing when he wrote for the Santa Rosa Press Democrat than now where he writes for CSN Bay Area. The Press Democrat's website is less busy looking and simply more attractive. The typestyle is larger and makes current writer Grant Cohn's pieces look even better. I enjoy seeing what he has to say as it is, and his articles are easy on the eyes too.
Presentation matters.
For example, I used to find Matt Maiocco's online articles more appealing when he wrote for the Santa Rosa Press Democrat than now where he writes for CSN Bay Area. The Press Democrat's website is less busy looking and simply more attractive. The typestyle is larger and makes current writer Grant Cohn's pieces look even better. I enjoy seeing what he has to say as it is, and his articles are easy on the eyes too.
Presentation matters.
Friday, September 2, 2011
preseason game - 49ers vs. Chargers
Going 2 - 2 in the preseason? Pretty good, I'll take it!
What was most important in last night's victory, in my humble opinion, is that the 49ers came away from it feeling confident. Especially after their confidence sapping loss to the Texans the week before. What this all means is finally on the horizon - the next game counts! And it's against a division rival, the Seattle Seahawks.
Also of major significance was the paucity of injuries. The only serious one was to linebacker Keaton Kristick... serious in that he was carted off the field. What this means to his chances of making the roster, time will tell. Unfortunately, it cost him a valuable opportunity to show the coaching staff that he deserves a place on the team, opening the door for players such as Alex Joseph to impress - which he did. The team has one final week or so to decide on their opening day roster and to prepare for the first game of the season.
It's a roller coaster ride of emotions, feeling good about the team's prospects and also feeling bad. Right now, things are looking up (or 'arrow up' to borrow a phrase from Coach Harbaugh) - but next week's game will really determine where they stand. And yet, so will the following 15 games. It's a long, long road, and while it would surely be neat to win the division and go to the playoffs, I just need to see things improving this year with some light at the end of the tunnel, that light being several Super Bowl Championships in the years to come!
What was most important in last night's victory, in my humble opinion, is that the 49ers came away from it feeling confident. Especially after their confidence sapping loss to the Texans the week before. What this all means is finally on the horizon - the next game counts! And it's against a division rival, the Seattle Seahawks.
Also of major significance was the paucity of injuries. The only serious one was to linebacker Keaton Kristick... serious in that he was carted off the field. What this means to his chances of making the roster, time will tell. Unfortunately, it cost him a valuable opportunity to show the coaching staff that he deserves a place on the team, opening the door for players such as Alex Joseph to impress - which he did. The team has one final week or so to decide on their opening day roster and to prepare for the first game of the season.
It's a roller coaster ride of emotions, feeling good about the team's prospects and also feeling bad. Right now, things are looking up (or 'arrow up' to borrow a phrase from Coach Harbaugh) - but next week's game will really determine where they stand. And yet, so will the following 15 games. It's a long, long road, and while it would surely be neat to win the division and go to the playoffs, I just need to see things improving this year with some light at the end of the tunnel, that light being several Super Bowl Championships in the years to come!
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