Winning is fun!
As I write this, I'm listening to people on TV commentating on how yesterday's game and the 49ers aren't fun to watch. Well, after so many years of losing and futility, isn't it enough that the team is winning? As the offense starts to gel even more and schemes get implemented, it will get more exciting. Fewer three-and-outs, fewer punts without gaining at least some valuable field position, fewer drives that end at the opponent's one-yard line without scoring some points. At this point, it's just important that they win... period. Heck, they won by 10 points!
What I saw, and knowing how intellectual and scheme-oriented the coaching staff is, are situations that will serve as means for learning. Sure, the third quarter was largely ineffectual, but I know that they'll learn from it. Not scoring right near the opponent's goal line? Time to implement new ideas! I am so impressed that this year's version of the 49ers keeps improving all the time. And they won - so that's a plus.
Just watching offensive tackle Joe Staley and nose tackle Isaac Sopoaga actually catching passes shows that this team is fluid in its play-calling. It's fun imagining that other teams will now have to adjust their coverages to make sure the big linemen are being covered for pass plays. Which will open other things up! And it mustn't be forgotten that tight end Justin Peelle caught a pass too. If the Niners can manage to more-or-less control a game without utilizing tight ends Vernon Davis and Delanie Walker for more than blocking, other teams have a LOT to be worried about in the future. I can't wait until San Francisco puts it all together!
And isn't it nice to have both the Defense and the Special Teams playing at such a high level already? ALL the units are playing so well! So many budding stars! If it's true that defense wins championships, then it would appear that the 49ers actually have a shot of going far in the playoffs, if not reaching the Super Bowl. As long as Freddie P. Soft doesn't mess things up.
Looking back at the championship teams during the Bill Walsh and George Seifert years, they didn't win every game. And all their games weren't exciting. It's easy to look back and remember only the great plays and the great wins, but there were tough games that were won in a blue-collar way... just like they're winning some of their games now. If this is how well they're playing in Coach Harbaugh and staff's first seven games, just wait until they've been at it even longer!
Monday, October 31, 2011
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
reading is fun
For several months now, I've been using a stationary bicycle to up my fitness level. It's my bicycle propped up on a stand for the purpose of making it a stationary bicycle. I'm not comfortable riding it outside. I'm such a homebody.
It's not necessarily to up my fitness level either, but more specifically in an effort to improve my blood levels. I guess it's helping my health overall though. I'm up to 30 minutes a day.
What's difficult for me is what to do with my mind as I'm peddling. My strength is slowly improving and I've been able to pedal at more strenuous gears, so that's nice. But it's kind of boring. I know, if I rode it outside, that wouldn't be so much of a problem anymore; I'd rather deal with the boredom, thank you.
And how do I do that? By reading! Left to it's own devices, my mind will try to keep me otherwise occupied, then when I check my timer, only about 3 minutes has elapsed. Ugh. But when I read a book, 10-15 minutes has elapsed by the time I check the timer. It'd be even better if I had some sort of bookstand attached to the handlebars so I didn't have to hold the book with my hands, which leaves me in an awkward position which leaves my buttocks kind of sore - but that's getting picky. It's good to have the time pass more quickly... hmmm... however if I did have a stand to hold my book, then I'd probably be willing to go 45 minutes at a time.
In any case, the moral of the story would be that old saying, "Time flies when you're having fun!"
It's not necessarily to up my fitness level either, but more specifically in an effort to improve my blood levels. I guess it's helping my health overall though. I'm up to 30 minutes a day.
What's difficult for me is what to do with my mind as I'm peddling. My strength is slowly improving and I've been able to pedal at more strenuous gears, so that's nice. But it's kind of boring. I know, if I rode it outside, that wouldn't be so much of a problem anymore; I'd rather deal with the boredom, thank you.
And how do I do that? By reading! Left to it's own devices, my mind will try to keep me otherwise occupied, then when I check my timer, only about 3 minutes has elapsed. Ugh. But when I read a book, 10-15 minutes has elapsed by the time I check the timer. It'd be even better if I had some sort of bookstand attached to the handlebars so I didn't have to hold the book with my hands, which leaves me in an awkward position which leaves my buttocks kind of sore - but that's getting picky. It's good to have the time pass more quickly... hmmm... however if I did have a stand to hold my book, then I'd probably be willing to go 45 minutes at a time.
In any case, the moral of the story would be that old saying, "Time flies when you're having fun!"
Monday, October 17, 2011
game 6 - 49ers vs. Lions
Whoa! Now that was a good game to watch. Especially since it ended in victory. What was so satisfying about yesterday's game is how much the 49ers had to overcome: a very loud and boisterous Detroit crowd and the subsequent penalties that came with it, an early deficit, and a slow start to the offense which included a turnover on the 49ers' very first play from scrimmage. Heck, it took awhile for the offense just to get their first 1st down of the game. But the Niners persevered throughout and made the key plays when they counted.
What a defense! They came through time and again, front to back. And against a team in the Lions that were undefeated until yesterday. The defensive line puts on the pressure while stopping the run, the linebackers are fast and instinctive, and the secondary is really meshing together. Whereas there were so many question marks entering the season, it looks like all the pieces necessary for winning are there: the right players in the right system with the right coaching staff. It's been a long time waiting to feel this good about the team!
The special teams continue to make a difference. It seems that last year, I had to hold my breath that nothing bad was going to happen during every punt that came to us; now, it's not unusual to have a spectacular return. And thankfully, the Niners kicking game is rock-solid again this year – perhaps the only steady part of the team for years. Always solid snaps, staunch line play, great kicks by our punter along with excellent coverage that make our opponents go the length of the field, and another steady and reliable field goal kicker. Always appreciated.
As for the offense, it's good to learn on the job, improve every week, and still pile up the wins. To complete a perfect pass on the THE play of the game, on 4th down no less with the game on the line and needing a touchdown – pure bliss! Maybe the particles that were part of the Giants' World Series run last year have settled on the 49ers this year... there's a little something in the air.
********
Now for the post-game handshake that shook the world. It's turning out to be the story of the football weekend. It's difficult not to be subjective; Lions fans will feel one way, 49ers fans will feel another, and as for the rest of the fans, perhaps their more objective opinions would give the most perspective. I would like to say that Jim Schwartz's behavior during the game seemed to go beyond proper 'protocol' (his word) during a review of a play red-flagged by Jim Harbaugh. Coach Schwartz's sense of decorum didn't exactly remind anyone of Tom Landry either. Although his voice could hardly be heard above the din of the crowd, Schwartz was shouting some choice words directly at Harbaugh during the replay review by the officials. So maybe what led to the post-game incident actually started a lot earlier.
I'm just saying...
What a defense! They came through time and again, front to back. And against a team in the Lions that were undefeated until yesterday. The defensive line puts on the pressure while stopping the run, the linebackers are fast and instinctive, and the secondary is really meshing together. Whereas there were so many question marks entering the season, it looks like all the pieces necessary for winning are there: the right players in the right system with the right coaching staff. It's been a long time waiting to feel this good about the team!
The special teams continue to make a difference. It seems that last year, I had to hold my breath that nothing bad was going to happen during every punt that came to us; now, it's not unusual to have a spectacular return. And thankfully, the Niners kicking game is rock-solid again this year – perhaps the only steady part of the team for years. Always solid snaps, staunch line play, great kicks by our punter along with excellent coverage that make our opponents go the length of the field, and another steady and reliable field goal kicker. Always appreciated.
As for the offense, it's good to learn on the job, improve every week, and still pile up the wins. To complete a perfect pass on the THE play of the game, on 4th down no less with the game on the line and needing a touchdown – pure bliss! Maybe the particles that were part of the Giants' World Series run last year have settled on the 49ers this year... there's a little something in the air.
********
Now for the post-game handshake that shook the world. It's turning out to be the story of the football weekend. It's difficult not to be subjective; Lions fans will feel one way, 49ers fans will feel another, and as for the rest of the fans, perhaps their more objective opinions would give the most perspective. I would like to say that Jim Schwartz's behavior during the game seemed to go beyond proper 'protocol' (his word) during a review of a play red-flagged by Jim Harbaugh. Coach Schwartz's sense of decorum didn't exactly remind anyone of Tom Landry either. Although his voice could hardly be heard above the din of the crowd, Schwartz was shouting some choice words directly at Harbaugh during the replay review by the officials. So maybe what led to the post-game incident actually started a lot earlier.
I'm just saying...
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
the quarterback whisperer
Some have called Jim Harbaugh 'The Quarterback Whisperer.' If Alex Smith's career continues on its current trajectory, that description will seem particularly apt, won't it?
Everyone agrees that having too many good quarterbacks is better than not having enough, although that would mean dealing with the inevitable and dreaded 'quarterback controversy.' Yet I get really excited thinking of the 49ers having a roster full of excellent quarterbacks in the years to come. In addition to Smith, whose stock is rising, there are recent 49ers draft pick Colin Kaepernick, undrafted rookie pickup Scott Tolzien who played exceptionally well against the 49ers this preseason as a member of the San Diego Chargers but is now a Niner, and even the prospect next year of possibly landing former Harbaugh pupil Josh Johnson as a free agent from Tampa Bay. All this without having much of a chance of landing next year's big fish in the draft, quarterback Andrew Luck out of Stanford, Harbaugh's quarterback from his coaching tenure there. I feel so secure having Harbaugh coach all the quarterbacks that are brought to the 49ers. And leading the system being run by Harbaugh, offensive coordinator Greg Roman, and the rest of the staff. It's all good... so far.
But getting back to the imagery of 'the quarterback whisperer' motif. I can't draw, but I can imagine. And what I picture is a drawing made by a cartoonist that has the following: on the left panel is a Robert Redford-looking character standing next to a horse with the words 'the horse whisperer' written below it; in the middle panel is a Cesar Millan-looking character standing next to a dog with the words 'the dog whisperer' written below; and finally, in the right panel, is a Jim Harbaugh-looking character wearing a cap with an 'SF' sewn on it standing next to a football player with the number '11' on the front of his jersey, and below, naturally, are the words 'the quarterback whisperer.' Maybe some day, someone who can actually draw will submit this to the newspaper. The season is still young though and we'll see how it unfolds for the young Jedi Smith.
Everyone agrees that having too many good quarterbacks is better than not having enough, although that would mean dealing with the inevitable and dreaded 'quarterback controversy.' Yet I get really excited thinking of the 49ers having a roster full of excellent quarterbacks in the years to come. In addition to Smith, whose stock is rising, there are recent 49ers draft pick Colin Kaepernick, undrafted rookie pickup Scott Tolzien who played exceptionally well against the 49ers this preseason as a member of the San Diego Chargers but is now a Niner, and even the prospect next year of possibly landing former Harbaugh pupil Josh Johnson as a free agent from Tampa Bay. All this without having much of a chance of landing next year's big fish in the draft, quarterback Andrew Luck out of Stanford, Harbaugh's quarterback from his coaching tenure there. I feel so secure having Harbaugh coach all the quarterbacks that are brought to the 49ers. And leading the system being run by Harbaugh, offensive coordinator Greg Roman, and the rest of the staff. It's all good... so far.
But getting back to the imagery of 'the quarterback whisperer' motif. I can't draw, but I can imagine. And what I picture is a drawing made by a cartoonist that has the following: on the left panel is a Robert Redford-looking character standing next to a horse with the words 'the horse whisperer' written below it; in the middle panel is a Cesar Millan-looking character standing next to a dog with the words 'the dog whisperer' written below; and finally, in the right panel, is a Jim Harbaugh-looking character wearing a cap with an 'SF' sewn on it standing next to a football player with the number '11' on the front of his jersey, and below, naturally, are the words 'the quarterback whisperer.' Maybe some day, someone who can actually draw will submit this to the newspaper. The season is still young though and we'll see how it unfolds for the young Jedi Smith.
Monday, October 10, 2011
game 5 - Buccaneers vs. 49ers
Did that really happen? I'm worried that I just woke up from the most marvelous of dreams and the game between the Buccaneers and the 49ers, in actuality, has yet to begin. But for now, I'll let myself believe that the game was in fact played yesterday and the 49ers really did defeat Tampa Bay 48 - 3.
Obviously, I really like the attitude that Coach Harbaugh has instilled in the team. It's a process and they're good but they need to get better - better tomorrow than today, and even better the day after that. All this after the oft-mentioned shortened off-season and a new coaching staff and game-plan to install. It feels like the most exhilarating of trajectories and they're only getting started! And yes, I realize it's only 5 games into the season with 11 more to go.
In keeping with what I've read about Coach Harbaugh's approach, last week's come-from-behind victory over the Philadelphia Eagles had me coming up with this analogy: if winning the Super Bowl is akin to climbing Mt. Everest, then last week's win put the 49ers solidly at base camp. Considering where the Niners have been the last 10 years, that's quite an accomplishment right there. It means that they are serious about climbing to the top. But that's all it is - base camp. With yesterday's sound victory? The team is beyond base camp! Yay! And now the real challenge begins. The air will get thinner and things will only get more treacherous. They'll need to forge through the rest of the season and qualify for the playoffs before they'll even be able to see the summit. Keep improving guys, it's all within your desire.
********
And how about that Alex Smith? He's showing why he was picked #1 overall in the 2005 NFL Draft - it just took the right coaching and game-planning. I'm so happy for him to be able to prove his capability to the masses. I've certainly been waiting, er, more like hoping, for this to happen. There were those times I threw my hands up in the air and gave up on him. I'm so glad he didn't give up on himself, and so glad that Jim Harbaugh recognized his potential. Not only did Alex Smith lead the unofficial practices during the lock-out, he showed class in wanting to help out understudy Colin Kaepernick too. He could have shunned the newly drafted quarterback, but instead applied himself to being the best he could be. I know the season is still young, but it's encouraging all the same.
********
I'm hoping someday everybody, as in all opposing coaches, will ask Coach Harbaugh after being soundly defeated, "What's your deal?"
Obviously, I really like the attitude that Coach Harbaugh has instilled in the team. It's a process and they're good but they need to get better - better tomorrow than today, and even better the day after that. All this after the oft-mentioned shortened off-season and a new coaching staff and game-plan to install. It feels like the most exhilarating of trajectories and they're only getting started! And yes, I realize it's only 5 games into the season with 11 more to go.
In keeping with what I've read about Coach Harbaugh's approach, last week's come-from-behind victory over the Philadelphia Eagles had me coming up with this analogy: if winning the Super Bowl is akin to climbing Mt. Everest, then last week's win put the 49ers solidly at base camp. Considering where the Niners have been the last 10 years, that's quite an accomplishment right there. It means that they are serious about climbing to the top. But that's all it is - base camp. With yesterday's sound victory? The team is beyond base camp! Yay! And now the real challenge begins. The air will get thinner and things will only get more treacherous. They'll need to forge through the rest of the season and qualify for the playoffs before they'll even be able to see the summit. Keep improving guys, it's all within your desire.
********
And how about that Alex Smith? He's showing why he was picked #1 overall in the 2005 NFL Draft - it just took the right coaching and game-planning. I'm so happy for him to be able to prove his capability to the masses. I've certainly been waiting, er, more like hoping, for this to happen. There were those times I threw my hands up in the air and gave up on him. I'm so glad he didn't give up on himself, and so glad that Jim Harbaugh recognized his potential. Not only did Alex Smith lead the unofficial practices during the lock-out, he showed class in wanting to help out understudy Colin Kaepernick too. He could have shunned the newly drafted quarterback, but instead applied himself to being the best he could be. I know the season is still young, but it's encouraging all the same.
********
I'm hoping someday everybody, as in all opposing coaches, will ask Coach Harbaugh after being soundly defeated, "What's your deal?"
Monday, October 3, 2011
game 4 - 49ers vs. Eagles
Big, big win! And I missed most of the excitement. I did manage to see the 49ers fall behind 23 - 3 though. Maybe they play better when I don't watch. After the game, when I came back to my computer to find out the final result, I was so heartened to see the score!
While I was listening to the radio this morning, I was reminded of something that happened at the end of the second quarter that I had forgotten about. The 49ers had the ball short of midfield, time was running down to the last few seconds of the first half, and head coach Jim Harbaugh called a time-out as most of the players started running towards the locker rooms. Come back everybody! One more play (?). Was it so the Niners could throw a hail-Mary pass or something? No, they just ran the ball for several yards, after which everybody could then head in for half-time.
It made little sense at the time, I mean, what was the point of that? Well, looking at how the 49ers made up a 20-point deficit in the second half and pulled out a victory, Harbaugh was impressing a lesson on his team. Something about having a blue-collar work ethic and playing hard without compromise. Excellent message, Coach!
Another valuable lesson that came from this game is learning how to prevail even with questionable calls by the officials. Last game, it was a befuddling call against Michael Crabtree for stepping outside of the playing field and then being the first to touch the ball, a touch of the ball that happened to be a rather spectacular touchdown catch. Looking at the delayed replays, it seemed he clearly never stepped outside of the end zone before making his grab. Then in yesterday's game, an Eagle defender very noticeably pushed himself up to try and block a field goal attempt by stepping on another player's body, I think in this case, up off of the 49ers center after he snapped the ball. The replay showed an official with his head pointed right at it as it happened, and yet, no call. Our kicker may well have kicked the ball a little to the side to avoid being blocked by this unusually high leaping player and therefore kicked the ball just wide of the uprights. I can handle botched plays, but I can't stand botched calls by the officiating crews. I hope the league office provides some answers for all the bad calls made in games.
Back to the happy, happy, joy, joy though. I've tried to catch what highlights I could and though I've been able to see the actual touchdown scores made late in the game and the crucial play by Justin Smith that caused the decisive Eagle fumble, I've read about other key plays that led to the San Francisco victory. Rookie running back Kendall Hunter and receiver Michael Crabtree had great games, as did many other players. 1st-round draft pick Aldon Smith sacked the elusive Michael Vick, who throughout the first half seemed as slippery as a fish.
Before the end of the game, a cousin of mine told me that an Eagles scribe was so certain of an Eagles victory that he'd ride his bicycle home if they lost. Happy peddling Philly fan.
While I was listening to the radio this morning, I was reminded of something that happened at the end of the second quarter that I had forgotten about. The 49ers had the ball short of midfield, time was running down to the last few seconds of the first half, and head coach Jim Harbaugh called a time-out as most of the players started running towards the locker rooms. Come back everybody! One more play (?). Was it so the Niners could throw a hail-Mary pass or something? No, they just ran the ball for several yards, after which everybody could then head in for half-time.
It made little sense at the time, I mean, what was the point of that? Well, looking at how the 49ers made up a 20-point deficit in the second half and pulled out a victory, Harbaugh was impressing a lesson on his team. Something about having a blue-collar work ethic and playing hard without compromise. Excellent message, Coach!
Another valuable lesson that came from this game is learning how to prevail even with questionable calls by the officials. Last game, it was a befuddling call against Michael Crabtree for stepping outside of the playing field and then being the first to touch the ball, a touch of the ball that happened to be a rather spectacular touchdown catch. Looking at the delayed replays, it seemed he clearly never stepped outside of the end zone before making his grab. Then in yesterday's game, an Eagle defender very noticeably pushed himself up to try and block a field goal attempt by stepping on another player's body, I think in this case, up off of the 49ers center after he snapped the ball. The replay showed an official with his head pointed right at it as it happened, and yet, no call. Our kicker may well have kicked the ball a little to the side to avoid being blocked by this unusually high leaping player and therefore kicked the ball just wide of the uprights. I can handle botched plays, but I can't stand botched calls by the officiating crews. I hope the league office provides some answers for all the bad calls made in games.
Back to the happy, happy, joy, joy though. I've tried to catch what highlights I could and though I've been able to see the actual touchdown scores made late in the game and the crucial play by Justin Smith that caused the decisive Eagle fumble, I've read about other key plays that led to the San Francisco victory. Rookie running back Kendall Hunter and receiver Michael Crabtree had great games, as did many other players. 1st-round draft pick Aldon Smith sacked the elusive Michael Vick, who throughout the first half seemed as slippery as a fish.
Before the end of the game, a cousin of mine told me that an Eagles scribe was so certain of an Eagles victory that he'd ride his bicycle home if they lost. Happy peddling Philly fan.
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