49ers win, doubts rise on Smith's ability
by: Bryan Hersh
It is not often that I sit back and watch a 49ers game as "just" a fan. I try to do this once a season or so, put down my notebook, take off my "reporter" cap and just enjoy the game. I was fortunate to choose last night's Monday Night Football game for this experience this season. I think it was a good selection because as I reflect back on the game, the team was lucky more than it was good, and yet I was able to enjoy that luck rather than critique the dropped passes, bending defense, and over-thrown passes.
7 turnovers with a + / - of 5 can make any game enjoyable. The 49ers had another forced fumble on Kirk Warner that mostly went unnoticed. It's nearly impossible to lose a game like that, and it's also lots of fun to see the bounces go in your team's direction. Too bad those bounces didn't come when playoffs were still a good possibility and when the team had a chance to really separate itself at the top of the NFC West.
Yes, as a fan, this game was very enjoyable. Accolades to Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis who came up big when the game was on the line after missing on some earlier plays. Frank Gore deserves praise for his resurrection as well. Gore had another one of his trademark days. Patrick Willis, Dashon Goldson, Dre Bly, Tarell Brown, Ahmad Brooks, Parys Haralson, and Marc Roman all were on the positive end of some big plays. It was clear the 49ers were in the right place at the right time for most of the game, and it showed up big time with big plays. I am a little hesitant to believe this was all due to coaching and execution. Luck certainly played a big part of it; but, I will enjoy it. It was a game worthy of enjoyment.
Though Alex Smith did come through when the game was on the line but I do think this was his worst performance of the season. He made several poor decisions. At least 1 of his 2 interceptions was a pass that should not have been thrown. Another dropped interception came as he forced the ball into tight coverage. Smith made several poor choices in this game, forcing the ball, or not seeing disguised coverages. It was good to see that he was not hesitant, that he was able to deliver the big play when he had too, but he has to get better at understanding what a defense is going to do disguise their coverages. Smith also can't force the ball to a receiver because of match up. This game, and a few times this season he missed a "sure thing" by trying to force the ball to Davis or Delanie Walker. While I am in favor of taking advantage of match ups, forcing those match ups is a recipe for disaster. Smith had his share of passes dropped too though, and as such his over all rating is not a perfect measurement of performance.
Finally, a note on the coaching staff who have now come to beat the Cardinals in 3 straight outings. That is really how it should be in the NFC West. The team knew what the Cardinals would do, and made the adjustments it had to as the game went on as well. The Cardinals kept trying to be different and as the Cardinals experienced success the 49ers countered. Couple that with the luck the 49ers had, and you have a thoroughly enjoyable game for a 49ers fan.
Bryan Hersh is the Founder and President of 49ers Paradise, www.49ersparadise.com He is a good friend and supporter of Hooked on the Niners. Please contact Bryan with any questions or comments at bryan_hotn@49ersparadise.com