San Francisco 49ers

LOLB Ahmad Brooks, will he stay or will he go? The speculations can finally be put to rest. Brooks will stay as the 49ers signed the linebacker through 2017. The six-year extension is worth $44.5m with $17.5m guaranteed. The 27-year old had a career-best 34 solo tackles and 7 sacks last season. Brooks is expected to start alongside LILB NaVorro Bowman, RILB Patrick Willis and OLB Aldon Smith next year. The 49ers have to decide now if they want to keep ROLB Parys Haralson, who will make $2.45m in 2012.

Seattle Seahawks

It is no big secret that the Seahawks are trying to improve their quarterback situation. They are interested in trading up in the draft to get Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III but face stiff competition from the Cleveland Browns, Washington Redskins and Miami Dolphins. They are also interested in QB Peyton Manning, provided he becomes available, but the Seahawks aren't considered favorites to lure him to Seattle. Where does the passer come from then? "Every year going into the draft we're looking to take a quarterback and effectively upgrade the quarterback position, and this year is no different," head coach Pete Carroll said. Free agent QB Charlie Whitehurst will likely not return which opens up a vacancy. Carroll is intrigued by Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill, Wisconsin's Russell Wilson and Arizona State's Brock Osweiler or could turn his attention to undrafted rookie free agent Josh Portis.

The San Francisco 49ers meet the New York Giants to determine the NFC representative in Super Bowl XLVI. The 49ers reached the NFC Championship game with a 36-32 win over the New Orleans Saints. The Giants qualified for the third round of the playoffs by dismantling the Green Bay Packers 37-20 at Lambeau Field. Both teams faced each other 35 times, including seven times in the postseason. The 49ers lead the series 18-17 overall and won four of the seven playoff encounters. Both sides met in the NFC Championship game in 1990, with the Giants winning 15-13. This is San Francisco’s 13^th NFC Championship game and the first since 1997. On five occasions they advanced to the Super Bowl. Both teams last met in week 10, with the Niners winning 27-20 at The Stick.

The 49ers listed six players as questionable on their final injury report. C Jonathan Goodwin (calf), RCB Tarell Brown (thigh), RILB Patrick Willis (knee), FS Dashon Goldson (ankle) and TE Delanie Walker (jaw) are expected to play. WR Ted Ginn Jr. (knee) didn’t practice all week and will likely be unavailable. WR Kyle Williams will start alongside WR Michael Crabtree and return punts. RB Kendall Hunter will be responsible for returning kick-offs.

TE Jake Ballard is New York’s only concern. He is suffering from a knee injury and will be a game-time decision. TE Travis Beckum and TE Bear Pascoe would replace him if he couldn’t play. C David Baas (illness), RB Ahmad Bradshaw (foot), LE Justin Tuck (shoulder), RE Osi Umenyiora (ankle, knee), CB Corey Webster (hamstring), WR Hakeem Nicks (ankle) and QB Eli Manning (illness) are listed as probable and expected to play.

The New York Giants improved in all aspects of the game in the postseason and finally found a running game. Ahmad Bradshaw and RB Brandon Jacobs share the workload and average 4.9 yards per carry and 5.0 yards respectively, as opposed to 3.9 yards and 3.8 yards in the regular season. Pro Bowler Eli Manning completed 67.7% of his passes and has thrown for 6 touchdowns and 1 interception in the playoffs. Hakeem Nicks (13 receptions), Ahmad Bradshaw (8), WR Victor Cruz (7) and WR Mario Manningham (7) are his favorite targets. Victor Cruz, who had 1,536 receiving yards in the regular season, and Hakeem Nicks, 1,192 yards, are a constant threat to make a big play. New York’s offensive line did a good job protecting Eli Manning in the regular season and continues this trend in the postseason as well. New York’s ferocious pass rush hasn’t slowed down in the postseason either, though Justin Tuck and Pro Bowl RE Jason Pierre-Paul are still without a sack. Osi Umenyiora, who had 9 sacks in the regular season, leads the team in the postseason with 3 sacks. CB Corey Webster (6), SS Kenny Phillips (4) and CB Aaron Ross (4) recorded the most interceptions for the Giants in the regular season but S Deon Grant is the only Giants player who intercepted a pass in the postseason.   

Keys to Success

Mix the passing plays up and use slants, play action and screen passes to beat the pass rush.

Establish a running game with RB Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter as one-two-punch and wear the defense down.

The tight ends will play a big role in the passing game as well as additional blockers against the pass rush.

Win the battle in the trenches and contain the pass rush.

Stop the run and make New York’s offense one-dimensional.

LE Ray McDonald and LOLB Ahmad Brooks should get opportunities to put pressure on Eli Manning.

Play the safeties deep to prevent Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz from making big plays.

Special teams has to nail down New York deep in their own territory and generate good field positions for the Niners.

Control the clock.

Force turnovers.

Probable Starters

Offense: QB Alex Smith, RB Frank Gore, FB Bruce Miller, WR Michael Crabtree, WR Kyle Williams, TE Vernon Davis, LT Joe Staley, LG Mike Iupati, C Jonathan Goodwin, RG Adam Snyder, RT Anthony Davis.

Defense: LE Ray McDonald, NT Isaac Sopoaga, RE Justin Smith, LOLB Ahmad Brooks, LILB NaVorro Bowman, RILB Patrick Willis, ROLB Parys Haralson, LCB Carlos Rogers, SS Donte Whitner, FS Dashon Goldson, LCB Tarell Brown.

Prediction

San Francisco 49ers v New York Giants 24-20

Playoff time has finally returned to San Francisco after an absence of nine years. The New Orleans Saints beat the Detroit Lions 45-28 in the Wildcard Playoffs to advance to the Divisional Playoffs, where they face the San Francisco 49ers, who had a first-round bye and got an extra week of rest. Both teams couldn’t be more different. The 49ers rely on an impenetrable defense, whereas the Saints possess a nearly unstoppable offense. This is the first time the 49ers and Saints meet in the postseason. Both teams used to play against each other twice a season before the realignment of the divisions in 2002. In 71 regular season meetings the 49ers hold a 45-24-2 edge over the Saints, though New Orleans won the last six games. Both sides last met, preseason excluded, in 2010, when the Saints spoiled San Francisco’s home opener 25-22.

The 49ers listed five players as questionable, which means TE Delanie Walker’s (jaw) injury has been upgraded, though he has already been ruled out. WR Ted Ginn Jr. (ankle), WR Kyle Williams (concussion) and LE Ray McDonald (hamstring) were limited participants in practice throughout the week but are expected to play. CB Chris Culliver is the biggest concern. He practiced on a limited basis on Wednesday and Thursday, due to a knee injury, but sat out Friday’s practice with an illness, probably the flu. San Francisco needs a healthy number-three cornerback, as they will be in the nickel formation a lot. Signs point towards him playing but CB Tramaine Brock and CB Shawntae Spencer could see an extended amount of snaps as well. 

The New Orleans Saints ruled out WR Lance Moore, who is still suffering from a hamstring injury. Moore missed the wildcard playoff game against the Detroit Lions as well. SS Roman Harper (ankle), MLB Jonathan Vilma (knee) and WR Robert Meachem (knee) are listed as probable but each of them will play and start.   

The New Orleans Saints and QB Drew Brees showed last week that they have no intention of slowing down their record-setting passing offense. The Saints amassed 466 yards through the air and an additional 167 yards on the ground. New Orleans uses multiple receiver sets but TE Jimmy Graham and RB Darren Sproles are just as important as WR Marques Colston and Robert Meachem. New Orleans’ rushing offense is no less unpredictable. Darren Sproles (6.9 yards per carry in the regular season), RB Pierre Thomas (5.1 yards) and RB Christopher Ivory (4.7 yards) can all run for yardage and make sure that the running game never gets tired. Sproles and Thomas rushed for more than 5 yards per carry each against the Lions. New Orleans’ offensive line is one of the best in the league and allowed only 24 sacks in the regular season plus two against the Lions. LT Jermon Bushrod, LG Carl Nicks and RG Jahri Evans will all go to the Pro Bowl. RE Will Smith is the team’s most dangerous pass rusher. He recorded 6.5 sacks in the regular season, but New Orleans’ blitz-heavy defense enabled Roman Harper to sack opposing quarterbacks 7.5 times during the regular season. CB Patrick Robinson, who isn’t even a starter, led the team with 4 interceptions in the regular season. CB Jabari Greer, who recorded one pick during the regular season, intercepted Matt Stafford twice last week.

Keys to Success

Beat the blitz by using quick passing plays like slants, screens etc.

Wear the defense down with RB Frank Gore and RB Kendall Hunter.

WR Michael Crabtree and TE Vernon have to continue to carry the main responsibility in the receiving game.

Frequent use of two-tight end sets.

Pressure Drew Brees. If he has enough time to see the entire field he will almost certainly beat you. Ray McDonald and LOLB Ahmad Brooks will play a vital role.

Move OLB Aldon Smith around at the line.

Never let Darren Sproles out of your sight.

Play the safeties deep to support the cornerbacks.

Win the special teams phase of the game. Drew Brees can overcome any distance at will but why make it easy for him when you can make it difficult and have him start the drive near his own endzone? Field position will play a big role for the Niners.

Control the clock. Every minute Drew Brees is on the sidelines is a minute the Saints are less likely to score.

Avoid turnovers.

Probable Starters

Offense: QB Alex Smith, RB Frank Gore, FB Bruce Miller, WR Michael Crabtree, WR Kyle Williams, TE Vernon Davis, LT Joe Staley, LG Mike Iupati, C Jonathan Goodwin, RG Adam Snyder, RT Anthony Davis.

Defense: LE Ray McDonald, DT Isaac Sopoaga, RE Justin Smith, LOLB Ahmad Brooks, LILB NaVorro Bowman, RILB Patrick Willis, ROLB Parys Haralson, LCB Carlos Rogers, SS Donte Whitner, FS Dashon Goldson, RCB Tarell Brown.

Prediction

It’s hard to pick a winner in this game but since I have to I sincerely hope I am wrong.

San Francisco 49ers v New Orleans Saints 23-24

The San Francisco 49ers travel to the state of Missouri for their regular season finale against the St. Louis Rams. The 49ers can clinch a first-round bye in the playoffs with a win and the St. Louis Rams are still in the running for the number one pick in the draft. The Niners are coming off a 19-17 come-from-behind win at the Seattle Seahawks, whereas the St. Louis lost 27-0 at the Pittsburgh Steelers and suffered the second shutout in four weeks. The regular season series is currently tied at 61-61-2. Both teams last met in week 13, when the 49ers beat the Rams 26-0 at The Stick.

The 49ers ruled TE Delanie Walker (jaw) out for this game. TE Justin Peele will be the number two tight end in his place. WR Kyle Williams (concussion) and WR Ted Ginn Jr. (ankle) will likely miss the contest, too. WR Brett Swain is expected to start and WR Joe Hastings has been signed from the practice squad to give the Niners three active wideouts. S Reggie Smith will return the punts in Ginn Jr.’s absence and RB Kendall Hunter will be responsible for returning kick-offs. CB Carlos Rogers (knee), CB Chris Culliver (shoulder) and FB Bruce Miller are listed as questionable but are expected to play. RILB is still questionable with a hamstring injury but could play if he feels ready. LB Larry will replace him again if Willis sits out another game.

QB Kellen Clemens will likely start for the St. Louis Rams, as QB Sam Bradford (ankle) and QB A.J. Feeley (thumb) are both doubtful. LE Chris Long is listed as questionable with an ankle injury but is expected to play. OLB Brady Poppinga (illness) and CB Josh Gordy (abdomen) are probable for the game against the 49ers.

St. Louis’ QB Kellen Clemens will get his third consecutive start of the season, as QB Sam Bradford (ankle) and QB A.J. Feeley (thumb) are doubtful to play in this game. Clemens hasn’t thrown an interception in his previous two starts but completed only 56.7% of his passes for 160 yards per game. Though this may indicate that the Rams are going to rely on the run, WR Brandon Lloyd, a former 49ers draft pick, will be the guy who has to get a passing game going. RB Steven Jackson surpassed the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the seventh consecutive time last week and remains one of the best running backs in the league. He averages 4.4 yards per carry and ran for 5 touchdowns this season. He has been voted as an alternate for the Pro Bowl. The Rams have one of the worst offensive lines in the league and Kellen Clemens may occasionally be running for his life, considering that OLB Aldon Smith is chasing the NFL sack record for rookies. St. Louis’ defensive ends are excellent pass rushers and will keep San Francisco’s offensive line constantly occupied. LE Chris Long, another Pro Bowl alternate, stands out with 13 sacks, followed by RE James Hall and Robert Quinn with 5 sacks each. MLB James Laurinaitis, St. Louis third Pro Bowl alternate, needs three solo tackles to reach 100 on the season and will try to stop San Francisco’s running backs from making big plays. CB Josh Gordy, who will likely be covering WR Brett Swain, leads the team with 3 interceptions.

Keys to Success

St. Louis defends quite well against the pass actually and ranks 5^th in the league. QB Alex Smith needs to establish a short passing game with TE Vernon Davis and RB Kendall Hunter.

Establish a running game by utilizing both RB Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter.

WR Joe Hastings could be the surprise factor, as the Rams will find it hard to prepare against him. Hastings is a good route runner and has good hands. He deserves a few looks.

Win the battle in the trenches and keep St. Louis’ defensive ends away from Alex Smith.

Aldon Smith’s chase for the record is not as important as a win. Don’t switch to a 4-3 system more often than necessary.

Stop the run. With Kellen Clemens behind center the Rams will have to run more than usual.

Prevent Brandon Lloyd from making big plays.

Special teams has to keep up the good blocking for Reggie Smith and Kendall Hunter to succeed.

Probable Starters

Offense: QB Alex Smith, RB Frank Gore, FB Bruce Miller, WR Michael Crabtree, WR Brett Swain, TE Vernon Davis, LT Joe Staley, LG Mike Iupati, C Jonathan Goodwin, RG Adam Snyder, RT Anthony Davis.

Defense: LE Ray McDonald, NT Isaac Sopoaga, RE Justin Smith, LOLB Ahmad Brooks, LILB NaVorro Bowman, RILB Larry Grant, ROLB Parys Haralson, LCB Carlos Rogers, SS Donte Whitner, FS Dashon Goldson, RCB Tarell Brown.

Prediction

San Francisco 49ers @ St. Louis Rams 24-12

The San Francisco 49ers will be represented by eight players in the Pro Bowl, which will be played in Hawaii on 29 January 2012, one week before the Super Bowl.

Starters

RILB Patrick Willis has been selected for the 5^th consecutive time. He has 71 solo tackles, 2 sacks, 1 interception and 4 forced fumbles in 12 games.

For RE Justin Smith it’s the 3^rd consecutive selection. The veteran recorded 42 solo tackles, 7 sacks and 3 forced fumbles this season.

LT Joe Staley and LCB Carlos Rogers both received their first invitation to Hawaii. Rogers has 36 solo tackles, a joint team-leading 6 interceptions and defensed 18 passes.

K David Akers will go to his 6^th Pro Bowl and 3^rd in a row. The 37-year old left footed placekicker made 42 of 49 field goals, including an impressive 7-of-9 from 50+ yards, and 30 PATs. He broke Jerry Rice’s franchise record for most points in a season and scored more field goals than any other kicker in an NFL season.

P Andy Lee was selected to the Pro Bowl for the 3^rd time. He averages 50.5 yards per punt this season.

Reserves

RB Frank Gore became the franchise rushing leader earlier this season and won his 3^rd trip to Hawaii. He is rushing for 1,202 yards and 8 touchdowns in 2011.

FS Dahon Goldson has won his first Pro Bowl nomination thanks to 52 solo tackles, 6 interceptions and 1 forced fumble.

Alternates

LILB NaVorro Bowman has 102 solo tackles and 1 sack this season. It will be his first Pro Bowl if any of the starting or backup inside linebackers isn’t available.

The same applies to LOLB Ahmad Brooks, who has 32 solo tackles, 6 sacks and 1 forced fumble.

LB Blake Costanzo is an alternate due to his outstanding play on special teams, where he recorded 10 solo tackles in 2011.

TE Vernon Davis leads the team with 6 receiving touchdowns and caught 59 passes for 674 yards. It would be his 2^nd Pro Bowl.

WR Ted Ginn Jr. could be another player to represent San Francisco’s strong special teams unit. He averages 27.6 yards per kick return and scored 1 touchdown. He also returned 1 punt for a touchdown and averages 12.3 yards per punt return.

C Jonathan Goodwin and LG Mike Iupati could possibly be representatives of San Francisco’s offensive line.

LE Ray McDonald is another player from San Francisco’s pool of talent, who could see his first trip to the Pro Bowl. This season he recorded 28 solo tackles, 6 sacks and 2 forced fumbles.

FB Bruce Miller could see his rookie campaign end with a Pro Bowl selection. He helped Frank Gore to another good season and caught 10 passes for 83 yards and 1 touchdown.

SS Donte Whitner concludes the nominations of potential 49ers for the Pro Bowl roster. The safety has 47 solo tackles, 2 interceptions and 1 forced fumble this season and, like many of his teammates, has never been to the Pro Bowl before.

The San Francisco 49ers crushed what little playoff hope the Seattle Seahawks may still have had by beating their divisional rival 19-17 at CenturyLink Field. The Niners on the other hand keep pushing for a first-round bye in the playoffs and put some pressure on the New Orleans Saints, who are facing the Atlanta Falcons on Monday night.

In the beginning it looked like the Seahawks were trying to beat the 49ers through the air. They only ran the ball twice on their first drive but their passing plays brought them closer and closer to San Francisco’s end zone. The Seahawks were in San Francisco’s half after a 44-yard reception from WR Ricardo Lockette. Three passes later WR Doug Baldwin, who was a game-time decision, caught a touchdown pass for 13 yards to give Seattle a 7-0 lead.

San Francisco needed to respond and showed that they were prepared to take risks. On 4^th and 1 at Seattle’s 48-yard line head coach Jim Harbaugh decided not to punt and QB Alex Smith ran 1 yard for another first down. The Niners were in field goal range after a 12-yard catch from WR Michael Crabtree but David Akers could not connect from 52 yards.

It didn’t take David Akers long to redeem himself. The 49ers marched down the field on their second drive, thanks to great rushing plays from RB Frank Gore and RB Kendall Hunter, but came to a halt at Seattle’s 35-yard line, when LB Leroy Hill sacked Alex Smith for a loss of 4 yards. Akers attempted a field goal from 53 yards and made it.

The Seahawks could have responded with a field goal straight away but an offensive pass interference call on WR Ben Obomanu and a sack from LILB Navorro Bowman for a loss of 4 yards moved the home team out of field goal range and they had to punt instead.

Seattle was more successful on their next possession. The Seahawks began the drive at San Francisco’s 43-yard line thanks to a 15-yard interference call on C.J. Spillman after the punt. It was mainly RB Marshawn Lynch who moved the ball close to the end zone but the Seahawks failed to get into it. Steven Hauschka restored the 7-point lead with 19-yard field goal.

The Niners had 1:30 minutes left and were determined to score before half time but turned the ball over on downs.

San Francisco needed a score on the first possession of the second half to get some momentum going. At Seattle’s 40-yard line the Niners were faced with a 4^th and 2 and decided to go for a conversion. Alex Smith didn’t just go for 2 yards but passed to TE Vernon Davis for a gain of 16 yards and an automatic first down. Davis caught another pass for 17 yards and set up Frank Gore’s 4-yard touchdown run to tie the score at 10.

San Francisco’s defense forced a three-and-out on Seattle’s next possession and WR Kyle Williams, who replaced the injured WR Ted Ginn Jr., returned the punt for 36 yards to Seattle’s 48-yard line. Frank Gore, Kendall Hunter and Alex Smith seemed unstoppable and ran the ball deep into Seattle’s red zone. Once there the progress stopped but David Akers’ 29-yard field goal gave the Niners their first lead of the game. The momentum had clearly shifted in San Francisco’s favor.

The 49ers forced yet another three-and-out and the offense repeated their now successful formula: Run, run and run. Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter moved the offense deep into Seattle territory but were stopped before the red zone. David Akers hit a field goal from 44-yards to give the Niners a 16-10 lead.

San Francisco had the win all but wrapped up, had it not been for a mishap on special teams. LB Heath Farwell blocked a punt from Andy Lee and Marshawn Lynch rushed for a 4-yard touchdown on Seattle’s subsequent first down.

The 49ers didn’t seem to be affected by this setback and restored the order of things within minutes. WR Michael Crabtree caught a pass for 41 yards at Seattle’s 28-yard line. Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter gained another 7 yards to set up David Akers’ field goal from 39 yards.

There were 1:18 minutes left to play when QB Tarvaris Jackson attempted to run for a first down at San Francisco’s 48-yard line. LB Larry Grant came from behind and stripped the quarterback for the only turnover of the game, when SS Donte Whitner recovered the fumble.

The Niners only managed to take 15 seconds off the clock on their ensuing drive but the Seahawks turned the ball over on downs and San Francisco’s 19-17 win at the Seattle Seahawks was official.

Game Tidbits

Alex Smith completed 14 of 26 passes for 179 yards and a passer rating of 75.6.

Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter rushed for a combined 156 yards.

OLB Aldon Smith recorded his team-leading 14^th sack of the season and needs one more to set a new NFL record for rookies.

San Francisco converted only 20% of third downs but went 2-for-3 on fourth downs.

The 49ers outsacked the Seahawks 3-2.

David Akers set a new NFL record for field goals made in a season with 42.

Alex Smith is tied with Joe Montana for most fourth quarter come-from-behind road wins in one season for the 49ers with 4.

TE Delanie Walker suffered a jaw injury and could miss the rest the season.

Kyle Williams left the game with a potential concussion.

Marshawn Lynch ran for 107 yards and is the first running back since week 11 of the 2009 season to top 100 yards against the Niners. He is also the first running back to rush for a touchdown against San Francisco this season.