The game is
over and now the slicing and dicing begins by media and fans. Game 3 with
starters playing into the 3rd quarter gives people much more to
discuss for both teams involved.
The first
play of the game was already an improvement. The first play in Buffalo we see
Ponder get hammered after Kalil missed a block. The game Sunday night Ponder
was able to avoid a rush and launch it deep to Greg Jennings. Yes, it was
incomplete but I like the thought.
The first
series ends in a fumble deep in Vikings territory and the 49ers are in the red
zone. I love the defense and what they did to hold the 49ers to a field goal.
It involved a nice stop by Greenway and Harrison Smith on a wide run attempted by
Frank Gore as he ends up losing a yard.
I loved the
hustle by Brian Robison tonight. It was scary seeing a couple collisions
between Jared and Robison in the backfield. It is the last thing we need to do
is lose either one of these guys.
I liked
Kevin Williams play including a nice knock down of a pass. It is truly
unfortunate to see what the 49ers offensive linemen did to Kevin. I worry about
the overnight. The camera shot we saw made it look horrific the way his knee
bent in.
The Vikings
took their share of dumb penalties but I felt the 49ers played a little too
cheap. I know its preseason and guys are doing what they can to make the team.
I can think of 2 more examples with one when Our Vikings receiver, Burton was
stopped and hung up by a 49ers defender only to watch another hit the defenseless
receiver helmet to helmet. The other that comes to mind is the touchdown catch
by Joe Webb as he is being tackled by the face mask.
Adrian used
as a decoy gave the opportunity for Toby Gerhart to get the extra carries. I thought
Toby made the most of them and ran hard. The carry on 3rd and short
he had no chance with the offensive line missing a block.
Matt Kalil had
a tough night with too many penalties but I did like Coach Frazier decision to
pull him out for a play and to cool off.
Jeff Locke
had another good night. I really love his ability to pin the other team deep in
their own end. I loved the hustle on one punt by A.J. Jefferson to get down the
field. He made even a better play by realizing he was by the goal line and did
not touch the ball allowing Loeffler to stop the ball at the 2. It was a heads
up play by Jefferson.
I was
shocked to hear Cris Collinsworth pay a compliment when Ponder threw a nice
ball with good touch to Jerome Simpson.
My thought
on Ponder is this. He showed me tonight he is not a quitter. He did not have a
lot of yards passing but he has a 95.6 passer rating and went 17 for 23. The
offensive line struggled so I liked his ability to stay in the pocket and run
up the middle when he could.
He showed
tonight his ability to find his receivers, Jennings and Simpson as they both
had 2 catches for 24 yards. Jennings also made a big play drawing an interference
penalty on the 49ers in the end zone. A very nice veteran play made by Jennings
in drawing the flag.
Zach Line
for the 3rd straight game made a great showing in hopes of making it
tough on the coaches to decide if he stays or goes. Toby Gerhart made a 12 yard
run and on that play who made the key block? Yes, Zach Line. The same drive
Line is rewarded with a touchdown catch from Ponder.
The battle
between Joe Webb and Stephen Burton goes on. We see Burton stop on a route
resulting in an interception then later in the game makes a big catch on a TD
drive.
Webb makes
himself known as he used his big athletic body to haul in the fade pass for a
TD. This battle I believe will come down to Thursday’s night game at home vs Tennessee.
Matt Asiata
had a rough night in Buffalo with struggling with the blitz pick up. The TD by
Line I see Asiata make a big block knocking down not just 1 by 2 49ers players.
Nice play Matt
The
defensive side of the ball I liked the play of Greenway including an impressive
interception. I also like the game Desmond Bishop played tonight. I believe his
game may keep him on the squad. He used his head wisely when he got head butted
by 49ers player Hawkins. I liked his ability to not retaliate.
I do not
know if I have seen a play take so many unnecessary penalties as Hawkins. 2 coming
on one play with taunting and removing his helmet and then the head butt. Will
he be a 49ers player this year? Or is his talent too much to overlook these
mistakes and keep him?
The one
player I felt the 49ers really went after was defensive back, Josh Robinson. I
could believe the attempts they went after him. It was a game for Josh to look
back at film to see how he can improve for the next game.
I leave you with
this how about Jerome Simpson helping out with the runaway fan. The TV shot of
Simpson next to Coach Frazier was that ever a sight. It makes me wonder what is said on the
sideline when something like this occurs.
A loss but I
saw some improvement I was hoping for. I say bring on the Tennessee Titans up
next and we will end up 1-3.
Thanks for reading
Purplestick
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