Playoffs

[RiverDog]

Man, did the Eagles look good yesterday or what? Sure, the Giants were probably the worst team in the group of 8 that entered this weekend's play, but Holy cow! That was easily the most dominating performances in a playoff game at least since Super Bowl 48. I heard an announcer say that it was the largest halftime deficit that the Eagles have ever had in the 100 year history of their franchise.

Although not as dominant as the Eagles were, the Chiefs were clearly the better team vs. the Jags. Mahomes apparently suffered a high ankle sprain, so it will be interesting to see how he does next week in the AFCCG. It's 5 straight seasons that the Chiefs have gotten this far, a pretty notable feat as only the Patriots have done it in this century.

The Bengals are looking great vs. the Bills. Their season started out slow, but they look like a juggernaut now. Their offense is unstoppable.

The game tonight, 49'ers vs. Cowboys, should be a good one. We haven't had a real cliffhanger yet this weekend, but I'm guessing that this one goes down to the wire. After the 'Gurls did a face plant vs. the Commanders in Week 18, I had written them off and thought that they'd be one and done, but they looked great against the Bucs last week.

Odd starting times today, 12 noon and 3:30pm PT. I guess they want to get the east coast kiddos before they go to bed for school the next morning.

[Aseahawkfan]

Buffalo really needs a run game. Allen can't do it alone.

[RiverDog]

Buffalo really needs a run game. Allen can't do it alone.

Yeah, and their defense couldn't stop the run game. Definitely the difference in the game. Plus Cincy's OL was banged up.

Burrow had a solid game, but it wasn't one of those eye popping, 400 yards 4 TD outings. He's solidified himself as one of the top 3-4 QB's in the league and outplayed Josh Allen on the road and in the snow.

[trents]

Buffalo's defense really misses Von Miller and yes, their lack of a running game becomes apparent deficit whenever they have gotten to the playoffs. They weren't as good this year as they were last year.

[c_hawkbob]

Cincy surprised me, that's a better team than I'd given them credit for. Dallas and the Niners are about as I expected, though I still expect the girls to fold here late.

[Stream Hawk]

My heart says Philly wins next week. Can’t see Purdy winning in that hostile environment. Hoping Eagles D can be the answer SF needs.

[Old but Slow]

Philly/Cincy for all the marbles. And it drives the PR types nuts to not be in the NY/LA media markets.

[Stream Hawk]

I’d be quite happy with that one! Even though I shouldn’t care, I still can’t stand the Niners. Maybe it’s envy or jealousy - I don’t know. Time for another therapist! Love the Bengals and their story; Philly is growing on me.

[Aseahawkfan]

Eagles should beat the 49ers.

Bengals and Chiefs I don't know about. Bengals are hot.

[obiken]

Eagles should beat the 49ers.

Bengals and Chiefs I don't know about. Bengals are hot.

Depends on which Eagles group shows up, the one that plays all rock hits, or the one that tried Country music for a while!

[obiken]

Eagles should beat the 49ers.

Bengals and Chiefs I don't know about. Bengals are hot.

On a more serious note. I think both games could be really close, IF there is to be a blowout, it would be the Eagles beating SF, by a lot.

[RiverDog]

Dak Prescott's horrible play was the difference in last night's game. Those two picks he threw were both on him, like he's so locked in on his receiver that he doesn't even see the defender.

I think we're looking at Philly and Cincy in the Supurb Owl. Mahomes injury may limit his play. Philly's defense is every bit as good as the Niners.

[MackStrongIsMyHero]

Prescott was the difference, and they may not have been as close if not for that ST fumble recovery. I have to hand it to Dan Quinn and his defense. He made Purdy uncomfortable and forced him to make plays. Shanahan still schemed his guys open, but there weren’t near as many layups.

[NorthHawk]

In all of the games the winners were the teams that won the battle at the LoS.
The interior of the OL made huge differences for all of the important plays and held up to most of the inside rushes. The Defensive lines had a few good pressures up the middle but they weren't consistent for any of the teams.

[Hawktawk]

I’m rooting 9ers for some weird reason . If they win we lost to the best . Geno had issues but was far better against them then Dak. We need a defense , not the next Josh Allen . No excuses on a lack of a run game . Geno got none here when we didn’t for probably 5 or 6 of our games . He’s got a defense to get him possessions too.
Josh Allen failed. .
Burrow is #1in the league in my book. Joe Cool . I’ve never seen him rattled . 3-0 vs Mahomes .
Eagles looked formidable but was it all them or the Giants “ crash landing “ as Daboll said . Great teams crash bad teams . So let’s see . That is a nasty 9ers defensive and offensive team and Purdy got a good test from Dallas . Their skill people are the best in the league other than maybe Cincy . Should be a war .

[RiverDog]

Prescott was the difference, and they may not have been as close if not for that ST fumble recovery. I have to hand it to Dan Quinn and his defense. He made Purdy uncomfortable and forced him to make plays. Shanahan still schemed his guys open, but there weren’t near as many layups.

For the life of me, I don't know why that Niners punt returner attempted a return. Either fair catch the thing or let it go into the end zone. Not many punts in that situation are going to be returned for more than 10 yards, and half the time, or so it seems, the return team commits an illegal block or a turnover.

There were several stupid things in that game, including the Niners running back that went out of bounds after getting a first down instead of giving himself up in bounds with less than 2 minutes to play. I blame that on the QB/offensive coordinator for not reiterating that advice to the RB before the play. Get the first down then get down.

No matter who the opponent, I'm always ecstatic when the Cowboys get beat.

[Hawktawk]

I agree . Terrible situational football quite a bit in all the games. Bone head

[NorthHawk]

I’m rooting 9ers for some weird reason . If they win we lost to the best . Geno had issues but was far better against them then Dak. We need a defense , not the next Josh Allen . No excuses on a lack of a run game . Geno got none here when we didn’t for probably 5 or 6 of our games . He’s got a defense to get him possessions too.
Josh Allen failed. .
Burrow is #1in the league in my book. Joe Cool . I’ve never seen him rattled . 3-0 vs Mahomes .
Eagles looked formidable but was it all them or the Giants “ crash landing “ as Daboll said . Great teams crash bad teams . So let’s see . That is a nasty 9ers defensive and offensive team and Purdy got a good test from Dallas . Their skill people are the best in the league other than maybe Cincy . Should be a war .

We do need Defense (specifically DL) for certain but there are more than that at issue with this team.
And keep in mind that any DL we get will take a few years to have an impact if the current trend of DL continues. I can't think of any DL drafted in the last 5 years that had an immediate impact - with the possible exception of a DE.
Even players like Quinnen Williams of the Jets who was thought to be one of the best inside DL in a number of drafts didn't start to really perform until this year, his 3rd year.
That doesn't mean don't draft one, rather don't expect a lot of production immediately.
So the big question is does Pete have the patience to wait for 2 or 3 years? History tells us that he doesn't really. Last year we drafted Mafe but signed ageing veteran Irvin and played him quite a bit and in important situations.
Alton Robinson is sitting around doing nothing and not getting a chance after showing some promise. And there are others, too.
The young guys have to play, but Pete wants to win now. After all he's near the end of his career.

[Hawktawk]

I think Pete’s age figures in here some . I hear the talking heads say he doesn’t want to start over with a rookie but last time I checked he went to and almost won a divisional Russels rookie year . But we had LOB. If we want to have the best chance to win the next few years sign Geno unless you really think lock can do it . My thought after yesterday is there’s 2 teams in the conference head and shoulders better and we’re in the second group if we keep our offensive core and improve our defense somehow . The other 2 ? Gotta catch the mistakes and make none .

[RiverDog]

Not that it means anything, but I saw where since 2020 when the league expanded the playoffs to 14 teams, the #7 seeds are a combined 0-6.

https://www.sbnation.com/2023/1/15/2355 ... s-seahawks

[Hawktawk]

Yeah but then there was this game called beastquake . The race is not always to the swift or battle to the strong . Everyone wants the best players . We used to have a lot of them . Not near as many as we like now . But we put 17 points on the 9ers in a quarter . Geno was near perfect for almost 3 quarters .
Yeah I know all about uncles and aunts and so forth .

I have a question for those who would rather suck for luck for a few years then make the playoffs and not be *competetive *.

Did the giants have the best record when they beat NE in the SB? Best roster ? Best coach ( I’d say yes that day) second best ? Third ? 4th best roster ? I don’t remember but I don’t think so . They beat an 18-0 team with a 9-7 record .

When we were sitting at 3-8 in 2021 season over in November I developed an appreciation for turning on my TV and watching a competetive team on a weekly basis . I think we’re closer then further if we bolster our front 7 and interior offensive line . I hope so .

I think Pete Is on a year to year basis now with JODY. If they blow this off-season and regress next year he will be gone , maybe John as well . Just a hunch . I hope we don’t ever have to find out

[RiverDog]

Yeah but then there was this game called beastquake . The race is not always to the swift or battle to the strong . Everyone wants the best players . We used to have a lot of them . Not near as many as we like now . But we put 17 points on the 9ers in a quarter . Geno was near perfect for almost 3 quarters .
Yeah I know all about uncles and aunts and so forth .

I have a question for those who would rather suck for luck for a few years then make the playoffs and not be *competetive *.

Did the giants have the best record when they beat NE in the SB? Best roster ? Best coach ( I’d say yes that day) second best ? Third ? 4th best roster ? I don’t remember but I don’t think so . They beat an 18-0 team with a 9-7 record .

When we were sitting at 3-8 in 2021 season over in November I developed an appreciation for turning on my TV and watching a competetive team on a weekly basis . I think we’re closer then further if we bolster our front 7 and interior offensive line . I hope so .

I think Pete Is on a year to year basis now with JODY. If they blow this off-season and regress next year he will be gone , maybe John as well . Just a hunch . I hope we don’t ever have to find out

Beastquake didn't involve a 7th seed. Same goes for the Giants 2011 SB season.

I had no real point to that post, it was more of an FYI, a food for thought sort of thing. You're making a lot of assumptions. But hey, nice rant!

[Hawktawk]

Your overthinking it. 7 seeds are 0-6. Great . My point is bfd they won’t always be . One bad night by someone .

I’d rather be 7 then home any day . Beastquake was a 6-9 team starting Charlie Whitehurst to get the division at 7-9 and be a sacrificial lamb to the world champs . 14 point dogs or something . A worse team on paper than anyone this year . I know a lot of people wanted us to lose to the rams and some were upset we won one of the most iconic playoff games ever .
Beam me up . I’m not assuming your positions on perceived mediocrity . you’ve made it clear .

[MackStrongIsMyHero]

I wonder if that trend will continue, and, therefore, indicate the drop off from 6 to 7 is pretty significant. I'm guessing the extra playoff game is worth it from a revenue standpoint.

[c_hawkbob]

I think over time the drop off from #6 to #7 will prove insignificant.

[obiken]

Question, how many defensive minded coaches are left in the Playoffs now? 0. Its gone from the NFL. to advanced Flag football, you cannot get to a SB with a non offensive minded coach.

[Aseahawkfan]

Question, how many defensive minded coaches are left in the Playoffs now? 0. Its gone from the NFL. to advanced Flag football, you cannot get to a SB with a non offensive minded coach.

What are you talking about? So far the 49ers are crushing people with the best defense, not the best defense.

Defensive coaches are fine. Defense still wins fine. Stop making extrapolations that aren't true based on one year.

[RiverDog]

Question, how many defensive minded coaches are left in the Playoffs now? 0. Its gone from the NFL. to advanced Flag football, you cannot get to a SB with a non offensive minded coach.

I don't think that's true at all. Although I agree that it's important for there to be a very good, sophisticated offensive minded coach on the sidelines, especially in today's NFL, it doesn't necessarily have to be the head coach.

[obiken]

What are you talking about? So far the 49ers are crushing people with the best defense, not the best defense.

Defensive coaches are fine. Defense still wins fine. Stop making extrapolations that aren't true based on one year.

Its not just one year guy, its been the last 5. No defense can stop Mahomes, Burrow, or Allen IF they have protection, with even an average Oline. Come on, Hopkins is going to cost the winning bidding team a fortune.

[NorthHawk]

It's taken the 49ers about 5 years to accumulate the talent they have including a number of top 10 draft picks.
We won't have that luxury to build unless we 1) Get a franchise QB and 2) Fix both sides of the LoS. Add to that we need a true #3 WR (and heir apparent to Lockett) along with LBs and a good Safety.
Most importantly is strength up the middle on both sides of the ball (QB, IOL, DT's, ILBs, and S).

[Hawktawk]

What are you talking about? So far the 49ers are crushing people with the best defense, not the best defense.

Defensive coaches are fine. Defense still wins fine. Stop making extrapolations that aren't true based on one year.

Its not just one year guy, its been the last 5. No defense can stop Mahomes, Burrow, or Allen IF they have protection, with even an average Oline. Come on, Hopkins is going to cost the winning bidding team a fortune.[/quote]


Just read a shocking stat . Seattle was #10 in sacks per game while Frisco was 13 at 1.8 per game . I don’t feel like edge is as big a problem as the interior . Including a competent mike. You can edge rush all you want and they just step up or out unless you collapse the pocket too .

That was a weird stat though . I know we had 19 of ours in the 4 game win streak so it’s deceptive . Also the interior pressure of the 9ers and the great linebackers make them #1 overall .

[c_hawkbob]

Question, how many defensive minded coaches are left in the Playoffs now? 0. Its gone from the NFL. to advanced Flag football, you cannot get to a SB with a non offensive minded coach.

Obi, we won the SB with a non offensive minded coach.

[obiken]

Obi, we won the SB with a non offensive minded coach.

Agreed Bob, but that was 10 years ago when you could still hit people. Look at all the rule changes and Interpretations, that have changed over the last 10 years. All the Defensive coaches in the Playoffs this year didnt just get beat, they got killed.

[Aseahawkfan]

The greatest coach of the last twenty years was a D-coordinator in Bill B.

All these offensive minded coaches have the same number of Super Bowls as Carroll.

Bill B won the Super Bowl in 2018 13-3 against the Rams, where his superior defense crushed McVay's offense.

The league has not changed that much. Defense is still as important as it ever was.

[NorthHawk]

Defense is important. Of course it is.
But the league rules are skewed toward the Offense and scoring points so not keeping up with that aspect puts a team behind from the outset.

[obiken]

The greatest coach of the last twenty years was a D-coordinator in Bill B.

All these offensive minded coaches have the same number of Super Bowls as Carroll.

Bill B won the Super Bowl in 2018 13-3 against the Rams, where his superior defense crushed McVay's offense.

The league has not changed that much. Defense is still as important as it ever was.

But even Nick Saban admitted that he had to transition to offense, he admitted no defense can stop these current offenses. Too many changes, in the rules that favor the offenses.

[Aseahawkfan]

Defense is important. Of course it is.
But the league rules are skewed toward the Offense and scoring points so not keeping up with that aspect puts a team behind from the outset.

And why did Bill B hold the Rams to 3 points four years ago?

I'm sorry, you guys are just wrong. You like offense and it's your bias. But a great defense will hammer a great offense and a great defense can win just as well, especially in the playoffs.

They keep saying all this crap about slanted offenses and yet this year no one matched past offensive production. Defenses were still winning games. Frisco is winning with some last draft pick QB.

League has not changed that much. Main difference is holding talent together. It's very hard to hold a ton of talent on the same team, which is why you see new teams win almost every year.

You and obiken are over-selling offense. It's a narrative that has not held up well to the reality of the NFL which has not changed: have a complete team if you want to win.

You can have one side stronger than the other like a better offense or a better defense with a good other side, but you need a complete team to win. The best offense doesn't run over everyone to the Super Bowl. The best defense with no offense won't do great either. Build a complete team with a quality head coach and you can win, even if it is extremely rare.

Nothing in football is that complex. And the rules change and defenses adapt. What doesn't change is you need a complete team to win.

It doesn't matter if you're a defense head coach like Bill B or Pete Carroll or John Harbaugh or an offense head coach like Andy Reid or McVay or Bruce Arians, you can still win the Super Bowl and build a great team. There is no evidence that offense-oriented head coaches win more Super Bowls than defensive head coaches. All that has been proven is the better team wins and more often than not the more complete team with fewer weaknesses.

I get it. You and obi and a few others want to watch an interesting offense in Seattle. It's your preference. It doesn't interest me as I'd rather have a domineering defense, but I'm not going to try to tell you guys a great offense can't win Super Bowl because it's not true. So don't try to sell me we need some complex offense to win and that a great defense with a Carroll style power run offense can't win, when I know that isn't true.

[NorthHawk]

Nobody is saying don’t draft Defense, rather don’t ignore the Offensive issues that continue to plague us
if the chance to improve them arises. If we can pick up some 25-27 year old DL who is a starter (if someone like
that is even available) then add that way, but draft picks along the DL usually take 2 to 3 years to consistently
contribute. That doesn’t mean don’t draft them rather it will give them time to develop without the huge expectations
that high picks have when the mantle of being the savior of the DL is pushed upon them.

This year there looks to be a number of DL in the later first round and into maybe the 3rd. There are also a sprinkling of
LBs around the late 1st or 2nd too. So we can get both if the draft falls that way. Our history with this regime for the most part is we do better when we don’t play the trade down games and let the draft fall to us.

QB should be the top priority if one of the top 4 is there. It was probably the original plan after trading Wilson and we won’t in all likelihood get another chance at a top 5 pick for many years.

[Old but Slow]

I want it all. Balance. Offense, defense, and special teams all can win it or lose it for you. Take the best player at the positions needed most. The very best teams can have impact in all phases, and that should be the focus of building a winner.

A team with a very strong defense and a poor offense should still take an Aaron Donald when he is there. (there is no Aaron Donald in this draft)

[RiverDog]

I want it all. Balance. Offense, defense, and special teams all can win it or lose it for you. Take the best player at the positions needed most. The very best teams can have impact in all phases, and that should be the focus of building a winner.

A team with a very strong defense and a poor offense should still take an Aaron Donald when he is there. (there is no Aaron Donald in this draft)

First off, the first round has to be about value. You aren't going to take a guard with one of the top 5 picks no matter how good he is relative to his position. I don't like seeing us take running backs, interior OL, and safeties in the top ten simply because you can get the same player in a lower slot. Left tackles, quarterbacks, cornerbacks, DE/DL, and linebackers are commonly taken in the top part of the first round.

Secondly, at least in the higher rounds, I've always felt that the draft should be a modified best player available. For example, if Patrick Mahomes is our quarterback and is signed to a long term deal and the BPA is a QB, we either look for another player of value or try to trade out of the pick.

But once you get past a certain point in the draft, it becomes all about the best player available regardless of position.