Film Room: The mighty Larry Allen

Larry Allen. The name alone has inspired fear for more than a decade. It belongs to a man who’s big, who’s bad, who makes Joe Staley fetch mountains of Popeye’s chicken, and who might just be on the wrong side of 30. This week we have the future Hall of Fame left guard under the microscope (we ordered plus-sized glass slides).

Lauded as an excellent free agent pickup before (and after) the 2006 season, Niner fans seem to be souring on Allen, as some say he doesn’t look like the same player he was a year ago. At times he has visibly struggled in pass protection, but there are whispers that even his powerful run blocking has tailed off. Perhaps most damning is the talk that he’s not maintaining himself as well as other oldster guards who played well into their mid-30s: Will Shields (12-time Pro Bowler) and Ruben Brown (9-time Pro Bowler) to name a few ... or Jesse Sapolu, Ray Brown and nasty Kevin Gogan for a few names that might be more familiar.

This week the million dollar question is this: Has the legendary Larry Allen lost it? Have we seen the last outbreak of “Allenitis”? Read on and find out:

*1st Drive, following Kickoff (Q1 15:00, NO 0 SF 0)

1st & 10 SF25: (Gun) Smith pass short right to Walker for no gain.

Allen gives DT Thomas (6-0 306) a shove to his right into Heitmann, then looks left to help Snyder with DE Smith (6-3 282) but can’t get there fast enough to be a factor before the ball is thrown.

At the end of the play, Delanie Walker had his legs taken out from under him and landed awkwardly on his left shoulder. He rolled around in obvious pain for a few seconds as Vernon Davis ran over to help.

2nd & 10 SF25: Gore up the middle for 5 yards.

Allen fires off the ball, hits Thomas backward with a hand-punch, then moves through the line and pancakes DT Brian Young (6-2 298), springing Gore for a 5 yard run on the cutback.

3rd & 5 SF30: (Gun) PENALTY SF-Davis, False Start, 5 yards, No Play.

The Saints give a 3-4 look with Thomas as the NT, and he goes up against Heitmann as the ball is snapped. Allen helps out as the whistle is blown on Davis.

3rd & 10 SF25: (Gun) Smith pass incomplete short middle to Battle.

Allen helps Snyder against the LDE, who goes nowhere.

*2nd Drive, following Saints TD (Q1 11:25, NO 7 SF 0)

1st & 10 SF29: Gore right tackle for -4 yards.

Allen pulls right and lays a hit on LB Fujita. Fujita seems not to care as he sheds the block and makes a tackle for a loss.

In Larry’s defense, this run looked like it was designed to go off-tackle and not to the corner. If Frank is running off-tackle, it’s a perfect block. Another thing to note is, the Saints brought 7 men to the line and the Niners blocked all of them. Um, except Fujita.

2nd & 14 SF25: (Gun) Smith pass incomplete deep middle to Lelie.

Brian Young, after getting nowhere against Snyder decides to try his luck against Larry Allen. He goes nowhere twice.

3rd & 14 SF25: (Gun) Smith pass short left to Davis for 8 yards.

Allen doesn’t really have anyone to block on this play, though he helps Heitmann with DE Antwan Lake (6-4 308) a little. In summary, the Saints go after the four linemen not named Larry Allen.

The Niners get new life after Craft is called for an illegal contact penalty. 5 yards, first down.

1st & 10 SF30: Smith pass short right to Davis for 19 yards.

Allen helps Heitmann neutralize DT Kendrick Clancy (6-1 305).

On the replays we see Vernon Davis is ridiculously open for 90% of the play.

1st & 10 SF49: Hicks up the middle for 6 yards, FUMBLES, RECOVERED by NO (Fujita).

Allen pulls right, hits RDE Smith and seals him inside. Afterward, Larry trips over MLB Simoneau who had been pancaked by RT Staley.

This was a great play except for the part when the running back gave the ball to the other team. Of course, that seems to be a recurring theme this year.

*3rd Drive, following Saints punt (Q1 7:59, NO 7 SF 0)

1st & 10 SF5: Smith pass short middle to Lelie for 6 yards.

Allen doesn’t have anyone to block directly this time, but he comes to Snyder's rescue when he sees W.Smith getting the upper hand.

2nd & 4 SF11: Gore left guard for no gain.

Allen crashes down on LDT Clancy and basically bodyslams him to the ground. Unfortunately, Larry can only do this to one person per play.

Not sure what daylight Gore was running to on this one. Looked to me like he tried to force a cutback that wasn’t there on a run that was designed to go over Snyder’s outside shoulder. Also, it didn’t help that Smiley pulled left, ran right into W. Smith and got shoved into Frank’s face.

3rd & 4 SF11: (Gun) Smith pass incomplete short right to Battle.

Allen lines up against Clancy, who wants no part of him.

Smith’s pass bounced right off Battle’s hands. Again.

*4th Drive, following Saints FG (Q1 3:25, NO 10 SF 0)

1st & 10 SF21: Gore left guard for 5 yards.

Allen bumps Clancy then goes out to get an LB – Simoneau in this case. He slows Simoneau down but that’s about it. Still, the play is good for 5 yards.

For the second time in this game, the announcers say, “Let’s hear from Curt Menafee in Los Angeles!” and then there’s silence for about 8 seconds.

2nd & 5 SF26: Gore up the middle for 4 yards.

Allen blocks down on Simoneau who comes on a run blitz. Simoneau does nothing on this play, which means Larry did his job.

3rd & 1 SF30: Norris up the middle for 1 yard.

It’s hard to pick out exactly who, but big ol’ Larry Allen appeared to pancake two different players on this play. Looked like DT Clancy and LB Shanle to me.

1st & 10 SF31: Smith scrambles left end for 2 yards.

Allen helps wall off Clancy on this play and that’s about it.

This was the play where Smith took his first big hit of the game. It was from Fujita, near the sideline.

2nd & 8 SF33: (Gun) Smith pass incomplete deep middle to Davis.

Allen takes on Clancy again and stonewalls him.

Kendrick Clancy should have “property of Larry Allen” stamped on his forehead. On a less amusing note, this pass should have been intercepted. Smith’s first throw after the first big hit is a total duck.

3rd & 8 SF33: (Gun) Smith pass short right to Davis for 12 yards.

Allen takes on DT Lake. Lake goes nowhere.

1st & 10 SF45: Gore up the middle for 2 yards.

Allen crashes down on DT Thomas and pancakes him. Blew him a good three yards off the ball.

Larry Allen sure gets a lot of pancakes for a guy who is supposed to be over the hill.

2nd & 8 SF47: Gore right guard for 3 yards.

Allen fires out and tries to block Shanle. Unfortunately, speed is not one of Larry Allen’s strong suits. Shanle runs right past.

You can’t really blame this play on Allen because it was to the other side, and Shanle was one of the last people to arrive at the ball. So what was the problem then? To me it looked like Staley blocked two people and Smiley blocked none.

3rd & 5 @50: (Gun) Smith pass incomplete short right to Battle.

Allen shoves Brian Young into Snyder, then comes back to handle W.Smith.

This incompletion we can place squarely on the shoulder(s) of Alex Smith. The pass was just too high for Battle to catch in-bounds.

*5th Drive, following Saints punt (Q2 12:05, NO 10 SF 0)

1st & 10 SF44: Smith sacked for -7 yards, fumbles, recovered by SF-Staley.

Young runs circles around Allen and strips the ball from Smith’s hands. A terrible play.

On the plus side, Smith didn’t really absorb a hit, and the Niners didn’t turn the ball over.

2nd & 17 SF37: Smith pass incomplete short right to Walker.

Allen’s up against Young again. This time Young goes nowhere.

3rd & 17 SF37: Hicks up the middle for 13 yards.

Allen pulls right and takes out DE Cooper. Hicks runs through the hole Allen vacated.

*6th Drive, following Saints TD (Q2 6:45, NO 17 SF 0)

1st & 10 SF21: Smith pass incomplete deep right to Lelie.

Allen stonewalls Lake. Heitmann helps a little.

2nd & 10 SF21: Gore right guard for 7 yards.

Allen pulls right. It’s not that he blocks everyone; it’s that people jump out of his way. The only guy he hits is Shanle, but that’s good for 7 yards.

3rd & 3 SF28: (Gun) Smith pass short right to Gilmore for 8 yards.

Allen isn’t matched up against anyone directly, but he helps Heitmann a little and then Snyder a little.

1st & 10 SF36: Smith pass short left to Lelie for 5 yards.

Allen helps Heitmann with Clancy, then takes on W.Smith. Alex Smith has plenty of time to throw this one.

If the Saints don’t make this ankle tackle on Lelie, it’s off to the races. Of course, they do make the ankle tackle.

2nd & 5 SF41: Smith pass incomplete short middle to Norris.

Clancy actually breaks through Allen and Heitmann, but Alex Smith steps up and avoids the rush.

3rd & 5 SF41: Smith pass incomplete short right to Gilmore.

Allen and Snyder run out left like they’re setting up a screen. They take W. Smith will them.

*7th Drive, following Saints TD (Q2 0:50, NO 24 SF 0)

1st & 10 SF30: (Gun) Smith pass short left to Davis for 14 yards.

Allen neutralizes Brian Young with an assist from Michael Robinson.

1st & 10 SF44: (Gun) Smith pass short middle Robinson for 11 yards.

Allen doesn’t really have anyone to block on this play, though he does help Heitmann by shoving Young once.

1st & 10 NO45: Smith spiked the ball to stop the clock.

2nd & 10 NO45: (Gun) Smith pass incomplete short left to Lelie.

Allen again helps Heitmann against Young, then shuffles over and helps Snyder with W.Smith. Very helpful of him.

3rd & 10 NO45: (Gun) Smith pass short left to Battle for 9 yards.

Nobody really for Larry to block on this play. The Saints are still too busy going after the linemen not named Larry Allen.

4th & 1 NO36: (Gun) Smith sacked for -6 yards.

Allen blocks Lake, then Young. Then he stands around watching as W.Smith takes A.Smith down and Lake / Young jump on afterward for good measure.

[2ND HALF]

*1st Drive, following Saints punt (Q3 13:23, NO 24 SF 0)

1st & 10 SF44: (Gun) Smith pass short left to Gore for no gain.

Allen is matched up against H.Thomas, who goes nowhere.

2nd & 10 SF44: Gore left end for -1 yards.

Allen pulls left, hits LB Simmons. Actually, it’s Simmons who does the hitting. He blows up Larry’s block and gets in on the tackle.

3rd & 11 SF43: (Gun) Smith scrambles up the middle for 6 yards.

Allen doesn’t take on anyone directly, but he gets a piece of Brian Young, and helps against DE Grant as well.

*2nd Drive, following Saints fumble (Q3 9:04, NO 24 SF 0)

1st & 10 NO46: (Gun) Smith pass incomplete short left to Gilmore.

Allen faces off with Young and doesn’t budge an inch.

2nd & 10 NO46: (Gun) Gore up the middle for 9 yards.

It’s Hollis Thomas this time. Allen turns him outside and springs Gore into the secondary.

Gore seemed to aggravate his ankle injury on this play. He walked off the field furious.

3rd & 1 NO37: Robinson right guard for 4 yards.

Allen pulls right and clotheslines FS Harper who falls to his knees.

Dirty play? Sort of. Did it work? Yes.

1st & 10 NO33: (Gun) Smith pass short middle to Robinson for 20 yards.

Allen neutralizes Thomas again.

Amazing effort from Robinson on this play. He broke four tackles and gashed the Saints for a big gain.

1st & 10 NO13: Smith pass incomplete.

It’s Kendrick Clancy this time. Allen might as well be a brick wall.

2nd & 10 NO13: (Gun) Smith pass incomplete short right to Davis.

The Saints show blitz and send 8. Allen picks up OLB Evans.

Will Smith came unblocked. This play was a lot like the one against the Giants when Umenyora took the ball from Dilfer.

3rd & 10 NO13: (Gun) Smith pass short right to Davis for 2 yards.

Allen stonewalls Clancy again.

After this play, Nedney kicks it through the uprights to save the Niners from being shut out. Naturally, the following kickoff goes out of bounds.

*3rd Drive, following Saints punt (Q3 2:18, NO 24 SF 0)

1st & 10 SF13: Gore up the middle for 3 yards.

Allen blocks down on Clancy, then goes out to get Simoneau, but Simoneau slides past and helps make the tackle.

Unfortunately, none of the other linebackers were blocked either.

2nd & 7 SF16: Smith pass incomplete deep right to Davis.

Allen redirects Cooper, then helps Heitmann with Clancy.

The Niners line plus Gore picked up all four linemen plus two blitzing linebackers on this play. Gore in particular had a great block on Fujita. It’s too bad this pass was overthrown because Davis was open against Saints LB Simmons and would have taken the pass for probably 30 yards at the least.

3rd & 7 SF16: (Gun) Smith pass short right to Gilmore for 10 yards.

Allen keeps Cooper out of this play. Larry gives some ground, but not enough to cause a pressure.

1st & 10 SF26: (Gun) Smith pass incomplete short left to Battle.

Allen and Smiley team up to keep Lake out of the backfield.

2nd & 10 SF26: (Gun) Gore left guard for 8 yards.

Allen shoves Clancy into Heitmann, then takes out Fujita, again springing Gore for a nice gain.

3rd & 2 SF34: Smith pass incomplete short right to Battle.

Allen gives Clancy a little push toward Heitmann but doesn’t do much else.

Smith had plenty of time, but nobody was open.

*4th Drive, following Saints TD (Q4 8:47, NO 31 SF 3)

1st & 10 SF20: (Gun) Smith pass short left to Battle for 7 yards.

No one to block for Larry. Alex Smith has plenty of time.

2nd & 3 SF27: (Gun) Smith pass incomplete deep right to Lelie.

Allen stonewalls Lake on this play.

Plenty of time for Smith to throw – he just underthrew Lelie, who was wide open on a crossing route.

3rd & 3 SF27: (Gun) Smith pass deep left to Davis for 17 yards.

Heitmann passes H.Thomas off to Allen who keeps him out of the backfield.

1st & 10 SF44: (Gun) Robinson right guard for 2 yards.

Allen hits W.Smith once coming off the snap, then gives up on the play. This is bad because it’s a draw, which is slow-developing. Smith ends up in on the tackle.

2nd & 8 SF46: (Gun) Smith pass short left to Battle for 6 yards.

Allen stonewalls Lake again.

3rd & 2 NO48: (Gun) Smith scrambles left end for 9 yards.

Antwan Lake is not having a good day against Larry Allen. stonewalled again. Larry plays this one to the whistle, which means he’s probably mad.

1st & 10 NO39: (Gun) Smith pass incomplete deep right to Battle.

Allen stonewalls Cooper. Lots of stonewalling going on.

Should have been a catch. Battle dropped yet another pass.

2nd & 10 NO39: (Gun) Smith pass short right to Hill for 6 yards.

Allen keeps Clancy out of the play.

Hill gets his first catch as a Niner – a nice tiptoe along the sideline on a comeback route. Hopefully many more to come.

3rd & 4 NO33: (Gun) Smith pass short right to Lelie for 9 yards.

Allen helps Heitmann keep Thomas from getting anywhere near Alex Smith.

Nice catch by Lelie. Not a great throw, but a good catch.

1st & 10 NO24: (Gun) Smith pass short middle to Hicks for 5 yards.

Same deal with Allen and Heitmann blocking Thomas.

2nd & 5 NO19: (Gun) Smith pass incomplete deep middle to Battle.

This time it’s Allen one on one against Thomas. Larry wins again.

May have been a case for pass interference on this play, as Craft tripped Battle on his way to the ball.

3rd & 5 NO19: (Gun) Smith pass short middle to Gilmore for 5 yards.

Allen and Heitmann doubleteam Clancy this time. He doesn’t fare any better than Thomas.

1st & 10 NO14: (Gun) PENALTY on SF-Heitmann, Illegal Procedure, 5 yards, No Play.

Looked like Heitmann double-clutched the snap.

1st & 15 NO19: (Gun) Smith pass short middle to Robinson for 12 yards.

Not really anyone for Allen to block on this play, though he helps with Lake a little.

2nd & 3 NO7: (Gun) Smith pass incomplete short middle to Gilmore.

Again, nobody for Allen to block.

3rd & 3 NO7: (Gun) Smith pass short middle to Davis for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Same old song and dance. Nobody to block.

Hooray, a touchdown! Too bad it’s about 45 minutes too late.

Final Thoughts

Larry Allen is still Larry Allen — he’s just older and slower. He still has a couple plays per game where he makes full-grown defenders look like children. While it’s true that he used to do that on almost every play, an old and slow Larry Allen is still better than most guards out there.

Where Allen gets in trouble is when teams force him to deal with speed rushers by bringing defensive ends inside. He still blows everyone off the ball in run blocking, but he can be beat if teams bring lots of blitzers.

Because of his speed (or lack thereof), Allen also has trouble bumping defenders, sliding off and going out to get linebackers. He definitely struggles when the Niners have him pull. But given those weaknesses, he is ridiculously good in straight ahead run blocking and doesn’t make mistakes in one-on-one pass blocking.

The Niners' line is definitely struggling, and Larry Allen is obviously not the same player he was 10 years ago, when he might have been the best player in the entire NFL. But all weaknesses considered, he’s still an asset to the team. Nolan was not lying when he said Larry is doing just fine. Read more on this article...

Kneejerk Knotes: Fine. I quit, too.

I'm only going to put as much effort into writing this article as the 49ers put in against the Saints today. Ok, so I've already done that.

As a bonus, let me just say this. These 49ers should be ashamed of themselves. They are a disgrace. They do not deserve to wear that uniform.

Here is my very short list (in no particular order) of current 49ers who truly deserve to be 49ers. Feel free to add to it if you can come up with any others.

Frank Gore
Alex Smith
Bryant Young
Nate Clements
Patrick Willis
Andy Lee

That's all that comes to mind. Disgraceful. Read more on this article...

Win the West: Week 8 picks

Another loss, another fall down the Win the West standings for yours truly (apparently the biggest homer on this site). Congratulations to all the guys who went a perfect 3-0 last week while I mired at 1-2, falling farther behind the pack.

A few of the non-homers have joined me in picking the Niners this week. I guess facing the Saints at home with Alex Smith is a little less scary than facing the Giants on the road with Trent Dilfer. Who knew?

Here are this week's picks:

Chris (14-4, 3-0 last week)
San Francisco 27, New Orleans 9
St. Louis 35, Cleveland 30

JR (12-6, 2-1 last week)
No picks yet

Ben (13-5, 3-0 last week)
New Orleans 34, San Francisco 13
Cleveland 27, St. Louis 14

Nick (13-5, 3-0 last week)
San Francisco 23, New Orleans 16
Cleveland 27, St. Louis 19

Eddie (11-7, 2-1 last week)
San Francisco 28, New Orleans 21
St. Louis 37, Cleveland 31

James (10-7, 1-2 last week)
San Francisco 23, New Orleans 20
Cleveland 34, St. Louis 24 Read more on this article...

Breaking the Huddle: We must march on

With a very winnable road game against Atlanta on the horizon, the Niners must take care of business at home today against New Orleans to further their hopes of being back to .500 by the time they travel to Seattle two weeks from now on a Monday night showdown.

A loss against the Saints could be a fatal blow to the 49ers playoff hopes.

QUARTERBACKS

Even though Saints QB Drew Brees started slow, he's heated up during the last two weeks (both wins). He has four touchdowns and one interception compared to one touchdown and nine picks the previous four games. The scenario has been simple for New Orleans: The less mistakes Brees makes, the better chance they have of winning. For the Niners, Alex Smith returns after missing three games with a separated shoulder. With running back Frank Gore bothered by a sprained ankle, Smith needs to get in a rhythm early to take the pressure off of Gore and the beleaguered offense. Smith has shown flashes of brilliance late in games, but now it's time for him to do it throughout.

Advantage: Saints

RUNNING BACKS

Reggie Bush (four touchdowns) beat Gore decisively in their first meeting last season and he didn't need Gore's home state of Florida to do it. Gore hasn't practiced much this week, but if Smith can't get it going early, he'll be called upon once again to shoulder the lion's share of the offensive load. Bush has been steady since Deuce McAllister went down with a season-ending knee injury. He's accumulated 331 total yards in three games and caught a touchdown last week against the Falcons. Bush versus rookie linebacker sensation Patrick Willis will be a highlight of the day.

Advantage: 49ers.

WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS

Finally Ashley Lelie will get some significant time, unfortunately at the expense of Darrell Jackson who's questionable for today's game. Lelie and Vernon Davis being on the field for most of the plays should finally allow Smith and the passing game to stretch the field. It might also create much needed space for Gore in the rushing attack. The Saints wideouts have been a disappointment thus far, especially Marques Colston who only has 26 receptions, 263 yards and two touchdowns through six games. Tight end Eric Johnson will be looking to extract revenge for being let go, but he shouldn't find much room to roam with the Niners linebackers covering him.

Advantage: 49ers.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Both of these units were spectacular last season. This year they've been mediocre at best. With tackle Jonas Jennings and center Jeff Faine both questionable for the contest, depth should play a factor. That's where the Niners clearly have an advantage on the line.

Advantage: 49ers.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Bryant Young started the season with four sacks in the Niners two wins. Since then, he hasn't sniffed a quarterback. The Saints defensive line has been man-handled for the most part.

Advantage: 49ers.

LINEBACKERS

It will be Willis' responsibility to keep Bush in check. If he does then the Niners should roll. Willis is currently averaging 10.5 tackles per game.

Advantage: 49ers.

SECONDARY

Outside of Mike McKenzie, the Saints defensive backfield has been horrible. Free safety Josh Bullocks has been especially suspect. If the Niners can't pass on these guys, they just can't pass. The 49ers secondary, however, has been solid. Look for Nate Clements to shut down Colston.

Advantage: 49ers.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Michael "Beer Man" Lewis faces his old team and I expect him to break off at least one long return. The Saints return game can be dangerous when Bush is back there. Both units are solid.

Advantage: Draw.

COACHING

It seems Saints coach Sean Payton has made adjustments to get his offense back on track. That can't be said for Mike Nolan and Jim Hostler.

Advantage: Saints.

PREDICTION

49ers 28, Saints 21 — Smith gets the passing game on track early as the Niners jump ahead and protect the lead with their defense and Gore.

Read more on this article...

Fantasy Fury: Week 8 preview

The times, they are a-changing.

Fantasy football was once the domain of elite running backs. These days though, fantasy's most valuable player is Patriot's quarterback Tom Brady. If you paired Brady with Randy Moss, there's a good chance you're running away with your league. Obviously, neither Brady or Moss are running backs, because most first-round running backs haven't did jack this season.

This means you should expect more quarterbacks and receivers chosen earlier at next year's draft, completing a transition Peyton Manning started three years ago when he broke Dan Marino's touchdown record.

Here's a preview of what you should expect from Week 8's matchups:

New Orleans Saints at San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, 1 p.m. — This is the game Alex Smith lives up to his No. 1 pick status. He has to since tailback Frank Gore is hobbled by a sprained ankle. The Niners passing game should see its best day of the season with tight end Vernon Davis seeing the bulk of the action. Also, expect Reggie Bush and Drew Brees to be solid, not spectacular.
START: 49ers WR Arnaz Battle, 49ers defense.
SIT: Saints TE Eric Johnson, Saints WR Marques Colston.

Oakland Raiders at Tennessee Titans, Sunday, 10 a.m. — Titans running back LenDale White is the big start in this matchup. Expect 100 yards and two scores.
START: Titans defense; Raiders WR Jerry Porter.
SIT: Raiders RB LaMont Jordan; Titans WRs.

Indianapolis Colts at Carolina Panthers, Sunday, 10 a.m. — The Colts are too good and too well coached to fall into a trap. Expect Peyton Manning and Co. to get their usual. Sit Marvin Harrison until he's fully healthy. Age has finally caught up with him. Expect Reggie Wayne to outshine Steve Smith.
START: Panthers RB DeAngelo Williams.
SIT: Panthers QBs; Colts WR Anthony Gonzalez.

New York Giants at Miami Dolphins, Sunday, 10 a.m. — I feel sorry for people in London who paid for this game. For those of you reading this ... The Dolphins do not represent what the NFL has to offer. The Giants on the other hand might represent the class of the NFC.
START: Giants RB Brandon Jacobs, Giants WR Plaxico Burress.
SIT: All Dolphins.

Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears, Sunday, 10 a.m. — While I'm impressed with what the Lions and Packers are doing, I believe the Bears are ready to take center stage in the North Division again. Jon Kitna, God is not here today.
START: Bears QB Brian Griese, Bears WR Bernard Berrian, Bears defense.
SIT: Lions QB Jon Kitna, Lions RB Kevin Jones.

Cleveland Browns at St. Louis Rams, Sunday, 10 a.m. — The Rams are as healthy as they're going to get this season. The Browns haven't been half bad, but are yet to win on the road. Expect a shootout.
START: Both QBs, Rams RB Steven Jackson; Browns WR Braylon Edwards.
SIT: Rams TE Randy McMichael; Browns RBs.

Philadelphia Eagles at Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, 10 a.m. — This matchup boils down to Donovan McNabb versus Adrian Peterson. Both should have huge days. The Vikings won't allow Brian Westbrook much room to run, but he will be useful in the passing game.
START: Eagles WR Reggie Brown, Eagles defense; Vikings defense.
SIT: Vikings QB Kelly Holcomb.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, 10 a.m. — Tight end Heath Miller is officially Ben Roethlisberger's No. 1 target. Play him accordingly. This should be a high-scoring affair.
START: All the usual suspects.
SIT: Bengals RB Kenny Watson, Bengals RB Rudi Johnson.

Jacksonville Jaguars at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, 1 p.m. — Both defenses are must starts, since most of the points scored will probably come from that side of the ball.
START: Buccaneers QB Jeff Garcia.
SIT: Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew.

Houston Texans at San Diego Chargers, Sunday, 1 p.m. — Expect an emotional game from the Chargers in front of their hometown fans after what San Diego has endured this past week with the wildfires. The Texans are a week away from being completely healthy.
START: All Chargers.
SIT: Texans QB Matt Schaub.

Buffalo Bills at New York Jets, Sunday, 1 p.m. — This should be Marshawn Lynch's breakout game. Expect over 100 yards and at least a score. Also expect Lee Evans to breakout. Evans is a notorious second-half player. If he's available, grab him while you can.
START: Bills QB Trent Edwards; Jets QB Chad Pennington.
SIT: Jets RB Thomas Jones.

Washington Redskins at New England Patriots, Sunday, 1 p.m. — Tom Brady gets my Heisman vote with the silly numbers he's putting up. 27 touchdowns and two interceptions?? Are you kidding me. The Redskins defense is one of the best units in the NFL, but they can rage all they want. They're not stopping the machine.
START: Patriots WRs.
SIT: All Redskins.

Green Bay Packers at Denver Broncos, Monday night, 5:30 p.m. — Expect this one to come down to the wire since most Broncos' games usually do. Brett Favre and Jay Cutler are both solid starts.
START: Packers WR Donald Driver, Packers RB DeShawn Wynn; Broncos WR Brandon Marshall.
SIT: Broncos RB Travis Henry.
LAST WEEK'S CALLS
Adopted by Angelina Jolie: I advised starting LenDale White (27 carries, 104 yards, TD for the Titans) and Heath Miller (five receptions, 50 yards, two TDs for the Steelers). I also said sit Travis Henry (17 carries, 51 yards and a fumble for the Broncos), who was completely shut down by the dominating Pittsburgh defense.
Adopted by Britney Spears: However, I made some of the worst calls ever on starting pass catchers. I said start TE Vernon Davis, WR Roy Williams and WR Santana Moss (should have learned my lesson from the week before). They combined for nine receptions and 53 yards. My bad!

Also, if anyone wants to send questions about lineups or matchups, feel free. Read more on this article...

Hit List: Reasons for hope

This week in Hit List, we look for hope concerning the future of the 2-4 San Francisco 49ers after their loss to the New York Giants.

HELLO, Observer readers. My name is Nick, and I have a confession to make. Earlier this week, I began writing this article directly following the 49ers' 33-15 loss to the New York Giants. At the time, I figured it was best to type up what was on my mind at the moment and then finish the article later in the week.

Here is how the article originally started:

HELLO, Observer readers. My name is Nick. I'm here to tell you that the San Francisco 49ers are completely screwed concerning the 2007 season. You can call me a pessimist or a disbeliever or even unfaithful. I really don't care at this point. The 2007 San Francisco 49ers are dead in the water. Kaput. Finished. It's over and done. Forget the playoffs or even making it to the post-season on a wild card. This is a 7-9 team if we're lucky. It's time to start thinking about 2008.

Now, at the time I wrote the above paragraph, things were looking pretty dismal for the Niners. Following last Sunday's game against New York, Santa Rosa Press Democrat writer Matt Maiocco (the true inside source for what's REALLY going on in Ninerland) typed up this article here, which led me to believe that all hope was lost for San Francisco in 2007. From where Maiocco stood, both Alex Smith and Frank Gore were not going to be ready for Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints. And from where I stood, having both of the 49ers' main weapons on the sideline against New Orleans meant a guaranteed loss for San Francisco no matter who was calling the plays on offense.

But what a difference a few days make. As early as this Thursday, Maiocco was reporting many good things from Ninerland, and my confidence in the 2007 49ers was renewed. According to Maiocco, both Smittay and Gore will be ready to go this Sunday, and as a result, I've come down with a slight case of the "I smell an upset" disease. That's right. I believe the 49ers have a very solid chance to win this Sunday against New Orleans.

Now I could easily be off on this one, and I would not recommend to any of our Observer readers to bet money on the 49ers this weekend (especially with that tiny point spread). Yet, there are still many reasons for hope this Sunday when the Niners take on the Saints. Here are those reasons, for your reading pleasure:

• The 49ers are playing at home. If this week's game was in New Orleans, I'd have much more of a pessimistic outlook regarding the Niners' potential to win this Sunday. The Mike Nolan 49ers are kind of awful on the road, and I'm sure if you did the research, the numbers wouldn't lie. Yet, Alex Smith will be making his return to a packed house at Monster Park this Sunday, and I think Smittay will feel very comfortable knowing he is playing in front of his fans with a pretty healthy offense in front of him. Which brings me to my next point ...

• Alex Smith is healthy. I think it's obvious at this point that having Alex Smith back in the lineup is a good thing for the 49ers (the "PUT IN DILFER!" fans now know better). Yet, what might not be so obvious is that with Smittay back in action, I believe this 49ers' offense will begin to flourish a little bit. Why, you ask?

• Jim Hostler is desperate, but improving. With the Niners not putting up any Ws in recent weeks, it seems that offensive coordinator Jim Hostler (everyone's favorite 49ers Observer contributor) has been let off the leash a bit to get more aggressive with the play-calling. Evidence of this was seen against the Giants, as Hostler organized an aggressive (and overall pretty damn good) second quarter drive last Sunday that resulted in an Arnaz Battle touchdown. On that same drive, Hostler/Nolan even took a chance and FINALLY threw a deep pass in Ashley Lelie's general direction (that's right, friends ... Ashley Lelie is indeed alive), and he caught the ball for a 47-yard gain. Hostler also let Dilfer throw some deep balls Vernon Davis' way (more on that in a sec) as well as a couple passes to backup tight end Delanie "D-Love" Walker.

I believe this Sunday that Hostler will continue to do his best Norv Turner impression, free Alex Smith, and let the kid throw the damn ball downfield (which is what the 49ers should have been doing since Week 1). I believe at this point that Smittay is more than ready for the challenge, and I think he will have a fantastic opportunity to truly shine this Sunday against an average Saints secondary.

• Vernon Davis is healthy. Sure, Click-Clack was indeed back from injury last Sunday, running around the field against the Giants (and dropping a would-be touchdown pass in the process). But a week later, you have to think that VD will be feeling a bit better now that Smith is back behind center instead of Trent Dilfer. With Nolan and Hostler gradually going into desperation mode on offense, I would expect to see a bunch of passes thrown Davis' way come Sunday. In fact, I'll go ahead and guarantee that The Duke has his best game of the year thus far this Sunday, especially with Darrell Jackson sidelined with an injury. Which brings me to my next point ...

• Darrell Jackson is not healthy. Hey D-Jax. What have you done for me lately? Not a whole lot, buddy. That's why the news concerning the injury to Darrell "my-haircut-doesn't-fit-in-my-helmet-and-I-was-too-dumb-to-fix-it-until-after-Week-2" Jackson has me all excited like a small child before the Power Rangers/X-Men hour on FOX Kids Saturday mornings in the mid-1990s. In short, D-Jax's absence brings a huge opportunity for Ashley Lelie, and Lelie's speed is needed on the field now more than ever. Hopefully now that Mike Nolan is getting over himself and his issues with potentially the Niners' the best wide receiver on the active roster, Mr. Lelie will put up some big numbers and turn some heads at Monster Park this Sunday.

• The New Orleans Saints aren't very good. It's hard to believe how fast the mighty have fallen, but the 2007 New Orleans Saints are looking more and more like the Saints that football fans my age grew up with (or any age, for that matter). Marques Colston's dismal fantasy performance aside, the 2007 Saints are simply mediocre this year. They hold the No. 22-ranked defense in the NFL (the 49ers are ranked No. 17), they are 24th in points allowed (the 49ers are 19th) and 27th in total pass defense (the 49ers are 11th). Granted, the 49ers are ranked last in just about every offensive category this season. But against the Saints, there is hope that the 49ers will able to score early and often if the Niners' O-line can give Smittay some protection and open some holes for a semi-injured Frank Gore.

And with that, I'm outta here, friendly readers. I'll be back sometime next week with another HIT LIST to either celebrate the Niners' victory over New Orleans, or sort through another one of Nolan & Hostler's messes. With that said, here is who I liked and didn't like last Sunday against the Giants:

Eric Johnson will be a good former 49er and buy you a beer following Sunday's game: Ashley Lelie (he can spike the ball all he wants if he keeps catching the deep ball), Arnaz Battle, Frank Gore, Patrick Willis, Marques Douglas, Andy Lee and defensive coordinator Greg Manusky (Greg's definitely not responsible for the offense turning the ball over four times).

Brandon Lloyd wants to be your new MySpace friend: Trent Dilfer, Joe Staley, Jonas Jenings, Vernon Davis (catch the ball, buddy) and Ray McDonald. Read more on this article...

In the Tunnel: New Orleans Saints

What a difference a year makes, eh? The New Orleans Saints were the darlings of the NFC last season until they ran into the buzz saw that was the Chicago Bears defense. They were expected to improve upon that effort this season with a lot of components from that dazzling offense returning and some retooling of a defense that was just good enough to get them one win away from the Super Bowl.

The Saints haven't lived up to those expectations so far this year — something 49er fans know a thing or two about themselves — and they've only managed two wins, both coming in the last two weeks. They've lost some players to injury, and that famed offense of theirs has been playing mistake-ridden football that hasn't allowed them to achieve the level of output that they did a year ago. The defense wasn't their strong suit to begin with, and it's somehow managed to regress from last season.

Taking a look from top to bottom of this team is a little difficult to interpret. Much like our own beloved 49ers, we know a lot of these guys can get it done by what we've seen from them in the past, but for whatever reason, they haven't turned it into success so far in 2007.

Saints Offense

The Saints' offensive line has been injury-free for the most part this season. All five starters have been on the field together for all six of their games, and it appears that consistency is starting to pay off. They've been giving adequate time for the passing game and creating some opportunities on the ground, as well. This isn't an overly big or physical unit, but they can move in space, and that plays well to their running game.

As everyone now knows, Reggie Bush is the primary weapon in the Saints' ground attack now that Deuce McAllister is out for the season. We saw Bush torch the Niners for four touchdowns last season, and it was obvious that they just didn't have the speed to contain the dangerous rookie. He also catches a lot of passes out of the backfield and will split wide from time to time. The Saints have put the weight of their running game on this young man's shoulders, and last week against the hapless Falcons, he did manage to deliver, gutting out a tough two-point conversion on the ground to seal the Saints' second straight victory.

One of the biggest factors in the Saints' struggles early in the season was the poor play of QB Drew Brees. He threw one touchdown and nine interceptions in the first four games and was generally having a tough time finding his comfort zone. However, in the last two weeks he's turned that trend around and has thrown four touchdowns and only one pick. Brees is an incredibly accurate passer who has the ability to move in the pocket and make just about every throw. When he's at his best, he's one of the league's elite. When he's not, it's apparent that he'll turn the ball over and creat opportunities for his opponents.

Last year's rookie sensation Marques Colston has struggled to live up to expectations so far this year. A lot of this falls on the shoulders of Brees, though as he's not been finding any of his wideouts much this season at all. Other starting WR Devery Henderson only has nine grabs, and in actuality, David Patten has been more dangerous from the slot in three-receiver sets. Reggie Bush actually leads the team in receptions, and it looks like Brees is getting better at spreading the ball around to everybody.

A familiar face will be lining up against the 49ers from the tight end position. Eric Johnson, the former Yale man, is second on the team in receptions and has already established himself as a favorite target of his QB.

SAINTS DEFENSE

Talented defensive ends Charles Grant and Will Smith bookend the defensive line and were a big part of the Saints' success last season. This year hasn't gone quite as well. Nobody in the Saints' front seven has shown any consistency in getting to the quarterback, and stopping the run has been an issue for quite some time.

The Saints' linebackers haven't done much either when it comes to disrupting things in the passing game. OLB Scott Fujita leads the team in tackles even with missing a game to injury. Again, nobody in this unit is getting consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, so the anemic 49ers passing game may get a shot to break out of its funk.

In the secondary, Mike McKenzie is their undoubted leader and gets the No. 1 assignment every week. He's only got one pick this year and, in my opinion, far too many tackles. Same goes for safeties Roman Harper and Josh Bullocks, who have more tackles than most of the linebackers do. It's obvious that teams are getting into the Saints' secondary with both completed passes and breaks in the run defense.

To summarize, the Saints have won their last two games after losing their first four and the Niners have lost their last four games after winning their first two, so it's easy to say that these two clubs are headed in opposite directions. It should be noted that the Saints haven't looked spectacular in their two wins but the Niners have looked absolutely awful in most of their losses.

So what's going to happen? The Niners are at home and look to have their starting QB back in the lineup along with tight end Vernon Davis. The Saints' defense isn't the best, so it could be an opportunity to finally get things rolling. Conversely, the Saints' offense has started to really pick things up, and if the real Drew Brees shows up, the Niners' already tired defense will have more than they can handle. Let's hope the home team has hit the panic button and can pull off a minor upset of another franchise that has let its fans down this year. Read more on this article...

Film Room: Patrick Willis

Prior to this year’s draft, Patrick Willis was billed as the next Ray Lewis. Draftniks said he could be a perennial Pro Bowler. The day of the draft, there were some questioning if Nebraska DT/DE Adam Carriker would be the better pick, due to the Niners' need on the defensive line. At this point, It remains to be seen if Carriker will turn out well with the Rams, but it’s obvious that Willis was the best player available.

Over the course of the season, we’ve heard everyone talk about how Willis “jumps out at you” on film. The question of the week is, does he hold up to close scrutiny throughout the entire game? Does he show up for a few plays and then disappear for the rest? Does he make rookie mistakes? Read on and find out.

[1st HALF]

*1st Drive

1-10-NYG 17: Manning pass short right to Shockey for 14 yards
Formation: Base 3-4 (Willis over RG)

Willis drops into coverage, drifts left, and tackles Shockey after Clements whiffs.

1-10-NYG 31: Manning pass short right to Burress for 4 yards.
Formation: Base 3-4 (Willis over RG)

Willis reads pass and flows toward the play, but Clements makes the tackle.

2-6-NYG 35: Jacobs right guard for 9 yards.
Formation: Base 3-4 (Willis over LG)

Willis comes on a blitz but runs right into LG Seubert as the play goes to the right.

Note—Jacobs ran over SS M.Lewis about five yards downfield. Looked painful.

1-10-NYG 44: Jacobs left guard for 4 yards.
Formation: Base 3-4 (Willis over RG)

Willis reads run and heads toward the line, sees the play going to the left side and runs that way but again right into Seubert who came out looking for an LB.

Note—Smith flies in and blows up LT Diehl’s block, sheds him, and makes the tackle. Good play, considering he didn’t have much help.

2-6-NYG 48: Manning pass incomplete short right (to Ward).
Formation: 4-3 (Willis at MLB)

Willis drops into coverage, sees Manning dump the ball off, and jets over but runs into an official. Didn’t matter because Ward dropped it, hearing Derek Smith’s footsteps (yes, you read that right).

3-6-NYG 48: (Shotgun) FLAG Willis, Encroachment, 5 yards, No Play.
Formation: 3-2-6 Dime

Willis is coming on the blitz, but comes a little too early.

3-1-SF 47: Manning pass short left to Burress for 9 yards.
Formation: Base 3-4 (Willis over LG) – M.Lewis in the box.

Willis reads pass and drops back, sees Burress catch the ball and sprints to make the tackle, but Clements is there first. Clements didn’t tackle Burress so much as trip him. Seems like Willis is in the camera’s field of view for every play.

1-10-SF 38: Jacobs left end for 5 yards
Formation: Base 3-4 (Willis over LG)

Willis comes on a blitz, runs right into FB Hedgecock and knocks him back about a yard. Jacobs shows some good agility as he dances around Patrick’s outstretched arm and turns the corner for a nice gain.

2-5-SF 33: (Shotgun) FLAG McDonald, Encroachment, 4 yards, No Play.
Formation: 4-2-5 Nickel

Note—McDonald blew Shockey up on this one. Too bad it didn’t count. Shockey was flat on his back and leapt to his feet from that position like Bruce Lee. Can Vernon Davis do that? Probably.

2-1-SF 29: Jacobs right tackle for 11 yards.
Formation: 4-2-5 Nickel (Willis over LG)

Willis flows to the play, but he flows right into Giants C S.O’Hara. Willis sheds the block, but not fast enough.

Note—If I’m not mistaken, Dashon Goldson made his first tackle as a Niner on this play. Also, I notice the Giants make it a point to block Willis even when they’re running to the other side of the field.

1-10-SF 18: (Shotgun) Manning pass short middle to Jacobs for 9 yards.
Formation: 4-1-6 Dime (Willis over LG)

Willis drops into coverage and disappears from view.

2-1-SF 9: Jacobs left guard for 2 yards.
Formation: Base 3-4 (Willis over RG)

Willis flows left and vanishes into a sea of players.

Note—Bryant Young did a backwards leap onto the pile at the end of this play. Kind of funny to see. He still looks good out there.

1-7-SF 7: Manning pass incomplete short right (Ward).
Formation: 6-2-3 Goal Line (Willis over LG)

Willis reads pass and drops into coverage in the end zone.

Note—Blown coverage. Moore’s responsibility was to cover Ward out of the backfield. Good thing he dropped the sure touchdown.

2-7-SF 7: Ward up the middle for 3 yards.
Formation: 4-1-6 Dime (Willis at MLB)

Willis flows to the ball, submarines under a block, and brings down Ward after a short gain.

3-4-SF 4: Manning pass short right to Toomer for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Formation: 4-1-6 Dime (Willis at MLB)

Willis drops into coverage in the middle of the end zone. Toomer catches the ball on the back right edge. Not sure whose responsibility he was, but I believe Spencer was near.

Note—Tynes shanked the extra point.

*2nd Drive

1-10-NYG 42: Jacobs left tackle for 8 yards
Formation: 4-3 (Willis at MLB)

Willis runs to the right side into RG Snee’s block. He sees the ball going left, disengages, and sprints to Jacobs as Haralson makes the tackle. You have to love how Patrick brings 100% effort to every play.

2-2-SF 50: Manning pass incomplete short left (Jacobs).
Formation: 3-3-5 Nickel (Willis over C)

Willis comes on the blitz but gets lost in trash behind NT Franklin.

3-2-SF 50: Ward right tackle for 2 yards.
Formation: Base 3-4 (Willis over LG)

Willis flows to the ball, sheds LG Seubert’s block and gets set up to make a tackle right at the line of scrimmage, but Seubert follows him and blocks him in the back just as Ward arrives. Pretty cheap. The refs gave Ward a generous spot too.

1-10-SF 48: Ward right guard for 6 yards.
Formation: 3-4 Over (Willis over RG)

Willis reads run, but comes through the wrong lane and Ward ends up behind him.

Note—SS M.Lewis came on a blitz but only got one arm on Ward. At the end of the play as Sopoaga was dragging Ward to the ground, Walt Harris ran in and popped the RB’s helmet off with a shoulder to the chin.

2-4-SF 42: Jacobs left end for 11 yards.
Formation: Base 3-4 (Willis over RT)

Willis reads run and flows to the left side of the field, dodges around RG Snee who dives at his knees. Harris chases Jacobs out of bounds just as Patrick is getting close.

1-10-SF 31: Manning pass short right to Jacobs for 5 yards
Formation: Base 3-4 (Willis over RG)

Willis drops into coverage, and closes on Jacobs immediately after the catch, slams into Snee, spins, and gets in on the tackle along with DE Ray McDonald.

2-5-SF 26: Manning pass short right to Shockey for 4 yards
Formation: Base 3-4 (Willis over LT)

Willis drops into coverage on the opposite side of the field.

3-1-SF 22: Droughns right tackle for 2 yards
Formation: 4-3 (Willis over RG), shaded to the strong side

Willis disappears into one end of the pile, and when the play ends he’s the one at the other end who is latched on to Droughns, somehow having made the tackle.

1-10-SF 20: Manning pass short left INTERCEPTED by D.Smith.
Formation: Base 3-4 (Willis over RG)

Willis drops into coverage.

Derek Smith comes up with his first interception in three or four years. It was a good time for it too, as it seemed the Giants were closing in for another touchdown.

*3rd Drive

1-10-NYG 26: Jacobs up the middle for 3 yards
Formation: Base 3-4 (Willis over C)

Willis runs up and takes on LT McKenzie’s block and is knocked off balance. He stumbles sideways then backwards.

2-7-NYG 29: Jacobs right tackle for 6 yards
Formation: Base 3-4 (Willis over RG)

Willis flows to the ball, but gets stuck against NY’s backup TE Matthews’ block and can’t disengage.

3-1-NYG 35: Droughns right tackle for no gain
Formation: Base 3-4 (Willis over LT)

Willis drifts toward the play, but it’s over by the time he can get around the wall of linemen (both OL and DL). Luckily, the Niners line wins the battle and Douglas makes the tackle.

Note—After this play we see a shot of SF DL coach Jim Tomusula all wild-eyed and pumping his fist.

*4th Drive

(following Dilfer / Gore fumble)

1-10-SF 27: (Shotgun) Ward up the middle for 11 yards
Formation: 4-1-6 Nickel (Willis over C)

Willis flows toward the play, but he tries to run between DE Fields and C O’Hara and gets stuck. Bizarre.

1-10-SF 16: (Shotgun) Manning pass incomplete short middle (Jacobs).
Formation: 4-1-6 Dime (Willis over LG)

Willis drops into deep coverage. Jacobs drops an easy catch.

2-10-SF 16: Jacobs left guard for 11 yards
Formation: Base 3-4 (Willis over RG)

Willis gets a little fooled by misdirection toward the RT on this play, but quickly recovers, reverses field, fights through some trash, and hustles over to make the tackle alongside M.Lewis.

Note—Derek Smith got blasted by Jeremy Shockey on this play, springing Jacobs for the long gain.

1-5-SF 5: Jacobs right tackle for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Formation: Base 3-4 (Willis over C)

Willis flies into the hole where the play was intended to go and blows up the FB Hedgecock. Jacobs bounces it outside (where Moore is supposed to be) for the touchdown.

Note—Plays like this really make you miss Manny Lawson. In defense of the Niners, it looked like DE Young was held.

*5th Drive

(following Dilfer INT to Madison)

1-10-SF 30: Manning pass short left to Shockey for 6 yards
Formation: Base 3-4 (Willis over LG)

Willis reads pass, drops into coverage, shadows Shockey, and brings him down the moment the ball arrives.

2-4-SF 24: Jacobs right end for 4 yards
Formation: Base 3-4 (Willis over LG)

Willis reads run, flows toward the RT, makes the hit about two yards past the LOS. Jacobs falls forward to gain 2 more.

Note—Jacobs is one of the few backs in the league who does not go backwards when Willis hits him. It probably has something to do with him being 6-foot-4 and weighing 264 lbs.

1-10-SF 20: Manning pass incomplete short left to TE Matthews.
Formation: 3-3-5 Nickel (Willis over LG)

Willis drops into coverage and disappears off the screen.

Note—This should have been a catch for about 6 yards. Matthews just dropped it. Clements was nearby.

2-10-SF 20: Jacobs right end for 7 yards
Formation: Base 3-4 (Willis over LG)

Willis reads run and flows toward the ball, sheds LT McKenzie’s block (he’d run out to the second level), and is the first man to hit Jacobs as the right side had been almost entirely sealed off.

Note—On a lot of these runs it’s like Willis is the only man between the RB and the end zone. Other people really should be making these plays, but Patrick seems like the only guy who can get off blocks and sprint to the ball.

Following a NYG timeout due to the D formation.
3-3-SF 13: (Shotgun) Ward left guard for 2 yards
Formation: 4-1-6 Dime (Willis over C)

Willis drifts over, but doesn’t really get in on the play because McDonald took care of it.

Tynes kicked a 29 yard field goal after this play.

*6th Drive

1-10-NYG 11: (Shotgun) Manning pass short left to Ward for 6 yards
Formation: Base 3-4 (Willis over RT)

Willis drops into coverage.

2-4-NYG 17: (Shotgun) Manning pass incomplete short left (Ward).
PENALTY on R.McDonald, Defensive Offside, 5 yards, No Play.

1-10-NYG 22: (Shotgun) Manning pass deep right to Toomer for 24 yards.
Formation: 4-1-6 Dime (Willis at MLB)

Willis drops into coverage and doesn’t factor in on the play.

Note—This one looked like it was on Walt Harris.

1-10-NYG 46: (Shotgun) Manning pass short left to Burress for 1 yard
Formation: 4-1-6 Dime (Willis at MLB)

Willis doesn’t go far from his starting spot over the Center. Looks like it’s his job to cover the middle on this play. After the ball is thrown, he comes up to force Burress out of bounds after Clements misses the tackle.

2-9-NYG 47: (Shotgun) Manning pass short middle to Toomer for 8 yards
Formation: 4-1-6 Dime (Willis at MLB)

Willis drops into coverage, then comes up and makes a nice hit on Toomer after the catch.

Note—Walt again. Not a good day for him so far.

3-1-SF 45: (No Huddle, Shotgun) Manning pass short middle to Burress for 18 yards
Formation: 4-1-6 Dime (Willis at MLB)

Willis drops into coverage as M.Lewis comes on the blitz.

Goldson makes another tackle. This one looked like Clements' fault to me.

1-10-SF 27: (No Huddle) Manning spikes the ball to stop the clock.

2-10-SF 27: (Shotgun) Manning pass short right to Ward for 6 yards.
Formation: 4-1-6 Dime (Willis at MLB)

Willis drops into coverage and doesn’t figure in on the play. Harris is nearest as Ward runs out of bounds.

Note—These 4-1-6 formations are more like 4-2-5 with M.Lewis playing as a second linebacker. That’s part of the versatility he brings to the table. After the play they showed Tomusula red-faced and screaming, using a hand signal that looked like the “hook-em Horns” sign that Texas fans all make.

3-4-SF 21: (Shotgun) Manning pass incomplete short left to Ward.
Formation: 4-1-6 Dime (Willis at MLB)

Willis drops into coverage over the middle.

Note—Ward went uncovered into the flat. Would have been a first down if he caught it. Luckily the Giants seem to drop as many passes as the Niners.

Tynes kicked a 39 yard field goal after this play.

[ 2ND HALF ]

*1st Drive

1-10-NYG 7: Jacobs up the middle for 5 yards.
Formation: Base 3-4 (Willis over RG)

Willis gets blocked by LG Seubert and can’t shed fast enough to be in on the play.

2-5-NYG 12: Manning pass incomplete short right to Shockey.
Formation: Base 3-4 (Willis over LG)

Willis reads pass and goes to cover the flat. Doesn’t figure in on the play. Good coverage by M.Lewis.

3-5-NYG 12: (Shotgun) Manning sacked at NYG 5 for -7 yards.
Formation: 4-1-6 Dime (Willis at MLB)

Willis lines up outside the LT and comes on the blitz. He arrives at the QB a split second after Moore, who is credited with the sack.

Note—This formation was tricky because Niners DC Greg Manusky stacked DE/OLB’s Moore and Banta-Cain as well as Willis over the LT Diehl.

(After this play, Norris blocks Feagles’ punt for a SAFETY.)

*2nd Drive

1-10-NYG 20: Jacobs right end for 6 yards
Formation: Base 3-4 (Willis over LG)

Willis runs over from the opposite side of the field to make another solo tackle. Kid

Note—This formation could be read as either a 3-4 or a 4-3, as it looked just like the regular 3-4 except with M.Lewis lined up in Derek Smith’s spot as an ILB. Also, Lewis could have made the stop after 3 yards but Snee grabbed his facemask pretty blatantly and shoved him out of the play.

2-4-NYG 26: Jacobs left end for 12 yards
Formation: Base 3-4 (Willis over RT)

Willis reads run, sprints toward the play, but gets stuck in trash and can’t get close.

1-10-NYG 38: Ward left guard for 2 yards
Formation: Base 3-4 (Willis over RG)

Willis sheds RT McKenzie’s block, then runs right into TE Matthews.

Note—This was a good play by M.Lewis, slicing through traffic and making the tackle.

2-8-NYG 40: Manning pass incomplete deep left to Toomer.
Formation: Base 3-4 (Willis over RG)

Willis drops deep into coverage.

Note—Toomer dropped another one. Clements got turned around. Should have been a gain of about 20.

3-8-NYG 40: (Shotgun) Manning pass short right to Burress for 11 yards.
Formation: 4-2-5 Nickel (Willis over RG, M.Lewis over LG)

Willis shows blitz, then drops into coverage.

1-10-SF 49: Manning pass incomplete short left to Hedgecock.
Formation: 3-4 Over (Willis over C)

Willis drops into coverage and doesn’t figure in on the play.

Note—Another dropped pass. If the Giants could catch the ball, this game would be 40 to 9 instead of 26 to 9.

2-10-SF 49: Jacobs right tackle to SF 49 for no gain.
Formation: 3-4 Under (Willis over C)

Willis reads run and dodges some blockers but before he can get to Jacobs, Moore and Haralson make the stop.

3-10-SF 49: (Shotgun) Manning pass short middle to Shockey for 13 yards
Formation: 3-2-6? (Willis showing blitz up by the LG)

Willis drops into coverage and is one of about 5 Niners who get dragged by Shockey for 4 or 5 extra yards. Looks like they are playing for the strip not for the tackle.

Note—Another interesting formation: three down linemen, Willis and Banta-Cain stacked over the LT, and M.Lewis lined up as MLB. Willis and Banta-Cain both went into coverage, though, and Lewis came on the blitz.

1-10-SF 36: Manning pass incomplete short left to Burress.
Formation: Base 3-4 (Willis over C)

Willis drops into what looks like man-to-man coverage against Shockey.

2-10-SF 36: Ward left tackle for 1 yard.
Formation: 3-4 Under (Willis over C)

Willis creeps up toward the line before the snap, then runs to the ball, though the tackle is made just before he gets there.

3-9-SF 35: (Shotgun) Manning pass incomplete short left to Ward.
(Penalty on NYG, Illegal Formation, declined.)
Formation: 4-1-6 Dime (Willis over RG)

Willis drops into coverage.

*3rd Drive

(following Dilfer INT to Pierce)

1-5-SF 5: Jacobs left end for -2 yards
Formation: Base 3-4 (Willis over C)

Willis gets blocked out of this play by Giants C O’Hara. It’s surprising when this happens because it’s so rare that Willis gets pushed out of any play.

2-7-SF 7: (Shotgun) Manning pass short left to Jacobs for 2 yards
Formation: 3-3-5 Nickel (Willis over C)

Willis drops into coverage in the endzone, then runs up and assists on the tackle.

3-5-SF 5: Manning pass incomplete short right to Toomer.
PENALTY on SF-56-B.Moore, Roughing the Passer, 3 yards, enforced at SF 5 - No Play.
Formation: 4-1-6 Dime (Willis over C)

Willis drops into coverage in the endzone again.

Note—As Manning threw, Moore reached up for the ball. His arm came down on Manning’s head. There was no hit. It was not a violent play. Apparently this qualifies for roughing the passer in the NFL.

1-2-SF 2: Droughns right tackle for no gain
Formation: Goal Line (Willis 10 yards off the LOS over C)

Willis sprints up to the line, blows up Hedgecock’s block, and wrestles Droughns down. What a beast.

2-2-SF 2: Manning pass short left to Shockey for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Formation: Goal Line (Willis 3 yards deep in the end zone)

Willis comes on the blitz and gets in Manning’s face, but he’s not quite quick enough.

Note—Shockey beat ILB Derek Smith for this score.

*4th Drive

1-10-NYG 2: Droughns up the middle for 4 yards
Formation: 3-4 (Willis over LT)

Willis reads run, and runs right into backup TE Boss’ block.

2-6-NYG 6: Droughns left tackle for 1 yard
Formation: 4-4-3 (Willis over RG)

Willis knifes through and makes the first hit, though he doesn’t wrap Droughns up. Derek Smith comes in to clean the mess.

3-5-NYG 7: Wright pass incomplete short right to Moss.
Formation: Base 3-4 (Willis over LG)

Willis drops into coverage and doesn’t figure in on the play.

Final Thoughts

Watching Willis closely, it seems obvious to me that he is carrying the linebacking corps. Of the rest of the defense, Clements did not have a good day against the Giants, but he definitely carries his share of the weight.

As for the game, I think we can place the blame squarely on Trent Dilfer’s shoulders. He made three catastrophic mistakes that led to 17 points. He was at least partially responsible for another mistake in the fumbled handoff that led to another seven. Alex Smith may not be Dan Marino, but he doesn’t make the mistakes we saw Dilfer make in his three games as the quarterback.

So, in summary: Willis good. Dilfer bad. Read more on this article...

Line of Scrimmage: Was Gore right?

This week Ben and JR debate the merits of Frank Gore's comments about offensive coordinator Jim Hostler.

After last week's loss to the New York Giants, the 49ers' fourth in a row, Gore stated that because of Hostler's lack of experience and the lack of output by the offense in comparison to last year, some players may be subtly questioning the coach's play-calling ability and therefore not performing up to standard.

As an undoubted leader of the team, was Gore doing the right thing by speaking out?

NO: Use any cliché you want, but there's no getting around the fact that football as we know it is the ultimate team sport. And without almost universal solidarity amongst the players, coaches and front office, it's very difficult to be successful. By publicly questioning his offensive coordinator, Gore has irritated an already festering wound. If there were any players that were on the fence before about their feelings towards the coaching staff, it's just that much more likely now that they're going to start feeling the same as their star running back and start blaming the OC.

Now, instead of focusing all of their attention on their opponents, the team starts thinking that they have to overcome the errors of their coaches, and at that point it just becomes too easy to take a play off here and there and think, "Well, it isn't gonna work anyway." When you consider the consequences, you can understand why this is such a volatile situation. We've seen teams give up on their coaches before (i.e., Dennis Erickson), and it's not a pretty sight.

Plain and simple, Gore's job is to run, catch and block whenever he's on the field to help this team win. I don't give a damn if he doesn't think the offensive coordinator is capable or not, he just needs to buckle his chinstrap, do his job and collect his big-ass paycheck. We all know that the career of a professional football player can end on any given play, so you better work like every play is your last. If what Gore says is true, then there's more than a few players who aren't doing this, and all of a sudden it's not that hard to understand why the offense has sucked so badly this season.

Gore does need to step up and lead, but you don't take your followers anywhere by being negative about things you can't control. By casting a shadow of doubt on Hostler, he can only make things worse.

— JR

YES: This is one of those cases where things may need to get worse before they get better. Frank Gore speaking out like he did is certainly not the ideal situation for a team that is struggling to stay together. At any level of any sport, you always wish (if it's your team) that these things would get handled in-house and that the media won't have a chance to catch on and create more dissention.

I get that argument. It's certainly a valid one. But what if Gore pressed the right button? What if he said what everyone else is afraid to say in that locker room? Is this another case of Chris Webber going up against Don Nelson? I don't think so. I think it's a frustrated young player in a room full of frustrated veterans. And you know what? I agree with Gore. I absolutely think players are questioning Hostler. If I were on that team, I would, too.

It's a fair point to tell Gore to shut up and play since he's making uber-bank for doing what he does. I'm not indifferent to the fact that he'll be rich long after he leaves the game. But what good is that money when you have no rings and when your knees are all busted up since your offense was no good and you got pounded?

Players speaking out against coaches never works, and I don't think it will this time, either. Eventually, things will get bad enough that someone will get fired or traded. That's the way the business works. For now, I'm actually encouraged that someone had the guts to say something and stir the pot a little. Who on the 49ers' roster is a guy who stirs things up? It's not Trent Dilfer. It's not Alex Smith. Vernon Davis can't since he doesn't do anything to back it up.

Gore is one of the few guys who has room to talk since he's actually accomplished something in the NFL. If it takes him calling out the offensive coordinator in public to get it done, so be it.

— Ben

Read more on this article...

Kneejerk Knotes: The more things change ...

Forgive me if I struggle to put together a coherent stream of thought this afternoon. I am a beaten man. Random notes today.

* This feels a lot like the Steelers game, and not just because of the nearly identical scores (37-16 and 33-15). They were both road games — long trips to face very good opponents. Both times, the 49ers tried with some success to open up the offense. Both times, they still lost by big margins. They're simply not as good as these teams, and they're not as good as we all thought they'd be.

* I'm surprised to be saying this, but it was the defense that was the over-conservative unit today. There was almost none of the exotic blitz looks that have caused teams problems this season. Far too often, it felt like they were just sitting back and waiting for something to happen. When they finally got a little creative, what was the result? A sack of Eli Manning inside the 5-yard line that led to a blocked punt for a safety.

* So, to summarize: The offense looks better when it's aggressive. The defense looks better when it's aggressive. BE AGGRESSIVE! (Chant with me.)

* There were a few times that the 49ers looked like they were in this game (just like against the Steelers). Today it was turnovers and penalties that did them in, plain and simple. Oh, the turnovers.

* I don't think Mike Nolan should be fired. I don't think Jim Hostler should be fired. I do think the offensive changes made over the bye week will have a positive effect. But until the O-line begins to do its job (without penalties and without surrendering sack after sack), this team will accomplish nothing.

* Thank goodness we finally saw the team take some shots down the field to Ashley Lelie. It's amazing that it took this long. Hopefully this is a sign of things to come.

* I have one personnel move to suggest (a series of moves, actually). Release Michael Lewis (the Beer Man, not the safety), put Lelie in the starting lineup alongside Darrell Jackson at WR, and make Arnaz Battle the No. 3 receiver and starting punt returner. Please.

* The NFC West is one horrible, horrible division. The 49ers are a bad football team, yet if the Rams can upset the Seahawks today, they'll still be tied in the loss column with first-place Arizona and Seattle. If they could just get this mess turned around, they actually could still challenge for a playoff spot (8-8 could really win this division).

* Even if they did, though, it would only mask the problems this team still has. The priority next offseason must be on offense. They need a true No. 1 receiver, and they need to replace guys like Larry Allen on the offensive line. As much as I hate to say it, the 49ers are still a year away from being a legitimate playoff team. Read more on this article...

Breaking the Huddle: Huge game

This really is a big game against the Giants, a team that's been as hot as anyone lately.

A win on the road against a possible NFC playoff team could be the spark that sends the Niners on a nice run of their own.

QUARTERBACKS

At this point in the season there's no question who has the advantage. Eli Manning has finally assumed the position of offensive captain and is off to his best start as a pro. Trent Dilfer will go again for the Niners since Alex Smith isn't quite ready. He's been horrible so far. Dilfer will have to be at very least average to have a shot.

Advantage: Giants

RUNNING BACKS

At some point Frank Gore will explode and once that happens, it may not stop. The return of tight end Vernon Davis and use of wideout Ashley Lelie could create much needed room for Gore this week since the Giants will have to respect their speed. New York's backfield has been hurting for the most part this season, but their depth at the position saved them from production falling off. The three-headed monster of Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward and Rueben Droughns will take turns attacking the Niners interior defense today.

Advantage: 49ers.

WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS

Plaxico Burress (507 yards, eight TDs) has been for the Giants what the Niners are surly lacking: A reliable big play receiver. Darrell Jackson has been a non-factor for San Francisco since Dilfer stepped in for Smith.

Advantage: Giants.

OFFENSIVE LINE

The Niners definitely have more talent and depth on their line, but you couldn't tell by looking at their offensive production. Some of the Niners problems on the line have been a lack of imagination in play calling and schemes, but the interior has to be better this week.

Advantage: 49ers.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora form one of the best defensive end combos in the NFL. If they're able to get to Dilfer, it could be a long day for the Niners. The Giants are averaging almost five sacks per game during their four game winning streak.

Advantage: Giants.

LINEBACKERS

Very few linebacking corps can match the Niners athleticism. Patrick Willis has been a beast a third of the way through his rookie campaign. The Giants linebackers are solid, but not fear-inducing.

Advantage: 49ers.

SECONDARY

If Nate Clements and Co. can shut down Burress and Jeremy Shockey then the Niners have a great shot at pulling the upset. Manning is still not above making bad decisions every once in a while. I expect Clements to capitalize on those mistakes. For the Giants, rookie Aaron Ross has made his mark already and has provided them with a bookend to go with veteran Sam Madison.

Advantage: 49ers.

SPECIAL TEAMS

If "Beer Man" Michael Lewis can get the return game going, this would by far, be the Niners best special teams unit I've seen. Look for Joe Nedney to bounce back after missing the potential game-winner against Baltimore last week.

Advantage: 49ers.

COACHING

I hope to see something completely different from OC Jim Hostler this week. If not, then we can park our playoff bandwagon until next season.

Advantage: Draw.

PREDICTION

49ers 23, Giants 13 — Dilfer can't get worse, can he? The return of VD and addition of Lelie should create enough room for Gore to put in some serious work. The defense doesn't need much. They showed that against the Ravens.

Read more on this article...

Fantasy Fury: Week 7 preview

Most fantasy leagues are being separated into two groups as we speak: Those owners riding players like Larry Johnson, Drew Brees and Shaun Alexander until either the wheels come completely off or they return to form and those owners who have decided to get out while the gettin' is good, which means they dealt away those players in hopes of still getting some value for their superstar.

There's advantages to both, but the key is to make the decision one way or the other.

Think it through, make the call and have no regrets.

Here's a preview of what you should expect from Week 7's matchups:

San Francisco 49ers at New York Giants, Sunday, 10 a.m. — New York's Eli Manning and Plaxico Burress have become must-starts, but don't expect a walk in the park. San Francisco's defense is stout. So far, its only drawback has been having to stay on the field so long because of the ineptitude of the offense. Trent Dilfer is making the start once again for the 49ers so it could be another long day for Frank Gore and Co.
START: 49ers TE Vernon Davis.
SIT: Giants RB Brandon Jacobs.

Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints, Sunday, 10 a.m. — New Orleans finally put together a solid performance last week against Seattle. Expect and even better one this week against the lowly Falcons.
START: Saints QB Drew Brees, Saints RB Reggie Bush.
SIT: Falcons RB Warrick Dunn.

Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills, Sunday, 10 a.m. — This is not a good matchup for Buffalo's rookie quarterback Trent Edwards although this could be a close game because Baltimore's offense has had no rhythm all season.
START: Ravens defense; Ravens RB Willis McGahee.
SIT: Ravens quarterbacks.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Detroit Lions, Sunday, 10 a.m. — Tampa has shutdown the bad offenses and struggled against the solid attacks so far which means this could be a shootout because Detroit's defense can't stop anyone.
START: Lions WR Roy Williams, Lions RB Kevin Jones; Buccs QB Jeff Garcia.
SIT: Buccs RB Michael Bennett.

Arizona Cardinals at Washington Redskins, Sunday, 10 a.m. — Washington is in much better shape health-wise. The Cardinals Kurt Warner is a game-time decision and if Tim Rattay starts knock all Cardinals down a notch. I expect Redskins tailback Clinton Portis to have a breakout performance.
START: Redskins WR Santana Moss, Redskins TE Chris Cooley; Cardinals RB Edgerrin James.
SIT: Redskins WR Antwaan Randle El.

Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans, Sunday, 10 a.m. — Last year, Vince Young single-handily led Tennessee to a victory in his hometown. This season, Houston's defense is much improved and Young might not even play. I believe the Texans get some payback this time around.
START: Texans QB Matt Schaub, Texans TE Owen Daniels; Titans RB LenDale White.
SIT: All Titan WRs.

New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins, Sunday, 10 a.m. — This just in: New England can do whatever they want to whomever they want, however they want.
START: All Patriots.
SIT: All Dolphins.

Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland Raiders, Sunday, 1 p.m. — Both Larry Johnson and LaMont Jordan should set the pace of this great AFC West rivalry. Expect both to have huge games.
START: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez; Raiders QB Daunte Culpepper.
SIT: Chiefs QB Damon Huard.

New York Jets at Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, 1 p.m. — The Jets are almost playing for next year at this point. Cincy isn't far away if they keep snapping at each other. Expect Carson Palmer and Chad Johnson to bury the hatchet is this one.
START: Jets RB Thomas Jones; Bengals defense.
SIT: Jets QB Chad Pennington.

St. Louis Rams at Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, 1 p.m. — Marc Bulger returns for St. Louis. Unfortunately his offensive line won't be. Seattle is quickly becoming a predominantly pass oriented attack. Ride Matt Hasselbeck the rest of the way.
START: Rams WR Torry Holt; Seahawks WR Bobby Engram, Seahawks K Josh Brown.
SIT: Rams WR Isaac Bruce, Rams TE Randy McMichael.

Minnesota Vikings at Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, 1 p.m. — Adrian "All Day" Peterson has officially arrived. At this point he's a must-start even if he is still splitting carries with Chester Taylor. Expect the Cowboys to throw early and often against the worst passing defense in the NFL.
START: Cowboys QB Tony Romo, Cowboys defense, Cowboys TE Jason Witten.
SIT: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson; Cowboys RB Julius Jones.

Chicago Bears at Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, 1 p.m. — Both teams would like to run the ball, but they won't. This game should feature several big plays.
START: Eagles RB Brian Westbrook, Eagles WR Reggie Brown.
SIT: Bears RB Cedric Benson; Eagles TE LJ Smith.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos, Sunday night, 5:15 p.m. — I honestly believe Pittsburgh's defense can stop anyone so this is a bad matchup for Jay Cutler and the Broncos offense, especially without wideout Javon Walker. Expect Willie Parker to be the difference.
START: Steelers TE Heath Miller; Broncos WR Brandon Marshall.
SIT: Broncos RB Travis Henry; Steelers WR Santonio Holmes.

Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars, Monday night, 5:30 p.m. — These are usually very competitive contests and Indy's offense is usually knocked down a peg. Halfback Maurice Jones-Drew will be the key to the Jags success.
START: Colts RB Joseph Addai.
SIT: Jaguars RB Fred Taylor.
LAST WEEK'S CALLS
Stephen Colbert: I called the Adrian Peterson explosion (20 carries, 224 yards and three touchdowns) and yet I don't get anything from the Nobel Society. Freakin' Gore wins everything. I also advised the Cleveland combination of Derek Anderson (18 for 25, 245 yards and four total touchdowns) and Braylon Edwards (five receptions, 67 yards and three touchdowns) plus I told you to start Carolina's DeAngelo Williams (121 yards on only 10 carries and a TD).
Bill O'Reilly: The only thing that appeared on Washington's Santana Moss' stat sheet was a fumble. I should have told you to start Reskins' tight end Chris Cooley (nine catches, 105 yards and a score), but I told you t sit him instead. I also told you to sit quarterbacks Jeff Garcia (20 of 31, 274 yards and a score) and David Garrard (22 for 34, 221 yards and two touchdowns), but they both had solid performances. Read more on this article...

Win the West: Week 7 predictions

Ok, ok, so we took a bye last week along with the 49ers. Can you blame us? I think we all needed a break after those last two games.

Fortunately for the Niners, it was a really bad week for the rest of the NFC West, meaning San Francisco is still within striking range of the division leaders, Seattle and Arizona. Even better for the 49ers is that the great Tim Rattay could be starting for the Cardinals. So at least we don't have to worry about them.

Funny, I seem to remember Eddie and I being at the top of these standings a few weeks ago. I guess that's what happens to unfailing homers when the home team goes on a losing streak. It's no coincidence that both of us have fooled ourselves into thinking the Niners might pull off an upset against the Giants tomorrow. Rest assured that if the 49ers continue to struggle, there's a good chance Eddie and I will, too.

Here are this week's picks (and by "last week," we really mean "two weeks ago" since no picks were made last week).

Chris (11-4, 3-0 last week)
N.Y. Giants 20, San Francisco 10
Washington 23, Arizona 7
Seattle 31, St. Louis 14

Ben (10-5, 3-0 last week)
N.Y. Giants 27, San Francisco 14
Washington 31, Arizona 14
Seattle 30, St. Louis 21

Nick (10-5, 3-0 last week)
N.Y. Giants 20, San Francisco 13
Washington 24, Arizona 13
Seattle 27, St. Louis 10

JR (10-5, 2-1 last week)
N.Y. Giants 27, San Francisco 10
Washington 23, Arizona 13
St. Louis 31, Seattle 24

Eddie (9-6, 2-1 last week)
San Francisco 23, N.Y. Giants 13
Washington 28, Arizona 16
Seattle 31, St. Louis 17

James (9-6, 1-2 last week)
San Francisco 16, N.Y. Giants 13
Washington 30, Arizona 10
St. Louis 24, Seattle 21