49ers (0-3) @ Falcons (2-1) (Week 4)

[Saint Elistan 106]

Previews/Box Scores: ESPN - Yahoo Sports - CBS - NFL.COM

 

49ers (0-3) at Falcons (2-1)

Date: 10/3/10 (Sunday)

Time: 12:00PM Central

Television: FOX

Weather: 71°F - 10% Precip - Partly Cloudy

Last meeting (10/11/09): SF 10, ATL 45

 

49ers Injury Report

Ted Ginn (WR) Knee - Doubtful

Takeo Spikes (LB) Knee - Probable

Dashon Goldson (S) Knee - Probable

Eric Heitmann (OC) Fibula - Doubtful

William James (CB) Ankle - Questionable

Michael Lewis (S) Ankle - Probable

[EDIT] Inactives: Troy Smith (QB), Ted Ginn (WR), Tramaine Brock (CB), Will James (CB), Michael Lewis (S), Barry Sims (OT), Eric Heitmann (OC), Alex Boone (OT)

 

Falcons Injury Report

Sean Weatherspoon (LB) Ankle - Questinable

Erik Coleman (S) Knee - Questionable

Michael Jenkins (WR) Shoulder - Questionable

[EDIT] Inactives: JP Wilson (QB), Michael Jenkins (WR), Dominique Franks (CB), Gartrell Johnson (RB), Sean Weatherspoon (LB), Garrett Reynolds (OT), Mike Johnson (OG), Tery Lewis (DT)

 

 

Gambling

 

Opening Line: Falcons -6.5 (40.5)

Current Line: Falcons -7 (42.5)

 

So far in the 2010 Season...

Tthe 49ers are 1-2 ATS.

The 49ers are 0-2 ATS away.

Tthe 49ers are 1-0 ATS as the underdog.

The Falcons are 2-1 ATS.

The Falcons are 1-0 ATS at home.

The Falcons are 1-0 ATS as the underdog.

 

Want more? Check out the spoiler tab below.

 

49ers are 6-0-3 ATS in their last 9 games following a ATS loss.

49ers are 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing more than 30 points in their previous game.

49ers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games after allowing more than 150 yards rushing in their previous game.

49ers are 9-1-1 ATS in their last 11 games after accumulating less than 90 yards rushing in their previous game.

49ers are 8-1-2 ATS in their last 11 games as an underdog.

49ers are 7-1-1 ATS in their last 9 games as an underdog of 3.5-10.0.

49ers are 5-1-2 ATS in their last 8 games as a road underdog.

49ers are 14-3-4 ATS in their last 21 games following a SU loss of more than 14 points.

Falcons are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games as a favorite of 3.5-10.0.

Falcons are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS win.

Falcons are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games as a home favorite of 3.5-10.0.

Falcons are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 vs. NFC.

Falcons are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games on fieldturf.

Falcons are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games overall.

Falcons are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games as a home favorite.

Falcons are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games in Week 4.

Under is 2-0-2 in 49ers last 4 games on fieldturf.

Under is 9-0 in 49ers last 9 games after allowing more than 150 yards rushing in their previous game.

Under is 7-1 in 49ers last 8 games after accumulating less than 90 yards rushing in their previous game.

Under is 5-1-1 in 49ers last 7 vs. NFC.

Over is 4-1 in 49ers last 5 games after scoring less than 15 points in their previous game.

Over is 11-3 in 49ers last 14 games in October.

Under is 4-1 in Falcons last 5 games after allowing more than 350 total yards in their previous game.

Under is 4-1 in Falcons last 5 home games.

Under is 4-1 in Falcons last 5 games as a favorite.

Under is 4-1 in Falcons last 5 games following a ATS win.

Under is 7-2 in Falcons last 9 games overall.

Over is 15-5 in Falcons last 20 games after accumulating more than 350 total yards in their previous game.

 

 

Stat Comparisons

 

Total Yards per Game

49ers 310.3 - Falcons 385.3

Passing Yards per Game

49ers 232.3 - Falcons 225.0

Rushing Yards per Game

49ers 78.0 - Falcons 160.3

Yards Allowed per Game

49ers 328.7 - Falcons 339.7

Passing Yards Allowed per Game

49ers 217.3 - Falcons 238.3

Rushing Yards Allowed per Game

49ers 111.3 - Falcons 101.3

Total Points For (Against)

49ers 38(87) - Falcons 77(46)

 

Want to dig deeper? Full comparison here, courtesy of CSN.

 

Last 3 Games

 

49ers

L @ Seahawks (31-6)

L vs Saints (25-22)

L @ Chiefs (31-10)

Falcons

L @ Steelers (15-9)

W vs Cardinals (41-7)

W @ Saints (27-24)

 

Team Leaders

 

49ers

Passing: Smith - 72-119, 732 yds, 2 tds

Rushing: Gore - 52 car, 193 yds, 1 td

Receiving: Gore - 22 rec, 203 yds, 1 td

Falcons

Passing: Ryan - 67-106, 705 yds, 5 tds

Rushing: Turner - 58 car, 231 yds, 1 td

Receiving: White - 25 rec, 258 yds, 2 tds

 

FFToday Fantasy Projections by Caron

Prediction: San Francisco 17, Atlanta 27

Notable 49ers

Alex Smith – 190 yards passing / 1 TD / 2 INT

Frank Gore – 90 yards rushing / 1 TD/ 55 yards receiving

Michael Crabtree – 60 yards receiving / 0 TD

Josh Morgan – 40 yards receiving / 0 TD

Vernon Davis – 50 yards receiving / 1 TD

Notable Falcons

Matt Ryan– 205 yards passing / 2 TD / 0 INT

Michael Turner – 90 yards rushing / 1 TD / 5 yards receiving

Jason Snelling – 40 yards rushing / 25 yards receiving

Roddy White – 120 yards receiving / 1 TD

Tony Gonzalez – 40 yards receiving / 1 TD

 

I suggest you read Caron's full analysis here at FFToday.

 

Maiocco's Matchups to Watch http://www.csnbayarea.com/10/02/10/Matt-Maioccos-Matchups-to-Watch/landing_maiocco_v3.html?blockID=323252&feedID=3432

 

49ers Left Defensive End Isaac Sopoaga (90) vs. Falcons Right Guard Harvey Dahl (73)

Harvey Dahl spent parts of the 2005 and '06 seasons with the 49ers, but he was never able to earn playing time. He eventually landed with the Atlanta Falcons, where he has thrived after a move from tackle to guard. And he'll be going up against 49ers defensive end Isaac Sopoaga, who had a difficult time maintaining leverage at the point of attack on Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs. Dahl is known as much for his attitude as for his playing ability. He is regarded as one of the dirtiest players in the NFL. Last season, he enraged 49ers coach Mike Singletary with some comments during the game.

 

49ers CB Nate Clements (22) vs. Falcons WR Roddy White (84)

The Falcons had a 14-10 lead over the 49ers last season at Candlestick Park. Momentum was on the 49ers' side, as they got set to defend a third-and-4 play from the Atlanta 10-yard line. But the 49ers' season changed in a hurry when White caught a short pass from Ryan, broke an attempted Clements tackle and ran away from all 49ers defenders en route to a 90-yard touchdown. White caught eight passes for 210 yards and two touchdowns in the game in the Falcons' 45-10 win, which sent the 49ers into a four-game losing streak. A couple weeks later, the 49ers benched Clements for a game at Indianapolis. Clements sustained a season-ending shoulder injury while returning a punt. This is a huge game for Clements, who will find himself in coverage against White throughout the game. Clements (6-foot, 205 pounds) has to be physical with White (6-foot, 212) at the line of scrimmage and make sure he secures the tackle.

 

49ers RG Chilo Rachal (62) vs. Falcons DT Jonathan Babineaux (95)

Rachal (6-5, 323) has struggled mightily in his two games this season, but he remains in the starting lineup. He will have his hands full against Babineaux, who has picked up where he left off last season. A year ago, he led the Falcons with six sacks. In his two games back, Babineaux (6-2, 296) has two sacks and a forced fumble. Rachal has not provided the 49ers with much thrust in the run game. In two road games, the 49ers have gained just 92 yards rushing on 34 attempts (2.7 average).

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Well, the only optimistic view to have as a Niner fan is that anything could happen. Regardless, I don't think this is a game we can win. Not in Atlanta. They gave us a nice beatdown just last year and not much has changed for either team personnel wise. The Niner defense doesn't usually show up on the road. The Niners haven't beat Atlanta since 2001. The Niners don't usually play well in 10AM (Pacific) Games. The Niners have a new Offensive Coordinator. The odds sure are stacked against them.

 

On the gambling side of things, I'm interested in seeing which way the money goes. At first glace, I'd take Atlanta and the Over. Which mane you should do the opposite. What are your thoughts?

 

I'll be updating this thread throughout the week. Cheerio.

 

GO NINERS!

[Saint Elistan 106]

Price: First Look - Atlanta Falcons

http://www.49ers.com/news-and-events/article-2/First-Look-Atlanta-Falcons/65a58911-fabb-4b51-80ba-3b6bab3b3b48

No QB is better on third-down than the third-year QB. Ryan leads the NFL with a 132.3 QB rating on the crucial down, completing 22-of-33 pass attempts for 278 yards with four touchdowns and zero interceptions. He’s also completed 70.2-percent of his passes in the fourth quarter. Ryan is greatly benefitted by the NFL’s second-best running attack, one that averages 160.3 yards per contest. The Falcons ground game also averages 4.0 yards per carry, second-best in the league.

 

As the 49ers can attest, you can’t win games unless you don’t win the turnover battle. That’s where the Falcons shine. They are plus-six in turnover differential, including six interceptions which is tied for the most in the NFL.

Maiocco: Falcons Prepare for Unknown Against 49ers

http://www.csnbayarea.com/09/29/10/Falcons-Prepare-for-Unknown-Against-49er/landing_maiocco_v3.html?blockID=320837&feedID=5936

"There will be some unknowns in terms of play-calling," Falcons coach Mike Smith said Wednesday morning. "I don't think they can change 180 degrees. But I think in the situational down and distances -- the third downs, the red zone -- that's probably where we're going to have the most difficulty in terms of preparation because we don't have the history of the tendencies of the play-caller."

 

Smith said he has done his "due diligence" in trying to figure out how Johnson might call plays. One resource is receiver Brian Finneran, an 11-year NFL veteran, who was around for Johnson's four seasons (2002-'05) on the Falcons' coaching staff. "Mike is a competitor," Finneran said. "When he was here with us, running the West Coast offense with Coach Mora, he installed our third down and red zone for us and did a great job with it." In 2005, the Falcons ranked second in the NFL with a third-down conversion rate of 43 percent. Through three games, the 49ers' conversion rate of 24.4 percent (10 of 41) ranks 31st in the league.

 

Finneran added, "The fact that he played the position of quarterback, and usually when guys did that they're pretty savvy offensive minds and like to take advantage of matchups. They have a talented tight end, Vernon (Davis), and (Michael) Crabtree at receiver and some different guys. He'll find a way to match those guys up the way he wants them and try to make some plays against us. I think matchups will be key for him."

Barrows: Falcons calm about emotional end to last year's game

http://blogs.sacbee.com/49ers/archives/2010/09/falcons-calm-ab.html#ixzz10wC1dkfX

Singletary used all three timeouts at the end of last year's 45-10 loss to Atlanta, using the first of them after the Falcons had kneeled down to close out the game. The ending also featured an unnecessary roughness call against linebacker Takeo Spikes. Said Singletary after that game: "To me, we may lose the game, but if I got three timeouts, I'm going to take every hit I can get - every one of them. Even though we didn't hit the way I would like for us to hit during the game, I'm going to finish the game. That was basically the mindset. Whether it's right or wrong, I don't know about that, but I had them up there and if I could take one more time to hit somebody, I'm going to take that."

 

Asked about last year's ending on a conference call this morning, Falcons coach Mike Smith sounded unconcerned. "I know what the final score was, and everybody's going to play the game to the final snap and the final whistle," he said. "And we would expect that from any team. The message is that it's a long season and you have to stay on an even keel," Smith said. "It's a very emotional game. It's a roller coaster ride during the game ... but the time that you have to be even-keeled is between Sunday and Sunday. You can't get up or down based on the outcome of the previous game. It really has no bearing."

[FlaHawker 24]

0-4.

[Cruzer 1,995]

Not touching the over/under. But will gladly lay the points and take the birds.

[devius 4]

starting Atlanta Def with confidence this weekend..... which should equate to a Niners win.

[Saint Elistan 106]

Not touching the over/under. But will gladly lay the points and take the birds.

Probably a good strategy. I got burned last week on two over/unders in the 42 range.

starting Atlanta Def with confidence this weekend..... which should equate to a Niners win.

Starting them as well. Started KC last week.

[Joey Gladstone 33]

It just doesn't get any easier does it? My first instinct is a Falcon's blowout, akin to the beatdown they put on the Cards two weeks ago.

 

The Niners backs couldnt be more up against the wall, and team studs Gore, Willis and Davis have to be raging mad.

 

After a futile 1st half, Carr is inserted and allows San Fran to get more vertical. They pull off the 20-17 upset on a last second Nedney field goal. Crabtree comes up with a huge 1st down catch on the final drive.

 

Sh!t like this happens all the time in the NFL

[Saint Elistan 106]

After a futile 1st half, Carr is inserted and allows San Fran to get more vertical. They pull off the 20-17 upset on a last second Nedney field goal. Crabtree comes up with a huge 1st down catch on the final drive.

Now that's a prediction. Like it when people go bold.

[Joscellin 0]

I wouldn't totally write off the niners in this game at all. For how pitiful they looked against Seattle and KC, they put up a heck of a fight against the Saints, who I've heard are pretty good.

 

I certainly wouldn't put money on them, but there is certainly a possiblity here.

[Saint Elistan 106]

Injury Reports updated and the rest of the preview articles are up.

[ricanrockers 39]

0-4.

 

Agreed

[Ryedog 0]

"Can't win with them!"

 

"Can't play with them!"

 

"Can't coach with them!"

 

"Can't do it!"

[Filthy Fernadez 2,696]

Prediction:

 

Mike Singletary will have his pants around his ankles for one reason or another Sunday.

[Saint Elistan 106]

Thread is completely up to date and I worked in time today to go pick up Rum, Vodka, and Jack for tomorrow. Just in case.

 

Worked in an expanded gambling section too.

[WhiteWonder 2,681]

After a futile 1st half, Carr is inserted and allows San Fran to get more vertical. They pull off the 20-17 upset on a last second Nedney field goal. Crabtree comes up with a huge 1st down catch on the final drive.

 

Sh!t like this happens all the time in the NFL

 

ive been holding on to David Carr in a dynasty

[onejayhawk 3]

I like the 49ers in this one. Just the opposite of last week. Atlanta is an NFC team, for which they have some knowledge and respect, but whom they can see themselves beating. The Chiefs were a team that they did not respect, and they lost concentration.

 

Gore starts slow, but runs for 100+ in the second half. The defense forces multiple turnovers, and harasses Ryan all day. Final score 27 - 13.

 

J

[Saint Elistan 106]

Inactives are in. Notable for the 49ers would be Michael Lewis. He'll be released soon after a tiff with coaching staff over his starting job. Reggie Smith should get the start with Taylor Mays getting considerable reps. Notable for the Falcons would be Weatherspoon I guess. I'm not in the loop, but I know he's a starter after being drafted 19th overall. He's got 24 tackles after three games.

[Saint Elistan 106]

Falcons set to receive after winning the toss. Falcons throwbacks look nice.

 

First attack is, of course, a pass out of the backfield that goes for 6.

First down, Tony Gonzalez, gain of 11.

Turner gains 4 up the gut.

 

First stop of the game is Taylor Mays coming up to stop Turner on an outside run! Good to see him making plays early. Didn't expect him to get the start over Reggie Smith. From 3rd string to starter in one week.

 

Alrighty...got a stop! Pass Rush has good timing, still no real pressure yet. Defense looks ok so far.

[Saint Elistan 106]

Blargh. Apparently my stream is a good bit behind the game. Twitter feed talking about things that haven't happened yet.

 

Thinks don't look different to start. Norris in, Gore up the middle for 1. Then a pass out of the backfield for Norris that goes for 8.

 

*SIGH*

 

Timeout to prevent delay of game. Same old bullshit. Mike Johnson is calling plays from the booth, btw. Sure wish he had stayed on the field.

[worm 36]

Timeout with 11 minutes to go in the 1st. This needs to be fixed.

[Reality 3,104]

Timeout with 11 minutes to go in the 1st. This needs to be fixed.

 

It's pathetic and screams of a coaching staff who seems to be in over its head.

[Saint Elistan 106]

3WR set on 3rd and 1. Gain of 14 by Crabtree.

 

After two more runs from Gore, it's 3rd and 1 again.

 

Play action, goes DEEEEP. Get pass interference that goes for 34 yard gain.

 

Short, quick pass to Crabs for gain of 2. On the Falcons 20 now. Swing pass to Gore for a couple yards. 3rd and 4.

 

Screen to Gore. I think he got it. Might give us 4th and inches. A Falcon is injured on the play. Corey Peters.

 

I sure hope we take the points if we didn't get the first.

[Saint Elistan 106]

Hmmm....QB Sneak instead of taking the points. Not sure he made it.

 

First down!

[Saint Elistan 106]

That's a TD! Challenge that!

 

Davis!

 

GREAT work after initial contact to get that ball in.

[Reality 3,104]

What a play by VD..

 

[worm 36]

Nice block by A. Davis to give Vernon some space, and good effort by VD to get the ball over the line.

 

Maiocco posted this: "Remember, Raye never scored an opening drive TD."

[Saint Elistan 106]

Here's a great stat for you.

 

Under 19 games with Jimmy Raye, the 49ers NEVER had an opening drive TD.

 

Converted two 3rd downs and a 4th down on that 6 Minute, 10 play, 88 yard drive.

[Saint Elistan 106]

Good return by Atlanta, Bowman with the tackle, but the Falcons get flagged for a hold.

 

Turner up the gut for a couple. Finneran stopped by Clements for a short gain. 3rd and 6.

 

Blocked punt! TD TAYLOR MAYS!!!

 

Fock you Michael Lewis!! Enjoy being released ya pansy!

 

Great catch by Mays. Wow.

[Reality 3,104]

Hellz yes..

 

[idiotec 31]

One of the best plays I've ever seen!

[worm 36]

Walker got his hand on that kick.

[Reality 3,104]

One of the best plays I've ever seen!

 

No question

 

[Saint Elistan 106]

Haralson with the sack.

 

Hmm, who wiffed on that? Mays makes the tackle. 3rd and 2. Snelling picks up 6.

 

Great catch there by Roddy White. Good job by Ryan getting that out as he got hit.

 

Looks like 2nd and 3. Ryan getting hit a lot now. Snelling picks up the first.

 

Falcons no huddle sure has sapped the 49ers defense a bit. Encroachment on RJF.

[Saint Elistan 106]

Here's a great photo of the Davis TD.

http://i56.twitgoo.com/2r7ooes.jpg

And the Mays blocked punt catch for TD.

http://i52.twitgoo.com/294oxu9.jpg

 

Look at Mays' bicep.

 

Lawson has a knee contusion.

[Saint Elistan 106]

Haralson looking good today. Loss of three on that tackle by him. Gotta hold 'em to 3 here. C'mon D.

 

Damned swing passes. 8 yard gain by Turner.

 

TD Falcons. Harry Douglas. Great job by Gonzalez to keep Clements out of the play.

[Saint Elistan 106]

Alright. This drive is more important than the first. Gotta answer.

 

Good start with Morgan for gain of 10. False Start works in our favor...kinda. 1st and 15 instead of 2nd and 12-13.

 

Wow...um, loss of 7. Smith sacked. Where the heck was the blocking? ...and we run it on 2nd and long for a gain of 2. 3rd and 20.

 

Shovel pass to Gore for 12. Blargh. Needed that drive. Momentem is gone. HAVE to hold them this drive.

 

Letting them begin the drive on our side of the 50 isn't a good way to start. Lawson made that tackle, guess his knee is ok.

[Saint Elistan 106]

Outside runs and short passes are killing us. Giving Gonzalez WAY to much space to work. Great stop by Willis. Got lucky there with a Turner drop.

 

BIG 3rd and 10.

 

Deflection - Interception!! Shawnte Spencer!

 

Field position BLOWS, but I'll take the turnover. Better than 3 points against.

[worm 36]

And there was talk of benching Spikes? We're making plays when we need to.

[Saint Elistan 106]

Pitch to Gore for a gain of 12. Let's do this.

[Saint Elistan 106]

And there was talk of benching Spikes? We're making plays when we need to.

For reals..not sure how accurate that report was. Saw some statistics and we give up like 4 yards LESS per play when Spikes is in.

 

Crabtree sighting!

 

Walker limping after a great after the catch play. Being helped off.

 

Bah. Gotta punt.

 

Falcons start at the 16.