49ers @ Chiefs (Week 3)

[Saint Elistan 106]

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

 

49ers (0-2) at Chiefs (2-0)

Date: 9/26/10 (Sunday)

Time: 12:00PM Central

Television: FOX

Weather: 74°F / 56°F - 20% Precip - Partly Cloudy - 10mph Winds

Favorite (over/under): 49ers -3 (37)

Last meeting (10/01/06): SF 0, KC 41

 

49ers Injury Report

Ted Ginn (WR) Knee - Doubtful

Eric Heitmann (OC) Fibula - Out

Takeo Spikes (LB) Knee - Questionable

Anthony Dixon (RB) Back - Probable

William James (CB) Ankle - Doubtful

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

 

Chiefs Injury Report

Tyson Jackson (DE) Knee - Doubtul

Ryan O'Callaghan (OT) Groin - Doubtful

Reshard Langford (S) Ankle - Questionable

Wallace Gilberry (DE) Back - Probable

Tamba Hali (LB) Foot - Probable

Jon McGraw (S) Hamstring - Probable

[EDIT] Inactives: J.Bates (CB), M.Cox (FB), R.Langford (S), C. Anderson (LB), Justin Cole (LB), Alex Magee (DE), Ryan O'Callaghan (OT), Tyson Jackson (DE)

 

STAT COMPARISONS

Total Yards per Game

KC 254

SF 340

Passing Yards per Game

KC 117

SF 244.5

Rushing Yards per Game

KC 137.5

SF 95.5

Yards Allowed per Game

KC 344

SF 264

Passing Yards Allowed per Game

KC 253

SF 201

Rushing Yards Allowed per Game

KC 91

SF 63.5

Average Points per Game

KC 18.5

SF 14

Average Points Allowed per Game

KC 14

SF 28

 

Want to dig deeper? Check out a full comparison here - courtesy of CSN.

 

Last 2 Games

49ers

L @ Seahawks (31-6)

L vs Saints (25-22)

Chiefs

W vs Chargers (21-14)

W @ Browns (16-14)

 

FFToday Fantasy Projections by Eakin

Prediction: San Francisco 24 Chiefs 20

Notable 49ers

Alex Smith: 215 yds/1 TD/1 INT

Michael Crabtree: 65 yds/1 TD

Josh Morgan: 40 yds

Vernon Davis: 85 yds

Frank Gore: 110 yds/35 yds rec/2 TDs

Notable Chiefs

Matt Cassel: 175 yds/1 TD

Dwayne Bowe: 50 yds

Chris Chambers: 40 yds

Tony Moeaki: 40 yds

Thomas Jones: 50 yds rushing

Jamaal Charles: 40 yds/30 yds rec/1 TD

 

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

 

Maiocco's Matchups that Matter http://www.csnbayarea.com/09/24/10/Maiocco-49ers-Chiefs-Matchups-that-Matte/landing_maiocco_v3.html?blockID=317688&feedID=5936

49ers Nose Tackle Aubrayo Franklin (92) vs. Chiefs Center Casey Wiegmann (62) -The Chiefs are second in the NFL in rushing percentage. Fifty-five percent of their offensive plays have been runs. In the second halves of their victories over San Diego and Cleveland, the Chiefs ran the ball 65.5 percent of the time. Wiegmann is not a powerful blocker, but he is adept at creating openings on inside running plays with the understanding of the game he has obtained by playing 9,195 consecutive offensive snaps dating back to 2001. Franklin has gotten off to a good start after skipping the team's entire offseason program, as well as the first month of training camp. As the anchor of the defensive line, he is a big reason the 49ers' run defense is tied for sixth in the NFL.

 

49ers WR Michael Crabtree (15) vs. Chiefs CB Brandon Flowers (24) -- Crabtree, expected to be the 49ers' top wideout this season, saw eight passes come his way when the 49ers opened the season against Seattle. He caught just two passes for 12 yards, and it was clear he and quarterback Alex Smith were not crisp in working together. On Monday, his only catch went for a 32-yard gain. Smith said he was unable to get the ball to Crabtree with regularity because of the defense the Saints played. "They were taking away a lot of the free-access cuts, as we call it -- single cuts for the receivers," Smith said. "A lot of that was taken away just by the coverage they were playing, so I think that kind of dictated a little bit of where the ball was going." Flowers is the Chiefs' top cornerback. He has gotten off to a strong start on the season with an interception he returned for a touchdown and three passes broken up. The 49ers want to run the ball, but they might need to receive some contributions from Crabtree in the passing game on Sunday to keep the offense balanced.

 

49ers ST Taylor Mays (23) vs. Chiefs RS Javier Arenas (21) -- The 49ers faced a decision with the No. 49 overall pick. If they'd picked Arenas, they could've filled needs at cornerback and in the return game. Instead, they selected Mays, a talented safety from USC. The Chiefs chose Arenas with the next pick. Arenas has seen limited action on defense, while Mays' contributions to the 49ers thus far have been solely on special teams. Mays and Arenas could end up going head-to-head on Sunday, though. Mays is a gunner on punt coverage. He made a nice open-field tackle Monday night of Reggie Bush to stop him for no return yards on a punt. Arenas is a dynamic punt returner. He has averaged 11.0 yards on six returns. The Chiefs' No. 2 return man is Dexter McCluster, who had a 94-yard punt return for a touchdown in the season-opening win against San Diego.

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

 

For the 49ers, last week was a "must compete". This week is a "must win" and Arrowhead is going to provide the same type of noise problems that Qwest Field provided in Week 1. Special Teams is clearly an advantage for KC...but show me a team who's only real advantage is Special Teams and I'll show you a team that doesn't have a real advantage. Week 1 was a fluke for both of these teams.

 

SE's 49ers Keys to Victory

*Ball Control. You can't win any game if you can't hold onto the ball.

*Special Teams. Contain Arenas and McCluster and don't muff punts for my heart's sake.

*Stop the screens! Don't let them stretch you out with their speed.

 

SE's Chiefs Keys to Victory

*Gap Control. Stop the run game, stop the 49ers.

*Air it out. You can't run on the 49ers. Matt Cassel is going to have to pass to win this game.

*Special Teams. Give Cassel every opportunity by winning the field position battle. Return TDs are also nice.

 

GO NINERS!

[MTSkiBum 1,620]

Last time i checked 88% of the betting public was putting their money on the niners, and the line has not shifted............

 

 

The guys in vegas are smart, and the guys in vegas like the chiefs.

[Mike FF Today 722]

Where's that "Nice post" emoticon when you need it?

[Saint Elistan 106]

Where's that "Nice post" emoticon when you need it?

 

You so funny, Mike.

 

As long as you're here...I think we need a "contemplative" emoticon. Kinda like this guy.

[kutulu 1,675]

I'll take the Chefs.

[GridIronAssassin#1 0]

It's in KC, but didn't San Fran look pretty good last week? I've gotta go San Fran here. I know it's the public side, but oh well.

[Saint Elistan 106]

Updated the Matchups that Matter and the Injury Report sections.

 

Barrows: Spikes listed as questionable; will be game-time decision

http://blogs.sacbee.com/49ers/archives/2010/09/spikes-listed-a.html#ixzz10Tt0atBq

Mike Singletary has a rule about practice: Everybody has to practice the week before the game in order to see action on Sunday. Ah, but every rule has an exception. In this case, Takeo Spikes. The veteran linebacker has not been at practice all week after suffering a bruised knee Monday. But Spikes will test the knee before Sunday's game in Kansas City. If he's ok, he'll play. If not, the start will go to rookie NaVorro Bowman.

 

Maiocco: Williams Ready for Debut

http://www.csnbayarea.com/09/24/10/Maiocco-Williams-Ready-for-Debut/landing_maiocco_v3.html?blockID=317793&feedID=5936

Rookie Kyle Williams' name was not included this week on the 49ers' injury report for the first time since he sustained a big toe sprain in the team's exhibition opener Aug. 15 at Indianapolis. Williams will be in uniform for his first NFL regular-season game Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. And he full expects to handle the return chores in his debut.

 

Coach Mike Singletary said the probability is that Williams will handle the punt-return duties. Williams, Josh Morgan and Delanie Walker are the candidates to return kickoffs. Rookie Phillip Adams muffed a punt that proved to be a crucial play in the 49ers' loss Monday night to the New Orleans Saints. The 49ers selected Williams in the sixth round of the draft, in large part for his talents in the return game. "I've been sitting on the side for too long, so I'm really excited to get in there and mix it up," Williams said.

[onejayhawk 3]

Since you quoted me, I thought I should return the favor. http://chiefschatter.com/

 

J

[Saint Elistan 106]

Inactives are in!

 

49ers

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

 

Chiefs

[EDIT] Inactives: J.Bates (CB), M.Cox (FB), R.Langford (S), C. Anderson (LB), Justin Cole (LB), Alex Magee (DE), Ryan O'Callaghan (OT), Tyson Jackson (DE)

Spikes is playing. Phew.

 

A little over an hour left til kickoff.

[Reality 3,121]

Sounds almost ridiculous to say but, we (49ers) really need this win today.

 

The 49ers aren't great at defending returns.. Not a good day for that..

 

[Saint Elistan 106]

Sounds almost ridiculous to say but, we (49ers) really need this win today.

 

The 49ers aren't great at defending returns.. Not a good day for that..

 

 

Indeed. Have no qualms about starting the KC Defense in my money league today.

 

Edit:

Ah, get to play you in the Free Geek League today too! Good luck!

[Reality 3,121]

Indeed. Have no qualms about starting the KC Defense in my money league today.

 

Edit:

Ah, get to play you in the Free Geek League today too! Good luck!

 

Oh nice, ditto

 

[Saint Elistan 106]

Forced to use a stream again today. Blargh. Probably a good 30 seconds behind live. Wont matter too much I guess. I'm typically the only one who posts on a semi-play-by-play basis in these threads.

 

What are you drinking today?

 

I'm going mixed drinks and "Sparks". Starting off the morning with Screwdrivers and Mudslides.

 

Doesn't look like rain. That's a good sign. Saw some pictures earlier that had me concerned.

[Saint Elistan 106]

Chiefs won the toss and chose to receive...taken out to the ~28.

 

Dwayne Bowe gets a catch and a first down on the first play. Not a good start. God I hate our bend-not-break soft pass defense.

[Reality 3,121]

Ice water, may mix in a Diet Dew later..

 

 

Prob drink a few beers during the Sunday nighter in prep for the season premiere of EastBound & Down..

 

[Saint Elistan 106]

[Saint Elistan 106]

Alrighty, forced to punt. Let's do it Kyle Williams! Show us what ya got!

 

....and a fair catch.

[Saint Elistan 106]

First down Davis. Hope we don't stick with run, run, pass all day.

[Saint Elistan 106]

That tipped ball nearly gave me a heart attack. Horrible flash backs.

 

Sure am glad to see that a 2TE set now means BYHAM is in on the play. That's mah boy!

 

Bah. Got a quick completion off against the big blitz but came up one yard short.

 

Punt. Here we go, special teams.

[Saint Elistan 106]

Ah, Michael Lewis showing us why he's a FA next year. Can't cover anyone.

 

....and another fair catch by Williams. This time at the 10.

 

Just pissed in a cup cause I didn't feel like leaving the room. Thought you should know. Hope I don't try to drink that later.

[Saint Elistan 106]

32 Yard Run from GORE!

[Reality 3,121]

Gore, ur good..

[Saint Elistan 106]

ARGH. Rachal, get the fock out of my game. Put Snyder back in. Line was better without you. Don't need your holding penalties costing us first downs.

 

HUGE hit from Goldston on punt coverage...hope he didn't concuss himself...

[Saint Elistan 106]

Thank God for that holding call. These draw plays are killing us!

 

Really need to get the pass rush going. Hardly any pressure on Cassel so far.

 

How the fock do you let them convert a 3rd and 20 on a run? Jesus Christ.

[Saint Elistan 106]

Thank GOD. We needed that interception BAD. Good job Spencer.

 

Now if our offense could actually move the sticks that would be nice.

 

God I can't wait to get rid of Moron Norris.

 

Oh look, another tip passed that's intercepted. Story of our focking lives.

Learn to keep your feet, Crabtree. What the hell? There's more interceptions on passes to you than you have focking catches. Suck a d1ck, dude. Seriously.

 

Ugh, LaBoy in coverage...not what he should be doing...TD Chiefs. Time to get the shot glasses out just in case.

[Saint Elistan 106]

Oh my, we converted a 3rd down. To crabtree of all people (12 yards). Then another pass (22 yards) to Crabtree. I sure hope this is a sign that Smith/Crabtree are fixing their timing.

 

Flea flicker fail. Nobody was fooled.

 

IRON TOE with a FG from 51 yards out. 5 Points in my money league.

 

Kick coverage has looked decent. That's a plus I guess.

 

THERE ya go! That's how you stop those outside runs...bring a corner up. Who woulda thought...this is MATT CASSELL. Not DREW BREES. Jeebus Manusky...stop the run, abandon your soft coverage.

 

And on cue...Cassel finds McCluster for a 1st down. Wtf were you doing Goldston? You had that covered perfectly...turn your damn head.

 

SCREENS.

 

Shoulda had that pick. Goldston took it away from Michael Lewis.

 

Oh and guess what...another short outside pass. Seriously...how the hell can you not adjust for screens and swing passes week in and week out?

[Saint Elistan 106]

FG from KC is no good...two minute drive start out with a FALSE START.

 

Westbrook sighting!

 

Three short outside passes to RBs and didn't milk any time off the clock...what the hell was that? Fire Raye. Let Alex call his own damn plays in the 2 minute offense. 3 completions = 4th and 10? WTF.

 

Let's let them get another chance at a FG why don't we?

 

Imagine that...another SCREEN.

 

FG Chiefs. Fock this offense and our soft coverage against a mediocre passer. Calling plays like a bunch of focking pansies. You can't "play not to lose" if you're already losing, focktards.

 

GET. THE FOCK. OUT. OF. THE. COVER-2.

[Saint Elistan 106]

Decent return for Kyle Williams on the kickoff. Let's see if we can make halftime adjustments.

 

Allowing sacks and more short, overthrown passes wasn't what I had in mind...

 

Alright, Ziegs! Gain of 19. Let's keep it going downfield...that will open up the run. Negated by stupid penalties.

 

3rd and long...oh, I know...let's throw it short again. Are we even going to challenge the safeties this game? Maybe at least once?

[Saint Elistan 106]

Well, gonna make some more drinks and watch from the comforts of my bed. The terrible playcalling from both Manusky and Raye has made this game uncommentable. Going to hear all week how good the KC defense is. We'll never know how good they are based off this game because Raye wont call a damn pass longer than 5 yards out.

[Reality 3,121]

Well, that was fun. Good game KC.

 

The 49'ers have the same glaring problem.. A QB who just isn't good enough.. There is a reason everything goes for 5 yards...

[Saint Elistan 106]

Well, that was fun. Good game KC.

 

The 49'ers have the same glaring problem.. A QB who just isn't good enough.. There is a reason everything goes for 5 yards...

I don't believe that at all. And while I'll be an advocate of replacing Smith come draft time, the reason everything goes for 5 yards has more to do with Raye (hell maybe even Singletary) and less to do with Smith.

[Reality 3,121]

We'll have to agree to disagree, Smith can't make plays down the field. That has been painfully obvious since he came into the league.

[Mike FF Today 722]

Wow, I didn't see this coming. I thought it would be close with SF winning by a field goal. Nice to see Charles, McCluster and Jones on the field at the same time... puts a lot of pressure on defenses.

 

The Chiefs downfield passing to the wideouts is still subpar, but otherwise, a nice showing in all three phases.