The Run Down - After three consecutive losses in as many weeks for the San Francisco 49ers, Mike Singletary and company had a lot to prove if they wanted to finally get into the win column. And what better way get that first win than to defeat one of the NFC's better teams? However, with a number of weapons on offense for the Falcons, it wouldn't be easy. But after a dominant first quarter for San Francisco on both sides of the ball, scoring 14-points in a matter of minutes, it looked like the win-less 49ers were finally on their way to win number one. Alex Smith attacked the end-zone early by completing a 12-yard pass to tight-end Vernon Davis, who spun upon being tackled and extended his arm as the ball made it over the goal-line.
The defense would then do its part when USC alum Taylor Mays who made his first career NFL start, made a huge play in the end-zone by recovering a blocked punt for a touchdown, all while showing some spectacular footwork and keeping both feet in bounds. But just like every other week, the positives would be limited as the 49er scoring spree would stop there due to Alex Smith throwing two interceptions. Falcons wide receiver Roddy White who torched the 49er defense for over 200 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns last year was of no avail and played a limited role in Atlanta's passing game. That was until the game's final minutes. After scoring 13 unanswered points to bring the Falcons within 1, White made a handful of circus grabs late in the 4th quarter before finishing with 104 yards. White's biggest contribution however, would come while defending.
San Francisco just about had the game won when cornerback Nate Clements intercepted what looked to be the dagger and the game winning play had he purposely went down after intercepting the ball with a minute thirty left on the clock. Instead, Clements turned it into a selfish, boneheaded move on his behalf as Roddy White chased him from behind and knocked the ball out, forcing a fumble. White's heads-up play showed shades of the 2009 season and was reminiscent of a similar play he made against the 49ers last year when he stripped the ball out of San Francisco's other cornerback -- Dre Bly. Bly showboated his way down the field thinking he had an easy touchdown, only to have the ball knocked out of his hand. Falcons Quarterback Matt Ryan would then get another chance at leading the offense down field. But with the clock against them, getting into field-goal range was all Atlanta needed.
With less than 10 seconds left, Matt Bryant kicked the ball 42-yards deep and through the uprights to win it. The game-winning field-goal was also Bryant's second in as many weeks, as he kicked one a week earlier against Drew Brees and the division rival New Orleans Saints. Niners head coach Mike Singletary didn't personally blame the loss on his cornerback (Clements), but we all know why the 49ers didn't pull this one out when they should have. One day after the heart-wrenching loss, the 49ers front-office stood by their head coach and expressed their support of coach Singletary, assuring him that his job is safe despite the teams 0-4 start. As well as it should be, given two of the four losses were not his fault.
Week 5 Preview - While it's hard to point out the good during this rough time for us 49er fans, there is some good news in the bay area regarding the next match-up on the 49ers schedule. With Michael Vick out with an injured rib, the Eagles will start Kevin Kolb at the quarterback position. Kolb, who began the season as Philadelphia's starting quarterback, has been anything but what the Eagles were expecting from the QB they invested in after trading away Donovan McNabb. Vick on the other hand has been great since filling the void as the starter when Kolb went down with a concussion in week 1. But as the Vick injury serves as good news for us 9er fans as well as dog lovers across the globe, it can't be good for the Eagles considering he's been among the highest praised for the MVP award thus far. With Vick out and the 49ers at home, I think this is the week we finally get a W.
No comments:
Post a Comment