FanNation - The Republic of Sport

To quote a great philosopher Peter Griffen "you know what really grinds my gears?" Games that your offense is so bad you had no buisness being in, but somehow your team holds on, only to lose the game in dramatic fashion. Ravens should fan feel the same way about Week 1. Niners almost had the feeling week 1. Its like having an abstinance girlfriend until one day she tells you she's ready only before she takes off her clothes, she gets a emergency phone call and has to leave. Lets hand out some grades.

Passing offense: F-

A Looong time ago Gameday '97 use to be the top choice for football games. I remember the cheat to have the other teams QB throw a lot of picks was 'TrntDilfr'. Thats no joke. This grade is a combination of 2 games. Against Baltimore he was....awful. Against Seattle...yeah. A combined 12 catches by recievers in those 2 games. Thats just terrible. I don't even know how to watch Trent Dilfer play football. I understand why Brian Billick threw him out after winning a Superbowl with him. God he is so bad. I can't even talk about him anymore. Pissin me off. Steve Young still looks good, might be time to give him a call......

Rushing Offense: D

The only glimmer of hope this offense has left. Frank Gore did what he could against the 'Hawks despite lack of a passing game, and did what he could against baltimore despite not having a passing game. In fact this entire season, Frank Gore has done it despite lack of a passing game. The thing is, it's not Frankie G's fault he is not producing like last season, well not totally his fault. I think it is due to poor play calling, the fact that he is being limited this season, and well the fact he has no passing game to depend on. Also a broke hand and no preseason doesn't help out. Still Frankie G goes out and runs hard. He does what he can. He gets a A for effort and D for Execution. To bad I grade on execution. 1 rushing first down last game. ONE. Thats just.....

Passing Defense: C

When you are always on the field, you are going to let off some yards. Matt Hasselback had his way with the Niner D, but they showed some forms of life against Mcnair. Both games come out to a C performance, not that great not that bad. I would complain about 3rd down allowed passing, but 12 1st downs were stopped in each game which lead to a combined 12-36 3rd down conversion in the last 2 games which I will take anyday. Too bad for the offense tho. This D has really improved and won't get any credit for it. 

Rushing Defense: C+

Basically everything I said above can be said below. Willis and Sean combined for an average of 3.5Ypc. Niether game did the Niners give up a rushing TD. The longest carry for both teams was a 17 yarder. Once again the Niners Defense has really improve. Too bad for the offense tho. I know a lot of teams that wouldn't mind having the Niners Defense.

Special Teams: D-

No return TD's, 1 field goal, 1 PAT and a missed FG that would have won the game. Hey at least Andy Lee is looking like a probowler.

Coaching: D

Until Jim Hostler resigns, I refuse to give the Niners any higher grade than this. I would rather Mike Nolan use ask madden on PS3 than him. I might puke if i see a running play on 3rd and 8 one more time. Can we still talk Norv Turner into coming back. I mean really, is coaching San Diego really that fun?

Oppenent grade: B For Shehawks, C- For Ravens

The Ravens look like a mediocre AFC team but a playoff NFC team  and the Seahawks are looking like a playoff NFC team but a Mediocre AFC team. The Seahawks gave it to the Niners, thanks in part to Matt Hasselback and Trent Dilfer. They dominated but not destroyed. The Ravens had a ol school good D/Bad O game that would not have beaten 20 other teams in the NFL but fortunately they played Trent Dilfer and crew. A win is a win tho.

FINAL GRADE FOR previous 2 WEEKS: D-

If it wasn't for D this would be a solid F. Terribly quaterback play leading to games with lopsided time of possision, leading to losses. The Niners need an adrenaline boost on offense of the Patriots might be looking at a top-10 pick next season

Happy thoughts going into the bye week: Welcome back alex smith and Vernon Davis thank god.

Sad thoughts going into the bye week: Darrell Jackson, 14 catches 204 yards, 0 TD's. Not exactly a moss like steal....