49ers Gameday
The biggest game in the NFC West for quite a while
VS.
Quite simply the winner of this game takes the lead in the NFC West and has the inside track towards a first round bye.
LINE:49ers by 3 Over-Under 50
PREDICTION:49ers 24 Falcons 21-This is one of the most meaningful games in a while that involved what looks to be a legitmate division rival. The 49ers haven't been playing well as of late but if Steve Young is healthy than they should eake out a win should the team play solidly. Something that hasn't happened as of late and is right now desperately needed.
Key Matchups
Chris Doleman vs. Bob Whitfield
Chris Doleman is amongst the sack leaders in the NFL and is taking on Bob Whitfield who has had troubles this year. This is definately an area the 49ers can expose and by knocking Chris Chandler around to throw of his timing. Though Chandler has completely recovered from his injury that cause him to miss his team's game against the Jets he is still very fragile and injury prone. I think if we can blitz the heck out of the Falcon line and Chandler it may sound cruel but take him out of the game forcing a much weaker QB to take over the controls.
Steve Young/offensive line vs. Falcon front four
Much like Chris Chandler, the whole key to both teams success is the health of their quarterbacks which makes me wonder if that's why he sat against the blitz happy Carolina Panthers. Nevertheless Young is playing now and the Falcon front four itself can put pressure on the quarterback as Drew Bledsoe can attest to. Inside Travis Hall and Shane Dronett are both capable of stuffing the run and rushing the passer which will probably make life difficult for Garrison Hearst running up the gut and finesse blocking running plays like traps to take the Falcon linemen out of the play. Outside is an even bigger concern with the daunted Chuck Smith taking on Derrick Deese who has struggled at right tackle but may use his athletism to improve against the speed rusher like Chuck Smith. Kirk Scrafford looks as solid as ever and should have no problems with the weaklink of the line in Lester Archambeau. The bottom line to the 49er success is to keep Steve Young healthy and effective. Offensive line protection will play a big part in that.
Jerry Rice vs. Ray Buchannan
Even though Jerry missed practice today there should be no problems with his starting status against the Falcons. The last time these two teams met Rice torched their secondary for two touchdowns and big yardage by moving him around in different receiver formations. If the Falcons as I expect matchup their best cover corner on the best receiver being Rice there should be a great battle between the two as they are both among the elite of their positions.
J.J. Stokes vs. Michael Booker
Starter Ronnie Bradford went down with a knee injury in the Jets game and will not start. This leaves second year man to cover the other starting receiver for the 9ers, J.J. Stokes. In recent Falcon games in which he has played Booker has not used his size to great advantage and failed to jam the receivers at the line of scrimmage enabling them to beat him deep. I expect that if the offensive line holds up for the 9ers that they routinely take Booker down the field with Terrell Owens and should pass protection be subpar that short dump off patterns to utilize J.J. Stokes' size to be routine.
Terance Mathis/Tony Martin vs. Marquez Pope/Darnell Walker
The 49er secondary has been burned early and often this year and is right now the achilles heel preventing the 49ers from winning it all. This is yet another big test for the two 49er corners as one of the league best wide receivers duos show up to play. Terance Mathis is an underneath possession receiver with solid hands. Tony Martin is the big play man, he can seperate from the corner by simply using his speed though his hands are not always reliable. Walker should be able to contain Martin's big plays downfield but Marquez Pope has struggled significantly this season and may be replaced by rookie R.W. McQuarters in the starting lineup. Either way Terance Mathis could have a field day taking short passes and turning them into big plays.
Squeaker
With Steve Young hurt, the San Francisco 49ers turned to Ty Detmer and Wade Richey for a comeback.
Detmer, who had four of San Francisco's six turnovers, led a drive to set up Richey's 46-yard field goal with 33 seconds left, lifting the 49ers past the Carolina Panthers 25-23 on Sunday.
"I think most guys would like to have the ball in their hands toward the end of the game," Detmer said. "For me, it's satisfying knowing we put that drive together. We had made mistakes, but we didn't let them stand in our way."
Detmer, also the holder for Richey, calmed the rookie kicker before the decisive field goal.
"He said, 'You see those big yellow posts? Just kick it right in between them,"' Richey said. "I just repeated to myself again and again and again that I was going to make it."
But Richey nearly became a goat when he botched a squib kick after his field goal, sending it only 17 yards downfield before it was stopped by Anthony Johnson.
The Panthers, who once led by 16 points, advanced to the San Francisco 39, but John Kasay's 57-yard field goal try fell short as time expired.
"(Johnson) made a great play on it," Richey said. "I didn't expect that to happen. It almost spoiled the moment."
Carolina's Steve Beuerlein didn't buy the argument the 49ers lucked out.
"Give San Francisco credit," he said. "That team has been there and knows how to win close games. The 49ers are never lucky. They're a great ball club."
The 49ers (7-2) have won their last 13 regular-season games at home, including comeback wins this season over Indianapolis and the New York Jets.
Detmer, making his first start since joining San Francisco as a free agent, threw three interceptions in the first half and fumbled once. But he came back to throw touchdown passes of 36 and 5 yards to Terrell Owens and a 29-yarder to J.J. Stokes.
"It was mindset more than anything," he said of his improved play in the second half. "We mixed the pass and run well and started getting in a rhythm. We didn't feel they could stop us in the second half."
Young, ending a string of 24 straight starts, missed the game with an abdominal strain from the nine-sack pounding last week in Green Bay.
"I'll be back at full speed next week," Young said.
Beuerlein, who was 25-of-41 for 265 yards, threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to Raghib Ismail. Kasay kicked field goals of 50, 42 and 41 yards and former 49ers fullback William Floyd had a 2-yard touchdown run that put Carolina (1-8) back on top after the Panthers blew their big lead.
Floyd's score, with 5:43 remaining, followed a 42-yard march by Carolina that began when Eric Davis recovered a fumble by Jerry Rice, San Francisco's sixth turnover in the game.
"I never felt we were out of the game, not even at the end. That's why it hurts so bad," Carolina tight end Wesley Walls said.
Detmer, making his first start since last November with Philadelphia, finished with 276 yards, completing 22 of 36 passes.
He and Owens were also at the center of a freak play before the go-ahead score to Stokes with 28 seconds left in the third quarter.
On third down, a blitzing Lenny McGill sacked Detmer, forcing a fumble that was recovered on the run by Les Miller. He tumbled to the ground, got back up and momentarily didn't realize he still hadn't been touched by a 49er.
When he started running again, Owens reached in and stripped the ball from him, returning it 13 yards to the Carolina 43.
Five plays later, Detmer threw the scoring pass to Stokes and then completed a 2-point conversion pass to Owens.
Key Matchups Results
And now is the time to present my cyber gameball as player of the game for the 49ers.
this week's winner is late starter Ty Detmer who rebounded from a shakey start and 4 turnovers to lead the team to a comeback win throwing 3 touchdown passes. Honourable mention to Wade Richey for a clutch performance kicking field goals and Chris Doleman for having 4 sacks against Carolina tackle Rob Bohlinger.
Game Pictures
Antonio Freeman gets things started for the Pack with a TD catch on the game's first play.
Steve Young runs in on a one yard touchdown that brought the 49ers closer.
Antonio Freeman beats Marquez Pope deep yet again.
Leroy Butler tormented Steve Young on constant blitzes that threw off his timing.
Reggie White records one of his 3 sacks against the overmatched right tackle Derrick Deese.
Young is tormented by Butler yet again.
1998 49ers Schedule
Date
Opponent
Time (Local)
Final Score
Pre-Season
Aug. 2
VS. 
New England Patriots
3:00pm
WIN 14-13
Aug. 8
AT 
San Diego Chargers
7:00pm
LOSS 21-27
Aug. 15
VS. 
Seattle Seahawks
5:00pm
WIN 24-21
Aug. 23
VS. 
Miami Dolphins
1:00pm
LOSS 20-21
Aug. 28
AT Seattle Seahawks
7:00pm
LOSS 20-21
Regular Season
Sept. 6
VS. 
New York Jets
1:15pm
WIN 36-30(OT)
Sept. 14
AT 
Washington Redskins
8:20pm
WIN 45-10
Sept. 20
OPEN DATE
Sept. 27
VS. 
Atlanta Falcons
1:15pm
WIN 31-20
Oct. 4
AT 
Buffalo Bills
1:00pm
LOSS 21-26
Oct. 11
AT 
New Orleans Saints
12:00pm
WIN 31-0
Oct. 18
VS. 
Indianapolis Colts
1:05pm
WIN 34-31
Oct. 25
AT 
St. Louis Rams
12:00pm
WIN 28-10
Nov. 1
AT 
Green Bay Packers
3:15pm
LOSS 22-36
Nov. 8
VS. 
Carolina Panthers
1:05pm
Nov. 15
AT Atlanta Falcons
1:00pm
Nov. 22
VS. New Orleans Saints
5:20pm
Nov. 30
VS. 
New York Giants
5:20pm
Dec. 6
AT Carolina Panthers
1:00pm
Dec. 14
VS. 
Detroit Lions
5:20pm
Dec. 20
AT New England Patriots
1:00pm
Dec. 27
VS. St. Louis Rams
1:05pm
LINE:49ers by 3 Over-Under 50
PREDICTION:49ers 24 Falcons 21-This is one of the most meaningful games in a while that involved what looks to be a legitmate division rival. The 49ers haven't been playing well as of late but if Steve Young is healthy than they should eake out a win should the team play solidly. Something that hasn't happened as of late and is right now desperately needed.
Key Matchups
Chris Doleman vs. Bob Whitfield
Chris Doleman is amongst the sack leaders in the NFL and is taking on Bob Whitfield who has had troubles this year. This is definately an area the 49ers can expose and by knocking Chris Chandler around to throw of his timing. Though Chandler has completely recovered from his injury that cause him to miss his team's game against the Jets he is still very fragile and injury prone. I think if we can blitz the heck out of the Falcon line and Chandler it may sound cruel but take him out of the game forcing a much weaker QB to take over the controls.
Steve Young/offensive line vs. Falcon front four
Much like Chris Chandler, the whole key to both teams success is the health of their quarterbacks which makes me wonder if that's why he sat against the blitz happy Carolina Panthers. Nevertheless Young is playing now and the Falcon front four itself can put pressure on the quarterback as Drew Bledsoe can attest to. Inside Travis Hall and Shane Dronett are both capable of stuffing the run and rushing the passer which will probably make life difficult for Garrison Hearst running up the gut and finesse blocking running plays like traps to take the Falcon linemen out of the play. Outside is an even bigger concern with the daunted Chuck Smith taking on Derrick Deese who has struggled at right tackle but may use his athletism to improve against the speed rusher like Chuck Smith. Kirk Scrafford looks as solid as ever and should have no problems with the weaklink of the line in Lester Archambeau. The bottom line to the 49er success is to keep Steve Young healthy and effective. Offensive line protection will play a big part in that.
Jerry Rice vs. Ray Buchannan
Even though Jerry missed practice today there should be no problems with his starting status against the Falcons. The last time these two teams met Rice torched their secondary for two touchdowns and big yardage by moving him around in different receiver formations. If the Falcons as I expect matchup their best cover corner on the best receiver being Rice there should be a great battle between the two as they are both among the elite of their positions.
J.J. Stokes vs. Michael Booker
Starter Ronnie Bradford went down with a knee injury in the Jets game and will not start. This leaves second year man to cover the other starting receiver for the 9ers, J.J. Stokes. In recent Falcon games in which he has played Booker has not used his size to great advantage and failed to jam the receivers at the line of scrimmage enabling them to beat him deep. I expect that if the offensive line holds up for the 9ers that they routinely take Booker down the field with Terrell Owens and should pass protection be subpar that short dump off patterns to utilize J.J. Stokes' size to be routine.
Terance Mathis/Tony Martin vs. Marquez Pope/Darnell Walker
The 49er secondary has been burned early and often this year and is right now the achilles heel preventing the 49ers from winning it all. This is yet another big test for the two 49er corners as one of the league best wide receivers duos show up to play. Terance Mathis is an underneath possession receiver with solid hands. Tony Martin is the big play man, he can seperate from the corner by simply using his speed though his hands are not always reliable. Walker should be able to contain Martin's big plays downfield but Marquez Pope has struggled significantly this season and may be replaced by rookie R.W. McQuarters in the starting lineup. Either way Terance Mathis could have a field day taking short passes and turning them into big plays.
Squeaker
With Steve Young hurt, the San Francisco 49ers turned to Ty Detmer and Wade Richey for a comeback.
Detmer, who had four of San Francisco's six turnovers, led a drive to set up Richey's 46-yard field goal with 33 seconds left, lifting the 49ers past the Carolina Panthers 25-23 on Sunday.
"I think most guys would like to have the ball in their hands toward the end of the game," Detmer said. "For me, it's satisfying knowing we put that drive together. We had made mistakes, but we didn't let them stand in our way."
Detmer, also the holder for Richey, calmed the rookie kicker before the decisive field goal.
"He said, 'You see those big yellow posts? Just kick it right in between them,"' Richey said. "I just repeated to myself again and again and again that I was going to make it."
But Richey nearly became a goat when he botched a squib kick after his field goal, sending it only 17 yards downfield before it was stopped by Anthony Johnson.
The Panthers, who once led by 16 points, advanced to the San Francisco 39, but John Kasay's 57-yard field goal try fell short as time expired.
"(Johnson) made a great play on it," Richey said. "I didn't expect that to happen. It almost spoiled the moment."
Carolina's Steve Beuerlein didn't buy the argument the 49ers lucked out.
"Give San Francisco credit," he said. "That team has been there and knows how to win close games. The 49ers are never lucky. They're a great ball club."
The 49ers (7-2) have won their last 13 regular-season games at home, including comeback wins this season over Indianapolis and the New York Jets.
Detmer, making his first start since joining San Francisco as a free agent, threw three interceptions in the first half and fumbled once. But he came back to throw touchdown passes of 36 and 5 yards to Terrell Owens and a 29-yarder to J.J. Stokes.
"It was mindset more than anything," he said of his improved play in the second half. "We mixed the pass and run well and started getting in a rhythm. We didn't feel they could stop us in the second half."
Young, ending a string of 24 straight starts, missed the game with an abdominal strain from the nine-sack pounding last week in Green Bay.
"I'll be back at full speed next week," Young said.
Beuerlein, who was 25-of-41 for 265 yards, threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to Raghib Ismail. Kasay kicked field goals of 50, 42 and 41 yards and former 49ers fullback William Floyd had a 2-yard touchdown run that put Carolina (1-8) back on top after the Panthers blew their big lead.
Floyd's score, with 5:43 remaining, followed a 42-yard march by Carolina that began when Eric Davis recovered a fumble by Jerry Rice, San Francisco's sixth turnover in the game.
"I never felt we were out of the game, not even at the end. That's why it hurts so bad," Carolina tight end Wesley Walls said.
Detmer, making his first start since last November with Philadelphia, finished with 276 yards, completing 22 of 36 passes.
He and Owens were also at the center of a freak play before the go-ahead score to Stokes with 28 seconds left in the third quarter.
On third down, a blitzing Lenny McGill sacked Detmer, forcing a fumble that was recovered on the run by Les Miller. He tumbled to the ground, got back up and momentarily didn't realize he still hadn't been touched by a 49er.
When he started running again, Owens reached in and stripped the ball from him, returning it 13 yards to the Carolina 43.
Five plays later, Detmer threw the scoring pass to Stokes and then completed a 2-point conversion pass to Owens.
Key Matchups Results
And now is the time to present my cyber gameball as player of the game for the 49ers.
this week's winner is late starter Ty Detmer who rebounded from a shakey start and 4 turnovers to lead the team to a comeback win throwing 3 touchdown passes. Honourable mention to Wade Richey for a clutch performance kicking field goals and Chris Doleman for having 4 sacks against Carolina tackle Rob Bohlinger.
Game Pictures
Antonio Freeman gets things started for the Pack with a TD catch on the game's first play.
Steve Young runs in on a one yard touchdown that brought the 49ers closer.
Antonio Freeman beats Marquez Pope deep yet again.
Leroy Butler tormented Steve Young on constant blitzes that threw off his timing.
Reggie White records one of his 3 sacks against the overmatched right tackle Derrick Deese.
Young is tormented by Butler yet again.
1998 49ers Schedule
Date
Opponent
Time (Local)
Final Score
Pre-Season
Aug. 2
VS. New England Patriots
3:00pm
WIN 14-13
Aug. 8
AT San Diego Chargers
7:00pm
LOSS 21-27
Aug. 15
VS. Seattle Seahawks
5:00pm
WIN 24-21
Aug. 23
VS. Miami Dolphins
1:00pm
LOSS 20-21
Aug. 28
AT Seattle Seahawks
7:00pm
LOSS 20-21
Regular Season
Sept. 6
VS. New York Jets
1:15pm
WIN 36-30(OT)
Sept. 14
AT Washington Redskins
8:20pm
WIN 45-10
Sept. 20
OPEN DATE
Sept. 27
VS. Atlanta Falcons
1:15pm
WIN 31-20
Oct. 4
AT Buffalo Bills
1:00pm
LOSS 21-26
Oct. 11
AT New Orleans Saints
12:00pm
WIN 31-0
Oct. 18
VS. Indianapolis Colts
1:05pm
WIN 34-31
Oct. 25
AT St. Louis Rams
12:00pm
WIN 28-10
Nov. 1
AT Green Bay Packers
3:15pm
LOSS 22-36
Nov. 8
VS. Carolina Panthers
1:05pm
Nov. 15
AT Atlanta Falcons
1:00pm
Nov. 22
VS. New Orleans Saints
5:20pm
Nov. 30
VS. New York Giants
5:20pm
Dec. 6
AT Carolina Panthers
1:00pm
Dec. 14
VS. Detroit Lions
5:20pm
Dec. 20
AT New England Patriots
1:00pm
Dec. 27
VS. St. Louis Rams
1:05pm
PREDICTION:49ers 24 Falcons 21-This is one of the most meaningful games in a while that involved what looks to be a legitmate division rival. The 49ers haven't been playing well as of late but if Steve Young is healthy than they should eake out a win should the team play solidly. Something that hasn't happened as of late and is right now desperately needed.
Key Matchups
Squeaker
With Steve Young hurt, the San Francisco 49ers turned to Ty Detmer and Wade Richey for a comeback.
Detmer, who had four of San Francisco's six turnovers, led a drive to set up Richey's 46-yard field goal with 33 seconds left, lifting the 49ers past the Carolina Panthers 25-23 on Sunday.
"I think most guys would like to have the ball in their hands toward the end of the game," Detmer said. "For me, it's satisfying knowing we put that drive together. We had made mistakes, but we didn't let them stand in our way."
Detmer, also the holder for Richey, calmed the rookie kicker before the decisive field goal.
"He said, 'You see those big yellow posts? Just kick it right in between them,"' Richey said. "I just repeated to myself again and again and again that I was going to make it."
But Richey nearly became a goat when he botched a squib kick after his field goal, sending it only 17 yards downfield before it was stopped by Anthony Johnson.
The Panthers, who once led by 16 points, advanced to the San Francisco 39, but John Kasay's 57-yard field goal try fell short as time expired.
"(Johnson) made a great play on it," Richey said. "I didn't expect that to happen. It almost spoiled the moment."
Carolina's Steve Beuerlein didn't buy the argument the 49ers lucked out.
"Give San Francisco credit," he said. "That team has been there and knows how to win close games. The 49ers are never lucky. They're a great ball club."
The 49ers (7-2) have won their last 13 regular-season games at home, including comeback wins this season over Indianapolis and the New York Jets.
Detmer, making his first start since joining San Francisco as a free agent, threw three interceptions in the first half and fumbled once. But he came back to throw touchdown passes of 36 and 5 yards to Terrell Owens and a 29-yarder to J.J. Stokes.
"It was mindset more than anything," he said of his improved play in the second half. "We mixed the pass and run well and started getting in a rhythm. We didn't feel they could stop us in the second half."
Young, ending a string of 24 straight starts, missed the game with an abdominal strain from the nine-sack pounding last week in Green Bay.
"I'll be back at full speed next week," Young said.
Beuerlein, who was 25-of-41 for 265 yards, threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to Raghib Ismail. Kasay kicked field goals of 50, 42 and 41 yards and former 49ers fullback William Floyd had a 2-yard touchdown run that put Carolina (1-8) back on top after the Panthers blew their big lead.
Floyd's score, with 5:43 remaining, followed a 42-yard march by Carolina that began when Eric Davis recovered a fumble by Jerry Rice, San Francisco's sixth turnover in the game.
"I never felt we were out of the game, not even at the end. That's why it hurts so bad," Carolina tight end Wesley Walls said.
Detmer, making his first start since last November with Philadelphia, finished with 276 yards, completing 22 of 36 passes.
He and Owens were also at the center of a freak play before the go-ahead score to Stokes with 28 seconds left in the third quarter.
On third down, a blitzing Lenny McGill sacked Detmer, forcing a fumble that was recovered on the run by Les Miller. He tumbled to the ground, got back up and momentarily didn't realize he still hadn't been touched by a 49er.
When he started running again, Owens reached in and stripped the ball from him, returning it 13 yards to the Carolina 43.
Five plays later, Detmer threw the scoring pass to Stokes and then completed a 2-point conversion pass to Owens.
Key Matchups Results
Key Matchups Results
this week's winner is late starter Ty Detmer who rebounded from a shakey start and 4 turnovers to lead the team to a comeback win throwing 3 touchdown passes. Honourable mention to Wade Richey for a clutch performance kicking field goals and Chris Doleman for having 4 sacks against Carolina tackle Rob Bohlinger.
Game Pictures
Antonio Freeman gets things started for the Pack with a TD catch on the game's first play.
Steve Young runs in on a one yard touchdown that brought the 49ers closer.
Antonio Freeman beats Marquez Pope deep yet again.
Leroy Butler tormented Steve Young on constant blitzes that threw off his timing.
Reggie White records one of his 3 sacks against the overmatched right tackle Derrick Deese.
Young is tormented by Butler yet again.
1998 49ers Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Time (Local) | Final Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Season | |||
| Aug. 2 | VS. New England Patriots |
3:00pm | WIN 14-13 |
| Aug. 8 | AT San Diego Chargers |
7:00pm | LOSS 21-27 |
| Aug. 15 | VS. Seattle Seahawks |
5:00pm | WIN 24-21 |
| Aug. 23 | VS. Miami Dolphins |
1:00pm | LOSS 20-21 |
| Aug. 28 | AT Seattle Seahawks |
7:00pm | LOSS 20-21 |
| Regular Season | |||
| Sept. 6 | VS. New York Jets |
1:15pm | WIN 36-30(OT) |
| Sept. 14 | AT Washington Redskins |
8:20pm | WIN 45-10 |
| Sept. 20 | OPEN DATE | ||
| Sept. 27 | VS. Atlanta Falcons |
1:15pm | WIN 31-20 |
| Oct. 4 | AT Buffalo Bills |
1:00pm | LOSS 21-26 |
| Oct. 11 | AT New Orleans Saints |
12:00pm | WIN 31-0 |
| Oct. 18 | VS. Indianapolis Colts |
1:05pm | WIN 34-31 |
| Oct. 25 | AT St. Louis Rams |
12:00pm | WIN 28-10 |
| Nov. 1 | AT Green Bay Packers |
3:15pm | LOSS 22-36 |
| Nov. 8 | VS. Carolina Panthers |
1:05pm | |
| Nov. 15 | AT Atlanta Falcons |
1:00pm | |
| Nov. 22 | VS. New Orleans Saints |
5:20pm | |
| Nov. 30 | VS. New York Giants |
5:20pm | |
| Dec. 6 | AT Carolina Panthers |
1:00pm | |
| Dec. 14 | VS. Detroit Lions |
5:20pm | |
| Dec. 20 | AT New England Patriots |
1:00pm | |
| Dec. 27 | VS. St. Louis Rams |
1:05pm |