The San Francisco 49ers have had a real good year so far. They have played soundly with the development of their once given up on QB Alex Smith and their resolute running game, and of course their bruising defense.

They are finally getting some top play stuff out of their 10th overall pick, Michael Crabtree, who has clearly become a go-to receiver for Smith as he opens up the field, with 9 plays of 20 or more yards and 207 yards after the catch. He is tied for 1st on the team with 48 catches and 79 targets. Although his 2 TDs could use some improving, he is developing into a real threat on the outside to throw to.

The playoffs are knocking and many have reservation about San Francisco, can they hang with the big boys, the Green Bays, and the New Orleans?

Alex Smith has never had “that season” where he was considered on the rise, but this year his play has been more than average for the Niners. He has thrown 15 TDs so far, on his way to a career best. 2390 YDs, also on his way for a career best as well. And best of all, only 5 ints, where he has never thrown less than 10 in a healthy season, he’s not turning the ball over, and playing within the team style.

Jim Harbaugh believed in Smith from the start and never looked back after giving him the reigns. He has the team into believers that they are a challenger, and they have proven it, beating some decent teams like the Cincinnati Bengals and Detroit so far. Harbaugh, in my opinion, is essentially walking into Coach of the Year candidate.

Frank Gore’s play has been indispensable and is always a chore for opposing defenses, becoming the all time leading rusher for the Niners, breaking the old record held by Joe Perry. The ever improving defense has been leading the NFL in opponents rushing YDs/game giving up only 72 on the ground, and have allowed 20+ pts in a game just 3 times. They had their struggles like every team has a struggle now and then, when they lost to Baltimore in a brutal game, 16-6, they showed great defense still, but the O-line was awful. Particularly when the O-line struggles, the team then changes into keeping Gore into blocking more to help, therefore forcing more passing for Smith, which isn’t necessarily the game style for the Niners.

After a long drought of not making the playoffs, they are ready to head in, in 2011, after 9 years of no post season play. Looking at games potentially against the Packers and the Saints, can they matchup? We shall see. A strong defense can carry a lot, so that should be measured; the Saints and the Pack are both developed around the “outscore us” attitude. To be justifiable contenders to me, keep doing what they do best; pound the rock with Gore, 20 times a game. Make sure they get a home field game come playoff time, where they are 6-1 in 2011. Keep utilizing Crabtree and his skills, get him 5+ catches a game, let him run his routes and make a play.

Another name that has picked it back up again this year has been Vernon Davis, last year he had 7 TDs and 56 catches, this year 48 and 5 TDs. He can cause some mismatches for opposing teams with his strength and abilities. Anything can happen, the Pack may be the dominant team and the headline story this year, but they backed into the playoffs in 2010 at 10-6 and went off and got hot. The ending of the season will be critical for the Niners and the other teams looking for that 2 seed, it’s going to be very exciting to watch unfold.

Written by Mike Anthony for VegasTopDogs.com
 

Mike Anthony

TOP PLAY 2ND ROUND GAME OF THE YEAR Magic Mike Anthony cashed his TOP PLAY on Wednesday. Mike loves a NBA SIDE on Thursday and is ready to UNLOAD again tonight! Mike has another SUPER TOP PLAY WINNER with his TOP PLAY 2ND ROUND GAME OF THE YEAR! This one will be like stealing! Now Mike and his "unmatched contacts" have isolated a game in the NBA PLAYOFFS that have the makings of a B-E-A-T-D-O-W-N tonight! Get this guaranteed TOP PLAY now for just $40!

Click here to view all of Mike Anthony's premium picks.

Social Bookmarking