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Tag: San Francisco 49ers

  • Ric Flair Gives 49ers Pre-Game Pep Talk

    Wooooo! It looks like the Nature Boy Ric Flair’s pep talk before the San Francisco 49ers versus the Green Bay Packers playoff game did the trick. The ever-popular 64-year-old professional wrestler surprised the 49er team on Saturday night before their big Wild Card win on Sunday afternoon at Lambeau. The team was not only shocked when Flair walked into the room with his signature theme music from 2001: A Space Odyssey playing in the background, but they were all smiles during Flair’s visit.

    Flair’s go-get-em speech also featured two of this token lines. He told the team to be “limousine-riding and high-flying.” It all seemed to work as the 49ers defeated the Packers 23-20 on Sunday during one of the coldest games in the history of the NFL. Second year quarterback Colin Kaepernick drove his team down the field in a classic two-minute drill to set up kicker Phil Dawson for a 33-yard field goal as time expired.

    The 49ers will head to Carolina next weekend to face the Panthers. One would think that Flair’s allegiance would stray from the 49ers back to Carolina because the legendary wrestler used to live in Charlotte. Flair was also a Panther season ticket holder and his trademark “Woooo!” used to play on the scoreboard during games. However, the tide has definitely changed. During his motivational speech, he promised the 49ers that his heart would be with the team to the end.

    Panther players and fans are not happy with Flair’s turn-coating, especially wide receiver Steve Smith.

    Kickoff for the game is set for 1:05 pm on Sunday afternoon. Only time will tell whether Flair will attend the game and who he really plans to root for.

    Image via Wikipedia Commons

  • Coldest NFL Game? Not By a Long Shot

    Headed into Sunday’s match-up between the San Francisco 49ers and the Green Bay Packers, many sports analysts and weather forecasters were proclaiming that the record for the coldest NFL game ever played could potentially be broken. With the polar vortex blowing through the central and eastern United States, meteorologists predicted that several parts of the country could see wind-chill temperatures as low as -60 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Before Sunday’s NFC wild-card game, reports cited that the game-time temperature at Lambeau Field were expected to be at -5 degrees, with the wind-chill reaching a disastrously cold -51 degrees. If that was to happen, this game between the 49ers and Packers would have been one of the coldest games ever played in the NFL.

    However, it wasn’t even close. NFL records determine game-time temperatures at kick-off and do not record temperature fluctuations throughout the game. At kick-off for Sunday’s game, the recorded temperature was a mild 5 degrees, with the wind-chill resting at -10. Eventually, the wind-chill at Lambeau would drop as low as -14 degrees, but would still not come close to setting any NFL records for the coldest game ever played.

    In preparation for the frigid conditions, much fuss was made about what the players would be wearing on the field. While certain hard-nosed, Hall of Fame coaches (like Vince Lombardi) would discourage and lambaste their players for choosing to wear extra apparel, current players are much more lenient:

    “I don’t really subscribe to ‘the less clothes I have on, the tougher I am. The guys who think they’re the toughest guys in the world go out wearing no sleeves. It doesn’t make any sense. Being cold doesn’t make you tough. It makes you stupid,” stated Packers tight-end Ryan Taylor.

    While wearing less clothes potentially makes one stupid, it can also make one a winner.

    Coming in to Sunday’s game, 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick refused to heed his head coach’s advice to wear more clothing, stating “I’m a little hardheaded at times.”

    Kaepernick, a Wisconsin native who played many college game in cold weather at Nevada, chose to wear short sleeves and no gloves for the game, sticking to his mantra that the cold is “more mental than anything.”

    Perhaps Kaepernick and Vince Lombardi have the correct stance on cold-weather gear, seeing as Kaepernick was able to lead his 49ers to victory over the Green Bay Packers with a stellar performance, throwing for 227 yards and 1 TD while rushing for 98 yards and setting up the game-winning field-goal as time expired.

    Image via Twitter

  • San Francisco 49ers Defeat Green Bay Packers, Advance To Play Panthers

    In terms of seeding, the San Francisco 49ers came into Green Bay as the underdog, with the Packers winning the NFC North, and earning the #4 seed in the playoffs.

    However, the 49ers were on a winning streak, and after defeating the Packers in the playoffs last season, many people were picking them to win the game.

    The temperature of the game had been talked about throughout the week, and whether the 49ers, who are used to playing in San Francisco weather, would be able to handle the frigid temperatures in Green Bay. In a back and forth fight, the 49ers were able to deliver the Packers the final blow to seal the victory.

    The San Francisco 49ers proved that they were able to hang with the Packers today, and won on a field goal to end the game. Phil Dawson kicked a 33-yard field goal as time expired in order to win 23-20.

    The win also adds to a series of upsets in the wildcard round of the playoffs in a weekend that saw both #6 seeds and one #5 seed, the 49ers, win.

    Before the game-winning field goal, Mason Crosby of the Green Bay Packers had kicked a field goal to tie the game 20-20. The 49ers had 5:05 to execute on a final drive, and put the game away, doing so in a commanding fashion.

    Following their wildcard win against the Green Bay Packers, the 49ers will head to Charlotte to play the Carolina Panthers. While the Panthers defeated the 49ers in their first match-up, San Francisco is determined to win the second game, and with it being the playoffs, anything could happen.

    Navarro Bowman, a lineback for San Francisco, said in relation to the upcoming game, “They got us the first time. What’s on our minds is to get them now. It’s the playoffs. Win or go home.” After having finished an exciting game in Green Bay, the 49ers are already looking ahead to next week.

    Last year, the San Francisco 49ers went on to the Super Bowl, a game that they lost to the Baltimore Ravens, but do they have what it takes to make it that far again? Both the 49ers and Panthers are led by excellent quarterbacks with Colin Kaepernick and Cam Newton, setting up for a thriller of a game.

    The game between the San Franciso 49ers and the Carolina Panthers will take place next Sunday at 1:05 p.m.

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  • Ric Flair Fires Up 49ers, One 49er Goes For Green Bay’s Jugular

    Let the NFL playoff games begin! First Hulk Hogan decides to motivate the New England Patriots. Now, Ric Flair gives a pep talk to the San Francisco 49ers!

    As an avid supporter in the “Quest For Six,” the WWE Champion has made it a priority to share his sentiments with the team. Fox News reports that last night, the world wrestling legend stopped by the 49ers hotel in Appleton, WI to offer motivation for the team.

    The 49ers, who are scheduled to face off with the Green Bay Packers at an iced Lambeau Field today, were quite elated to see Flair.

    ‘The Nature Boy’s’ surprise visit definitely sent players into an immediate uproar.

    Several of the team’s players went straight for their social network to post tweets, pictures and captions shrouded around Flair’s visit.

    Pictures started popping up all over Twitter and Instagram.

    However, there was on 49er that felt some type of way about it all, and he appeared to be the least bit motivated by the speech. Maybe he was just ready to get out of Green Bay and head back to the West Coast.

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    But, whatever the case, offensive lineman Anthony Davis decided to seize the moment as an opportunity to take shots at Green Bay.

    According to The Big Lead, Davis posted a series of tweets during the WCW World Heavyweight Champion’s motivational speech. Some tweets were good, others may have raised eyebrows. But, nevertheless, his perspective was quite clear. He definitely wanted out of Green Bay. However, the most infamous tweet been removed, of course.

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    Davis’ tweeted a derogatory message, referring to the town of Green Bay as a sh–hole. While he thought it was funny, a number of Green Bay fans and residents found it his remarks quite offensive. But, he didn’t back down from his opinion, which only fueled those offended even more.

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    https://twitter.com/AnthonyDavis76/statuses/419701354198601728

    Although Davis’ offensive comedic banter ruffled a few feathers, it didn’t blemish the ‘Ric Flair Motivational Rally’. Davis’ teammates continued to flood Instagram, taking pictures with Flair for fans to see.

    Image via Twitter | Legacy Talent LLC

  • San Francisco 49ers vs. Green Bay Packers Today

    The San Francisco 49ers hope to make another Super Bowl appearance this year, but will first have to take down the Green Bay Packers today in a Wild Card face off.

    In addition to having to outplay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and his dominating offense, the California-based team will also have to beat the frigid Wisconsin temperatures, which would be difficult for just about any team to get used to. Forecasters are predicting the game will take place in below freezing temperatures,which could make this playoff game the coldest in NFL history. Fans and players can expect a wind chill of about -22 degrees.

    But you can’t count the 49ers out just because of the cold weather – quarterback Colin Kaepernick and his team have defeated the Packers twice already this season. Additionally, San Francisco features a highly-ranked offense, in which many of its members will make appearances in this year’s Pro Bowl.

    See just how cold it will be at Lambeau Field, and learn how fans should prepare, here:

    Although the 49ers offense is quite impressive, Green Bay’s might be even more so. San Francisco’s offense has one of the lowest yards per game stats in all the league. The injury sidelining of Michael Crabtree, one of the 49ers major offensive keys, likely plays a big factor in that statistic.

    The Packers lost three of their major players this season – including Rodgers, who missed seven full games but was able to come back last weekend to defeat the Bears – along with Randall Cobb and Jermichael Finley. Even with these valuable players down, Green Bay was still able to produce the third-most prolific offense in the league.

    And even though Rodgers only played in just under nine games this season, he still managed to throw for 2,536 yards and score 17 touchdowns. Kaepernick, who played in 16 games, threw for 3,197 yards and scored 21 touchdowns.

    As expected, sports fans have taken to Twitter to make their predictions and let their hopes be heard:

    It’s anyone’s guess as to who will win this sure-to-be exciting game that will be filled with precision chess moves and nail-biting moments. The winner, however, will be one step closer to reaching the Super Bowl, and taking home those championship rings.

    Image via Twitter

  • Green Bay Packers Finally Sell Out, Avoid Blackout

    Football fans in Green Bay and Indianapolis can rest easy. You will be able to watch your football team on television this weekend.

    It’s hard to believe that Sunday’s Green Bay Packer’s game against the San Francisco 49ers was not sold out as of Thursday night. In fact, three of the four Wild Card weekend NFL games still had seats available. The only game completely sold out was the Eagles/Saints game in Philadelphia. Frigid weather conditions and the comforts of home kept fans from buying round one tickets for the Colts/Chiefs game in Indy (they actually can’t blame the weather since they play indoors) and the Bengals/Chargers game in Cincinnati.

    According to a very old arcane NFL rule that was established to make sure that football stadiums sold tickets, if a game was not sold out 72 hours before kickoff, local television markets would be required to blackout the game. The FCC fought that rule yesterday when Hurricane Hercules dumped snow throughout several areas of the country and an expected extreme cold front made even the most diehard fans reconsider taking a trip to the stadium.

    Fans were given an extra day to snatch up remaining tickets to avoid blackout. Colt’s Corporate Sponsor, Meijer, took care of the game in Indianapolis by buying up the remaining 1,200 seats for Saturday afternoon’s matchup. In an act of goodwill, the company has donated the seats to the Indiana National Guard, Wish for Our Heroes. Meanwhile, the Packers organization sold off their remaining tickets to various corporate partners.

    The word is still out for Cincy fans who have until 4 pm ET today to sell off their remaining tickets and avoid a blackout. Corporate sponsor Kroger has reportedly bought a chunk of tickets that they intend to donate to families of the military.

    Tell us what you think of the NFL blackout rule. Is it time to make a change?

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  • Green Bay Packers Prepare For The 49ers

    After beating the Chicago Bears to clinch the NFC North, the Green Bay Packers will have to face the San Francisco 49ers, again.

    This Sunday the Packers will take on the 49ers in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game.

    As a Packers fan, I’m happy to see them make it this far into the playoffs. It was touch and go for a while, first Clay Matthews broke his thumb in the week 5 game against the Lions, then Randall Cobb got hurt in the game against the Ravens in week 6, then Jermichael Finley’s season ending injury he suffered week 7 against the Browns, and quite possibly the greatest loss for the team for a while, when Aaron Rodgers got hurt during the Monday Night Football game week 9 against the Bears.

    All the worry and frustration dissipated when news broke that both Aaron Rodgers and Randall Cobb would be playing in the playoff game against the Bears.

    Now a win against the 49ers will determine if the Packers continue their season.

    When word came that the Packers would be playing the 49ers, flashbacks to last season’s final game against the 49ers began. It was the game that would send the winner to the Super Bowl. That winner was the 49ers. That game still stings for this fan.

    That game was played in San Francisco though. Maybe the bitter cold of winter in Green Bay could be an advantage for the team? Not necessarily so according to Rodgers, “You know, not everybody in this locker room is from the great state of Wisconsin. We do practice in it, live in it. I think we’re going to be better adapting to it initially, but once the game starts, it’s about who can execute in the cold weather. It does some different things to the football. It’s about taking care of the football in the playoffs and making some big plays. It definitely does change the texture of the football. So, you have to factor that in when you’re tossing the ball to a (running) back or when you’re throwing it. You have to make some small adjustments.”

    However, that bitter cold could have one downfall – fewer butts in the seats at Lambeau Field, but head coach Mike McCarthy isn’t worried about ticket sales. “I’m not concerned about it. Lambeau Field, I fully expect and have great confidence that it will be an incredible environment come Sunday. We have great fans. These are the games our fans live for, so I really have no concern about it at all. I have confidence that whatever needs to be done will be done,” said McCarthy.

    With their offense looking fresh again, it’s the defense the Packers need to worry about and keeping 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick contained. The Packers defense was ranked 29th and they have been struggling the past nine weeks. Matthews breaking his right thumb again in the week 16 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers isn’t helping either.

    These injuries and changes the Packers have faced this season doesn’t seem to phase McCarthy. “We’re a playoff football team. Our identity has changed. This team has embraced it, and we know it’s going to take the full game to get it done, and that’s the way we play,” said McCarthy.

    You can watch the Packers take on the 49ers on Sunday, January 5 on FOX at 4:40 p.m. EST.

    Image via the Green Bay Packers official Twitter.

  • Green Bay Packers Beat Bears, Win NFC North

    In a series of unexpected events over the past few weeks, the Green Bay Packers were somehow able to be put into a position to win their final game of the season, and send them to the playoffs.

    Due to the loss that the Bears suffered in week 16, the winner of the final game between the two teams would win the NFC North, and subsequently send them to the playoffs.

    The Green Bay Packers had been playing without their star player, Aaron Rodgers, for much of the 2013 season, but they had him back for their final game against the Bears.

    As most people will remember, it was a game against the Bears in an intense Monday Night Football match-up that forced Aaron Rodgers to leave the game with a broken collarbone. He was forced to miss the previous seven games, and the Packers suffered because of it.

    Whether or not having Aaron Rodgers back will be able to make a difference for the Packers as they head into the playoffs will have to be determined next week. However, it certainly helped against the Bears, who were also struggling, but wanted a spot in the playoffs.

    After a variety of NFL playoff scenarios that were revealed last week, the playoffs are finally set, and the Green Bay Packers have secured a spot, and will play against the San Francisco 49ers.

    The Packers won on a long touchdown pass from Aaron Rodgers to Randall Cobb, a 48-yard pass that came in the final minute of the game. The late touchdown gave the Packers a spot in the playoffs, and after going back and forth in scoring throughout the game, they took the lead for the final time, and secured the game with a final score of 33-28.

    Randall Cobb, who caught the winning touchdown, said “To be in that moment at the end of the game and have that opportunity, it’s a blessing.” He only caught two passes in the game, but both were for touchdowns, and he had also missed several games due to an injury.

    With the 49ers are currently on a 6-game winning streak, and being led by Colin Kaepernick, who led them to victory last week, earning the third spot in the playoffs, it will be a tough match-up for the beat up Packers.

    In their next game, the Green Bay Packers will be forced to play the San Francisco 49ers in the wild card round of the playoffs. The Packers are likely to still have a bad taste in their mouth from the last time that they played the 49ers in the playoffs, when the 49ers beat them, and later advanced to the Super Bowl last year.

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  • Colin Kaepernick Leads 49ers To Victory, Secures Third Playoff Spot

    In an expected victory, but what turned out to be much more of a thrilling game, Colin Kaepernick led his San Francisco 49ers to a victory against the Atlanta Falcons.

    While the Falcons have been one of the worst teams in the league this year and had nothing to play for, the 49ers still needed the victory in order to stay alive n the race for the playoffs.

    The 49ers play in the NFC West, which has become the toughest division to play in, due to the excellent star power behind Colin Kapernick of the 49ers and Russell WIilson of the Seattle Seahawks. The Cardinals also follow closely behind, and are still fighting for a playoff spot with a record of 10-5.

    With the recent win against the Falcons on Monday Night Football, the 49ers also become the third team to clinch a spot in the playoffs. They join the Seahawks and Panthers, who have both been dominant this season.

    It was looking for a while like the 49ers were in trouble when trailing 10-3 at the half, but they turned things around after halftime, and scored 31 points in an explosive offensive half.

    The 49ers won the game with a final score of 34-24. The victory was sealed when Navorro Bowman returned an interception 89 yards for a touchdown with 1:10 remaining, and it was a historic win, as it is likely the last game that the 49ers will be at Candlestick Park, and their last home game of the season.

    Speaking on the incredible play to end the game, coach Jim Harbaugh said “That’s been the best thing I’ve ever seen happen in a football game. It might have been close to ‘The Catch’.”

    Of course, any 49ers fan would know that “The Catch” that Harbaugh is referring to is the game winning touchdown pass from Joe Montana to Dwight Clark. It was during the 1981 NFC Championship Game, and sent the 49ers to their first Super Bowl.

    After Colin Kaepernick led the 49ers to the win, it also helps to create several different playoff scenarios, and all sorts of situations for the end of their season.

    San Francisco still has a slim chance at winning a third consecutive NFC West crown and earning a first-round bye if St. Louis wins at Seattle and the 49ers beat Arizona on the road. Along with a loss from the Panthers, the 49ers would claim the No.1 seed entering the playoffs, in an unlikely scenario.

    After a legendary finish at their last game at Candlestick, Colin Kaepernick will lead the 49ers to Arizona for their final game of the regular season.

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  • 49ers Billboard: Fans Raise Money To Taunt Seahawks

    Well, the rivalry between the Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers just got even more interesting.

    The two teams have met twice this season already and while they split the meetings, the 49ers fans continue to taunt them about the fact that the Seahawks have yet to win a Super Bowl.

    The die hard 49ers fans have raised enough money, and are set to put up a 49ers billboard in Seattle in order to taunt their west coast rivals.

    The group’s initial goal was to bring in $7,000 to cover the cost of the billboard, and as of Wednesday afternoon, the fund had $8,945.

    Russell Wilson and Colin Kaepernick have been great competition for one another since they entered the league, but while the San Francisco 49ers got to the Super Bowl last year, Wilson has yet to take his team there.

    Seattle has still never won the Super Bowl, but the 49ers have a total of five Super Bowl trophies, and fully intend to brag about that on their upcoming 49ers billboard.

    The image of the 49ers’ Super Bowl trophies will serve as the backdrop to an image of “The Catch” a famous play in 49ers’ history when former wide receiver Dwight Clark had a game-winning reception from Joe Montana in the 1982 NFC Championship game vs. the Dallas Cowboys. It has also been said that the group plans to keep the 49ers billboard up for “at least one month, all during December and some of January for their playoff games.”

    The plan is for the fans to purchase the space for a 49ers billoard in Seattle, and taunt them about the fact that they have yet to win. The billboard is actually an act of retaliation after Seahawks fans’ bought a brick at the 49ers’ new stadium and arranged earlier this month for a 12th Man banner to be flown over Candlestick Park, home of the 49ers.

    The Seahawks fans have been loud all year, even setting the record for loudest stadium twice, which is the significance of their “12th Man” banner, a nickname that has been given because of their dedicated fans. This has caused the 49ers fans to want to prove that they are truly the better team, and come up with the idea for a 49ers billboard.

    While the project is only expected to cost $7,000, the remaining money will be contributed to a Seattle’s Children’s Hospital, according to project manager Aasheesh Shravah.

    Currently, the Seattle Seahawks are the best team in the league with a record of 10-2, and if they make it to the Super Bowl this year, it may be a little embarrassing for those 49ers fans that came up with the elaborate plan for the 49ers billboard.

    The San Francisco 49ers have a record of 10-4, and hold the second spot in the NFC West, while the Seahawks own the top spot. The Seahawks have been outstanding all year with the help of Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch, but what will happen if the two west coast powerhouses meet again in the playoffs?

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  • 49ers Defeat Redskins In Dissapointing Monday Night Football Game

    This week’s Monday Night Football game was certainly nothing like the one that played out last week. This week featured the San Francisco 49ers and the Washington Redskins, in a game that would have been exciting last year, but not last night.

    However, this season Robert Griffin III and the Redskins have been struggling all season, and the team was not even able to score a touchdown on the 49ers, who handled them easily.

    The game was not exciting to watch, and in a disappointing game that was aired for a nationally televised audience, the 49ers won the game with a final score of 27-6. This was a vast contrast to last Monday night, in which the Panthers defeated the Patriots with a very exciting finish.

    Despite their easy win, the 49ers have not been looking good throughout this season either, and while Griffin III and Kaepernick were outstanding upon entering the NFL, they are still playing with a college style, and being unsuccessful with it for the most part.

    The Redskins are in last place of the NFC East division, with a record of only 3-8. This puts them in the company of the Eagles, Cowboys, and Giants, none of which are having good seasons, and only two of them have a record above .500, each by one game.

    After a successful season last year with his young quarterback, coach Mike Shanahan knew this was an important game, and it hurts him to say “I was disappointed we didn’t get in the end zone and get more points. I knew it was going to be one of those tough games where we couldn’t turn the football over. We had to take advantage of some opportunities. They took advantage of those opportunities. We didn’t.”

    It also seems that the Redskins are simply incapable of handling the pressure of big games, since after last night, they are 0-4 during nationally televised games. They started the season with a disappointing loss to the Eagles on Monday Night Football. Of course, it is not just the national stage that hinders their performance, otherwise their record would be better than 3-8.

    Meanwhile, the 49ers, who lost the Super Bowl last year, are tied for second place in their division with the Arizona Cardinals, and have a record of 7-4, following their win last night.

    The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Washington Redskins in order to not completely embarrass themselves, but if they want to be able to contend with the rest of the top teams in the league as they did last year, they will certainly need to show some improvements in the coming weeks.

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  • Jabari Greer Suffers Leg Injury: Placed On Injured Reserve

    Jabari Greer, who is one of the stars of the New Orleans Saints defense, suffered a gruesome injury to his leg during their game on Sunday afternoon. He has since been placed on injured reserve, and is not scheduled to come back this season.

    He was injured while breaking up a play in a heroic effort that forced the 49ers to have to punt, but it came at a serious cost.

    Greer is a cornerback, and a significant member of a tough Saints team, a team that is currently at the top of the NFC South division.

    Greer was carted off during the first quarter of the game, when the game was still scoreless. What played out from there was a very competitive game as can be expected from the Saints and 49ers, and the Saints prevailed with a final score of 23-20.

    The trainers who rushed to his aid on the field immobilized his leg with an air cast, before carting him off as he waved to the stands.

    He has been the best corner for the Saints this season, after deflecting 12 passes, and recording 26 tackles to lead the team. He will not be able to return this season however, after being placed on the injury reserve, and his injury looks to be very serious.

    The Saints have already signed on second-year cornerback Trevin Wade in order to replace Jabari Greer, and they already have five other corners on the roster.

    Sean Payton is certainly concerned about the fate of his top corner, and called his injury “significant.” He also described the injury by saying “It’s always difficult when someone like Jabari, who’s been with us and been a staple of what we’ve done defensively, goes down with an injury like he sustained.”

    Jabari Greer is a veteran player, and has been with the team since 2009, and will certainly be missed going forward with the rest of the season. The Saints play the Atlanta Falcons in their next game on Thursday Night Football, November 21st.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rek6GnJ3EQ0

    Image via Youtube

  • New Orleans Saints Celebrate with Game Balls Amid Win Over 49ers

    Yesterday’s game was quite rewarding for the New Orleans Saints. As the No 1. contender for the NFC South with a 8-2 record, it’s safe to say the Saints are definitely making great strides this season. After the Saints strategically battered the Dallas Cowboys, they turned the same ingenuity toward the San Francisco 49ers yesterday. However, the road to victory wasn’t as easily acquired. With the 49ers overall stature this season, NFL enthusiasts and fans alike were well aware that a win for the Saints would prove to be a bit more challenging. However, the Saints’ 23-20 win over the 49ers proves they definitely rose the occasion.

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    But, the battle is far from over. With the 6-3 Carolina Panthers on their heels in the NFC South, and the Seattle Seahawks knocking down teams left and right, there are actually more challenges ahead than behind, NOLA reports. But with the Saints’ resolute offensive and defensive structure, they should be able to come out on top in any challenging situation. In addition to Saints’ QB Drew Brees, WR Darren Sproles, and TE Jimmy Graham, the Saints have a number of other strongholds that put big numbers to lead the team to victory. Last night, WR Marques Colston, the entire defensive front, and kicker Garrett Hartley received the game balls, as they were the key components in yesterday’s game.

    Here’s why:
    Marques Colston ended the game with five catches for 80 yards. Two of his catches for 14 and 20 yards were critical gains in the Saints’ last two drives toward the game-winning field goal. The Saints’ defensive front also played a major part in the win. They were able to put an enormous cap on the 49ers offense rushing QB Colin Kaepernick, with 6 quarterback hits. Containing Frank Gore was also a commendable feat. They reduced Gore to a mere 48 yards on 13 carries, which equates to an average of only 2 yards per touch. The defensive front also produced 3 critical sacks with Akiem Hicks, Cam Jordan, and Junior Galette all contributing one a piece.

    Last but not least, Saints’ kicker Garrett Hartley was able to put the critical points on the board. Hartley was able to kick 3-for-3, with a crucial 42-yard field goal that tied the game. He also kicked the game-winning 31-yard field goal. The New Orleans Saints network took to Twitter to share the momentous honors with fans.

    Image(s) via Twitter | New Orleans Saints   Twitter | New Orleans Saints

  • San Francisco 49ers Release Former All-Pro

    The bye week can be a time to rest and heal from the rough season that is the NFL. Nnamdi Asomugha will have plenty of time to rest up now. The San Francisco 49ers have announced the release of the former All-Pro cornerback this Monday.

    The release came as the 49ers needed to make room for the soon to be returning fellow cornerback, Eric Wright and wide receiver, Mario Manningham.

    Asomugha was brought in by the 49ers to improve their depth at the corner position. A former All-Pro, Asomugha has seen his career in the NFL take a sudden turn for the worse. A former first round selection by the Oakland Raiders, Asomugha was known by NFL fans, players and coaches alike as one of the best shutdown corners in the league. The former University of California, Berkeley standout, made a quick name for himself once he was given the chance to start in his third season. Once he had the starting job in Oakland, Asomugha took advantage of his playing time to show his skills at covering opposing wide receivers. He would finished his career with Oakland as a four-time All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowl player.

    As a free agent, he left Oakland and the state of California to go play with the Philadephia Eagles, signing a very lucrative contract, a five year, $60 million deal, 25 million being guaranteed. During his time in Philadephia, Asomugha could not help the Eagles get to the Super Bowl, nor have a winning season during his time there. Once released, the 49ers signed him to a one year deal, hoping he could fit in and regain the skills that made him one of the best. At 32, Asmougha could not be effective enough to stay with the 49ers. With this news, there are teams that might have interests as shown here on Twitter:

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    A talanted corner like Asomugha will have his suitors. The question is what does he have left to help a contender?

    Image via WikiCommons

  • 49ers Aldon Smith Turns Himself In To Authorities

    Things just aren’t going Aldon Smith’s way, as the San Francisco pass rusher surrendered to authorities Tuesday night in connection with felony weapons charges.

    After being processed, Smith immediately posted $75,000 bail. NFL.com is reporting that Smith is scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 12 in connection with the charge. He has an additional court appearance scheduled for Nov. 19 to face misdemeanor DUI and drug charges.

    The weapons charges come from a party thrown at Smith’s house in 2012. Two people were shot at the part, and Smith was stabbed. Police searched the premises and found three illegal assault weapons and other weapons.

    Smith had been in rehab at the time of the charge, which comes from his DUI arrest on Sept. 20. Smith has been on an “indefinite absence” from the San Francisco 49ers.

    Below you can read what people are saying about Aldon Smith’s legal troubles:



    Below you can see a news report discussing the felony charges against Smith:

  • Aldon Smith Dodges Sanction from NFL After Arrest

    It looks like All-Pro linebacker, Aldon Smith, received an early birthday present from the 49ers. According to CBS Sports, he’ll be dodging a disciplinary bullet as NFL officials haven’t show any indication of plans to take any reprimanding actions in response to his recent behavior. At least they haven’t as of yet.

    For those who don’t know, Smith, 23, encountered a single vehicle accident in San Jose, CA when his pick-up truck hit a tree, and a curb, leaving skid-marks near the sidewalk and a resident’s driveway. Smith was arrested upon suspicion of driving under the influence, in addition to Possession of Marijuana. The San Jose police received a call around 7:00am from a resident in the Silver Creek area. The call was in regards to the crash, said Sgt. Heather Randol. However, when they arrived there was a little more to the incident than the obvious crash. “They conducted an investigation and determined he was under the influence. He was the only person in the vehicle,” Randol said.

    He was released late Friday morning after posting a $5,520 bond with the Santa Clara County jail. Later that afternoon, Smith joined his teammate on the practice field at the 49ers’ headquarters also located in Santa Clara. His court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 4. He declined commenting on the arrest when questioned by reporters. But, 49ers head coach, Jim Harbaugh, did address reporters in regards to his own expectations of Smith. “I expect Aldon — like today — he’ll be back to work and playing on Sunday” said Harbaugh.

    Harbaugh also went on to specify that if and when disciplinary actions are enforced, NFL officials will most likely take the reins. “I anticipate that, yes. There will be consequences. There always is. Good or bad, we all have consequences,” admitted Harbaugh. As Smith is no stranger to run-ins with the law, more than likely the NFL will take re-percussive action. However, SI Wire has reported that Smith could end up in drug rehabilitation ‘as early as this week,’ according to Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer. Under the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement and substance-abuse policy, Smith cannot be suspended by the 49ers. So, he is protected to some extent, however, more than likely some action will be taken to rectify Smith’s substance-abuse problems.

     

    Image via NFL

  • Colin Kaepernick and 49ers Loss to Cost Him an Eyebrow?

    There’s been an underlying bet floating around the NFL that promises to leave fans in hysterics! The Seahawks – 49ers game was probably the most highly anticipated game of the week just because of the “bet.” For those who don’t know exactly what the bet entailed, the quarterback for the losing team agreed to shave one eyebrow! Not both, just one – which makes it even worse. Who really wants to walk around with one eyebrow?

    http://youtu.be/ZHysr18U374

    Well, judging from the Seahawks’ 29-3 domination over the 49ers, there’s really no question as to who would be carving off one eyebrow. Seahawks QB Russell Wilson surely didn’t lose the game. So of course, the victim is none other than 49ers’ star quarterback, Colin Kaepernick. Although foes of the 49ers would automatically find it hilarious, I’m more than sure even die-hard 49er fans would silently partake in the comedic banter. It’s all in good fun, entertainment, and kind sportsmanship. So, the question of the hour is: Did Colin Kaepernick really go bald on one brow?

    The day after the game, the second segment of the commercial aired. Wilson and Kaepernick both stand in the mirror, as Kaepernick begins applying the shaving cream. Then, as the dirty deed is done, the commercial ends! Judging from the commercial’s comical sketch, it’s plain to see the bet was all in fun for publicity purposes. Although Kaepernick put the razor to his face, it didn’t really look like he’d went in for the kill.  According to Fansided, Kaepernick didn’t really shave his eyebrow. But, it sure was a motivating factor to tune into the game. However, a bet is indeed a bet. So, we’ll just have to see if Kaepernick decided to be a good sport, and do it for fun.

    The day after the game, the second segment of the commercial aired. Wilson and Kaepernick both stand in the mirror, as Kaepernick begins applying the shaving cream. Then, before the dirty deed is done, the commercial ends! Judging from the commercial’s comical sketch, it’s plain to see the bet was all in fun for publicity purposes. According to Fansided, of course, Kaepernick didn’t really shave his eyebrow. But, it sure was a motivating factor to tune into the game. However, a bet is indeed a bet. So, we’ll just have to see if Kaepernick decided to be a good sport, and do it for fun.

     

    Image via Empower Network

     

  • Lynch Triumphs, Kaepernick Falls Short, Seahawks Win

    Seattle – The Seattle Seahawks held a tutorial on the reasons why they should not be overlooked in the race for the NFC Championship game this season last night when they devastated last year’s Super Bowl contender, the San Francisco 49ers – 29-3. San Francisco Coach Jim Harbaugh and his team looked for a birthday reprisal after losing last December on the 23rd (Harbaugh’s 49th) against the Seahawks. Last night was Seattle Head Coach Pete Carroll’s 62nd birthday and unfortunately for the 49ers the results were not reciprocated.

    The Seattle defense managed to shut out the 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick and his offense to only one field goal, no touchdowns, and 5 turnovers (including 3 interceptions). After a successful week one against Green Bay, the young QB Kaepernick faced immense pressure from the Seahawk defensive line and had limited receivers due to the overwhelming secondary led by Richard Sherman (aka Optimus Prime – Seattle’s All-Pro Cornerback). The game was delayed for almost an hour due to thunderstorms in the area causing a rather uneventful, scoreless first quarter; with the exception of the first Kaepernick interception by Earl Thomas in an attempt to TE Vernon Davis. That would be the 49ers only attempt at the end zone throughout the rest of the night.

    The disappointment of the 49ers nation was capitulated in a comment from Coach Jim Harbaugh stating, “I don’t think any of us are proud of our performance.”

    The standout player of the night was none other than Seattle RB Marshawn Lynch, who had 28 carries for 98 yards rushing, 2 rushing touchdowns, and 1 receiving touchdown.

    The first points of the night happened early in the 2nd Quarter – the product of an offensive holding penalty on the San Francisco 4 yard line off a 2nd and 12. The penalty was enforced in the end zone resulting in a safety – putting the Seahawks up 2-0. Later in the second defensive free agent Cliff Avril causes Kaepernick to fumble leading to a Seattle recovery. The following Seahawk drive was limited to a 30-yard field goal – Seattle leading 5-0 going into the second half.

    At the beginning of the second half, Seattle received and managed a 66 yard drive to the San Francisco 14 yard line. After an incomplete pass on first down, Lynch rushed 14 yards up the middle for his first TD of the night. Extra point by Hauschka is good – Seahawks lead 12-0.

    During the next drive Kaepernick was sacked on a 3rd and 3 on the Seattle 3rd yard line by OLB K.J. Wright. The 49ers were forced to kick a 21 yard field goal on 4th down – which was good. Seahawks still up 12-3 at the end of the 3rd Quarter.

    Throughout the 4th Quarter the Seahawks sealed the fate of the 49ers, outscoring them 17-0 – starting out with a 7-yard touchdown pass from QB Russell Wilson to, you guessed it – Marshawn Lynch (who walked the last yard to the end zone). Extra point was good putting the Seahawks up 19-3. Later on during a 1st and 10, Kaepernick was yet again intercepted on a deep right throw (intended for Vernon Davis) by Sherman. After the interception, Sherman celebrated aside the Seahawk cheerleaders. The drive created by the interception resulted in a 37-yard field goal by Hauschka – making the score 22-3.

    With less than 5 minutes to play, Kaepernick managed to throw his third and last interception, that was picked off by SS Kam Chancellor and brought back to the San Francisco 2-yard line. In the final score of the night Lynch scored his second rushing TD of the night, 2-yards up the middle. After the extra point, the score would remain 29-3 until the Seahawk offense would later run out the clock.

    Image: Wikimedia Commons

  • Clay Matthews Recipient of Criticism After Late Hit

    Before Sunday’s game between the Green Bay Packers and the San Francisco 49ers, Packer’s linebacker Clay Matthews stated that the Packers would be going after quarterback Colin Kaepernick: “One of the things that the referees have told us is that when these quarterbacks carry out the fakes, they lose their right as a quarterback, a pocket-passing quarterback, the protection of a quarterback. So with that, you do have to take your shots on the quarterback, and obviously they’re too important to their offense.” And on Sunday, that is exactly what Matthews attempted to do. However, the all-pro linebacker for the Packers was unable to do so… legally; Matthews did happen to get a hit on Kaepernick, but that hit happened to come late after the play was over and the quarterback had run out-of-bounds.

    Matthews and the Packers certainly had reason to be targeting Kaepernick. Just 8 months ago during the playoffs, Kaepernick torched the Packers for 181 yards rushing and led the 49ers to victory in just his first playoff start. In said game, Kaepernick was responsible for 2 touchdowns through the air and another 2 on the ground. The 181 yard performance was a playoff record, and also seemed to serve as a metaphorical “slap” against the Packers defense.

    Literal slapping occurred after Matthews made the illegal tackle on Kaepernick. Following the play, 49ers offensive tackle Joe Staley rushed to the defense of his quarterback (Both statements being ironic because Staley would never rush anywhere at 315 pounds and doesn’t play defense seeing as he is an offensive lineman, but you get the point.). While grappling with Matthews on the sidelines, Jim Harbaugh (the coach of the 49ers) said “… I saw two punches thrown to Joe’s head. Well, one punch and one open slap. Which if you’re gonna go to the face, come with some knuckles, not an open slap.”

    What is your opinion on the statement and actions of Matthews? Respond in the comments section below.

    The statement by Harbaugh simply continues his onslaught against the statements and actions made by Clay Matthews. In response to the comments Matthews made before the game concerning going after the 49ers quarterback, Harbaugh made the following statement:

    “You’re hearing some intimidating type of talk. Kind of things — same things we were hearing a couple of years ago. It sounds a lot like targeting a specific player. “You definitely start to wonder. A man will usually tell you his bad intentions if you just listen. You know what’s being said publicly, you wonder what’s being said privately. You hope that their intent is not going to be anything that’s not within the rules.”

    After the game, Harbaugh would also said toward Matthews that “I think that young man works very hard on being a tough guy. He’ll have some repairing to do to his image after the slap.”

    When one adds together all the comments made by both sides, the actions committed during the game, and the botched call by the referees, and we have what looks to be a quickly evolving rivalry; A rivalry which seemingly brings much tension and animosity for years to come.

    Image via YouTube

  • 49ers Trade Alex Smith to the Chiefs

    49ers Trade Alex Smith to the Chiefs

    The San Francisco 49ers NFL football team has announced it has traded quarterback Alex Smith to the Kansas City Chiefs. In return, the 49ers are expected to receive an undisclosed 2013 draft pick and a conditional 2014 draft pick.

    Smith himself was a number 1 draft pick by the 49ers in 2005, and before that played in college for the University of Utah, where he went 21-1 as a starter. His rookie season in the NFL was marred by an injury, and he played only nine games that season. Smith has fought injuries and changing coaching staff in his eight seasons with the 49ers, ending up with a 59.3% pass completion rate and 81 touchdowns.

    “We would like to thank Alex for his contributions to the 49ers organization over the past eight years,” said Trent Baalke, general manager for the 49ers. “He is a true professional who represented the 49ers with class on and off the field.”

    The 49ers have posted a photo gallery of Smith’s career with the team to the 49ers website. 49ers fans have been using the hashtag #ThankYouAlex to recount their memories and express their feelings toward Smith via Twitter:

  • Google: Canadians Love Super Bowl More Than Stanley Cup (And Are Ravens Fans)

    Google says more people in Canada search for the “Super Bowl” than for the Stanley Cup, which is interesting, considering there are no NFL teams in Canada, while the NHL has a number of teams in the country.

    The company has been analyzing its search trends, and sasy that in 2012, there were twice as many searches on Google for “Super Bowl” in Canada than “Stanley Cup,” with Canadian Super Bowl searches on the rise again ahead of the big game this Sunday. Searches for “Super Bowl” from Canada have risen by over 480% in the past seven days alone, the company says.

    Interestingly, Canadians are searching for the Ravens a lot more than for the 49ers.

    “Searches for the Ravens and the 49ers are in a dead heat in the US,” says Google in a post on its Canada blog. “But it’s a different story in Canada, where searches for the Baltimore Ravens are outpacing 49ers searches by 45 percent. As we’ve seen in years past, geographic allegiances seem to factor into search activity as British Columbia is showing the highest search rates for the San Francisco 49ers and Ontario has the highest volume of Baltimore Ravens Searches. Nationally, Nova Scotia is leading all provinces in searches for ‘Super Bowl’.”

    Google Trends Super Bowl data

    Interestingly, even the Patriots are attracting more searches than the 49ers. 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh is getting more searches than Ravens coach John Harbaugh – 85% more, according to Google.