49ERS STRUGGLE PAST FALCONS 34-24

Vs.

Candlestick park, San Francisco , CA - The Atlanta Falcons did their best scrooge imitation and tried to spoil Christmas for the San Francisco 49ers in their last game  played at Candlestick park on " Monday Night football. The mood before the game was mixed. For a game that was a historical benchmark for the franchise, the San Francisco 49ers organization didn't exactly provide generous souvenirs for the fans. The official mantra " Respect the stick didn't have a true ring to it !

Phil Dawson

Steven Jackson

Donte Whitner

The first quarter flatness by the 49ers was a surprise considering the playoff ramifications of the game. The Niners were favored by fourteen points over the Falcons. The offensive strategy was totally conservative with the predictable lack of results for San Francisco. Despite moving the ball against the Falcon's defense the Niners could only score three points on a 49 yard field goal by the dependable Phil Dawson. The Falcon offense was held in check at this point.


In the second quarter with the Niner offense still in doldrums the Falcons stepped up their game. A long Atlanta drive resulted in a Steven Jackson touchdown run from 2 yards out. This drive was greatly aided by two penalties assessed on Donte Whitner . One was for unnecessary roughness and another for unsportsmanlike conduct. The heavily favored 49ers ,  stunk up Candlestick park in the first half. They went into the locker room trailing 10-3.

Colin Kaepernick

Anquan Boldin

In the third quarter the 49er offense returned from their Alien abduction to again perform as expected. while the defense held firm the Niner offense scored ten points. Kaepernick slung a side arm pass to Anquan Boldin for a 10 yard touchdown.This play included some great blocking by the Niners. Phil Dawson added a 30 yard field goal. The Niners led at the end of the third quarter 13-10. The 49er fans , confused  by the first half woes were now fully engaged in the game ! 

Roddy White

Matt Ryan

The fourth quarter started with great promise for the 49ers. Colin Kaepernick directed a long drive which culminated with him scoring on a 4 yard run. The Niners looked as if they were on the verge of turning the game into a route. The Falcons didn't fold. Their offense went on a drive of their own which was capped by a 39 yard pass to Roddy White for a touchdown. It was frustrating to watch the Niner defense struggle against a very basic Atlanta offensive attack. Let me briefly explain. Every time the Falcon's running back lined up behind Matt Ryan , whether to the right or left , it was a running play. There was no trickery involved. When Ryan was in the shotgun formation it was a pass. That was it ! No varied formations whatsoever !

Kendal Hunter

Tony Gonzalez

 

Frank Gore

In this game the Niner offense covered for the defensive lapses in the second half. So again the Niners went on another drive aided by a 45 yard run by Kendal Hunter. Then Frank Gore plunged into the end zone from 1 yard out for a touchdown. Now  with score at 27-17 , the fans are thinking victory but the 49er defense is unable to stop the Falcons. Atlanta has not been an offensive juggernaut in the 2013 season yet the vaunted Niner defense is being pushed around ! With less than five minutes on the game clock the Falcons score on a 2 yard pass to Tony Gonzalez to put the score at 27-24. Matt Ryan is shredding the 49er secondary and Roddy White is beating our corners like a drum !

NaVorro Bowman

H. Douglas

Michael Crabtree

Add to this dire situation, the penalties that are haunting the Niner defense just when a stop seems eminent. With time being the biggest factor, everyone in Candlestick park knows that Atlanta is going to attempt an onside kick. It their only chance to win or tie the game. Both teams line up , the ball is kicked and goes right under the hands of NaVorro Bowman. Snelling of the Falcons recovers the kick and they are already within field goal distance of the end zone.

Tremaine Brock

Its unbelievable ! The 49ers seem helpless to stop the momentum of the Atlanta Falcons ! Then as if an unseen force intervenes , Ryan attempts a pass to H. Douglas , Tremaine Brock knocks it loose, NaVorro Bowman grabs it out of the air and then rumbles 89 yards for the game winning touchdown. In the blink of the eye futility is turned into fortune ! In their last game played in Candlestick park the San Francisco victory sends the 49ers to the playoffs ! 


In this game the 49er's offensive unit covered for the shortcomings of their defense. Colin Kaepernick in the Niners five game winning streak has answered his critics including myself. He passed just enough to provide balance.  Kaepernick went 13 or 21 for 197 yards and one passing touchdown. He also rushed for 51 yards on 6 carries , for an average of 8.5 yards and scored one touchdown.


With both Michael Crabtree and Anquan Boldin in the mix again the 49er passing game is again a major threat. Crabtree had 5 receptions for 102 yards. His play helped set the table for the scoring drives. This complemented the core of the Niner offense which was the rushing game. Frank Gore tore off chunks of yardage, gaining 97 yards on 21 carries , with one touchdown. When all else failed Kaepernick provided the third option. These ingredients made it difficult for the Atlanta Falcons defense.


After being so strong season long, the 49er defense floundered in this game. As I have pointed out previously in the body of this article, the Falcon offense wasn't complicated or difficult to analyze . The lack of a pass rush didn't help. Once again when the " no huddle " offense was employed against the Niner defense late in the fourth quarter it caused major problems. The play of the corners and safeties was a disaster ! On the Atlanta scoring passes , their receivers caught the balls right in the middle of multiple defenders. NaVorro Bowman's interception and game clinching touchdown provided redemption for the defense.

 

This article is dedicated to the San Francisco Police department officers who have worked the games. I was fortunate to have benefited from the meals put out by Steve and his staff from the " Ugly American Tailgating Club " . Steve has been involved with this tailgating club for thirty two years and is associated with the SFPD. Kudos to Nick , who has also helped for many years. The end of Candlestick park also spells the end for the Ugly American Tailgating Club ! My best bud Officer Moises Gala introduced me to their fine friendship and food. Thank you Mo !

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