2011 NFL Thread: The Final Four - Part 12

[Leenie]

All I have to say is: GO GIANTS!

The way the season started, I was predicting that they'd go 5-11. Boy, did they make me look stupid ... And I'm glad! I'm so proud of my boys! No matter the result of the Super Bowl, I'm always going to be proud of this season.

 

[Nell2ThaIzzay]

Tonight's loss to the Giants is the most heartbroken I've ever been following a loss. This one hurt. I won't be getting over this one for awhile.

I feel like that Super Bowl spot was our's, and the Giants just stole it. If Kyle Williams doesn't bounce that punt off his knee, Giants never have a shot at taking the lead, and that's us going to the Super Bowl.

I feel like if we play that game 10 times, the 49ers win it 9 times out of 10, the one time being tonight.

Ugh, I'm so heartbroken over it.

I hope the Pats curbstomp the Giants. I can't stand the NFC East, and the Giants are no exception.

As far as my top QB's all-time...

Well it's hard for me to rate. I wasn't even alive in the Otto Graham days, or the Unitas days, or hell, even the Terry Bradshaw days. I do believe the game is completely different now than then, which makes the accomplishments hard to compare.

That disclaimer aside, this is how I'd rate:

01. Peyton Manning
02. Joe Montana
03. Tom Brady
04. Dan Marino
05. John Elway

I'll be happy to go more in depth on my reasoning why if someone is interested. But if not, I'll just leave it at that.

Now, back to the fetal position I go...

 

[KalMart]

Both teams were stymied by the other teams' defenses... however, you take away the silly turnovers. ESPECIALLY the muffed punt return, and it's a tough 17-10 Niner win...

The Niners were able to move the ball occasionally, other than the big play in the first quarter, but the Giants could hardly move the ball in the entire 2nd half, aside from the short 29 yard field after the fumble...

You take away that "touched knee" play... Niners win the game... you take away that dropped interception and/or the helmet catch in SB 42, the Pats win the game...

Flukey team.

1 for 13 on third downs for SF....the one being a meaningless one at the end of regulation.


Losing team.

 

[KalMart]

Tonight's loss to the Giants is the most heartbroken I've ever been following a loss. This one hurt. I won't be getting over this one for awhile.

I feel like that Super Bowl spot was our's, and the Giants just stole it. If Kyle Williams doesn't bounce that punt off his knee, Giants never have a shot at taking the lead, and that's us going to the Super Bowl.

I feel like if we play that game 10 times, the 49ers win it 9 times out of 10, the one time being tonight.

Ugh, I'm so heartbroken over it.

I hope the Pats curbstomp the Giants. I can't stand the NFC East, and the Giants are no exception.

As far as my top QB's all-time...

Well it's hard for me to rate. I wasn't even alive in the Otto Graham days, or the Unitas days, or hell, even the Terry Bradshaw days. I do believe the game is completely different now than then, which makes the accomplishments hard to compare.

That disclaimer aside, this is how I'd rate:

01. Peyton Manning
02. Joe Montana
03. Tom Brady
04. Dan Marino
05. John Elway

I'll be happy to go more in depth on my reasoning why if someone is interested. But if not, I'll just leave it at that.

Now, back to the fetal position I go...

Lifelong Giants fan here.

It was a really good matchup. Great defensive battle, but I have to disagree that if played 10 times, it would not be so tilted for anyone. You guys definitely have he better run defense, but Eli is clearly a better quarterback, but you also have Davis who is a freak, but we have a D front line that even your big O line had trouble with today. This game was bound to come down to something crazy or one big play...and it turned out to be on special teams.

The Niners will get even better as a team, though. If Smith can be consistent, look to be a shoe-in to make it far again next year. And if you guys get Peyton...look out.

 

[Wheels]

I would love to see Manning in San Fran

 

[KalMart]

I would love to see Manning in San Fran

With that team...with that defense, and Davis, and a big front line...imagine what Peyton would be like there?

 

[Raiden]

I'm quite stunned that Niners didn't win the game, and imo they gave the game away as much as Giants won it, but kudos to New York for seizing the opportunity to get the victory in overtime.

So it's going to be Pats vs Giants part II, and although I'm not a Giants fan, I hope the results this time will be same as the first time. I just don't want to see the Pats win again under Belichick, because I really hate the team. They deserve some respect as a winning organization, but I don't want The Hoodie to get his 4th ring.

 

[Donut]

Is there going to be a Hype Superbowl Pick'Em ? A thread with a poll should do it

 

[KalMart]

Even aside from being a Giants fan...I'm so glad that this sport can be so wonderfully bananas like this. This, of all seasons...with record-setting offenses and the 'year of the quarterback', with PHI being hyped as world-beaters and Giants not even being expected to make the playoffs before the season even started. A 15-1 reigning Superbowl champ looking destined to repeat, but going one-and-done. A Hesiman-winner who's not supposed to make it as a QB...making it as the QB of Denver and the darling story of the season. The absolute disintegration of the Colts without Peyton. A seemingly ridiculous early claim by Eli that he was an elite QB...then him proving that he is. And then it's still an all-time great in the AFC, another improbable run in the NFC, all boiling down to ball security, and two low-scoring championship games that came down to a last-chance kick.

And just like that it's a rematch of what may be the most fascinating Superbowl of all time just four years ago. It's not TV....it's football. That's why this sport kicks so much ass...because you can't make this stuff up.

 

[Nell2ThaIzzay]

Lifelong Giants fan here.

It was a really good matchup. Great defensive battle, but I have to disagree that if played 10 times, it would not be so tilted for anyone. You guys definitely have he better run defense, but Eli is clearly a better quarterback, but you also have Davis who is a freak, but we have a D front line that even your big O line had trouble with today. This game was bound to come down to something crazy or one big play...and it turned out to be on special teams.

The Niners will get even better as a team, though. If Smith can be consistent, look to be a shoe-in to make it far again next year. And if you guys get Peyton...look out.

I'm gonna be honest - if we got Peyton, having success with Peyton wouldn't feel as sweet as having success with Alex.

I wanted it this year for so many reasons, one of the main ones being I've been a long time Alex Smith supporter, even through his darkest days, and always believed he had what it took to come out of the darkness and be a good, winning QB, even if he wasn't a mind blowing, elite QB.

I wanted it for guys like him, who have hit the bottom of the bottom with this team. Guys like Vernon, who even if I thought the perception was false, had a bad rap in San Fran, going from being sent to the locker room, to an elite TE and post-season hero immortalized in San Francisco 49ers lore.

I wanted it so bad this year. Especially after the way we beat New Orleans.

Credit goes to New York - they did what they needed to do to capitalize on their opportunities. But that doesn't mean that I don't think they were -handed- the win, and didn't necessarily win it themselves.

And I can't really word it right, because I'm really not taking credit away from New York - it was their defense that kept our offense in check and shut us down. Even with all the mistakes, San Francisco had plenty of opportunities to finish the job, and New York's D closed the door.

But if Kyle Williams doesn't knock that punt off his knee, we aren't having this conversation. New York never gets set up to take a go ahead touchdown, which led to overtime, which led to the second fumble.

And I'm not blaming the refs, but I felt the whistles on that Ahmad Bradshaw fumble came out -way- too fast. That's another one of those that if we get that break - which I feel we should have gotten - we're having a totally different conversation right now.

I know it sounds like I'm taking credit away from New York. I'm not. I guess I just don't know how to word it. New York earned it - but they didn't. And I'm heartbroken.

I don't know if I can bring myself to watch the Super Bowl this year. I mean, I will, but it's gonna be painful. That should be the 49ers.

 

[KalMart]

I'm gonna be honest - if we got Peyton, having success with Peyton wouldn't feel as sweet as having success with Alex.

I wanted it this year for so many reasons, one of the main ones being I've been a long time Alex Smith supporter, even through his darkest days, and always believed he had what it took to come out of the darkness and be a good, winning QB, even if he wasn't a mind blowing, elite QB.

I wanted it for guys like him, who have hit the bottom of the bottom with this team. Guys like Vernon, who even if I thought the perception was false, had a bad rap in San Fran, going from being sent to the locker room, to an elite TE and post-season hero immortalized in San Francisco 49ers lore.

I wanted it so bad this year. Especially after the way we beat New Orleans.

Credit goes to New York - they did what they needed to do to capitalize on their opportunities. But that doesn't mean that I don't think they were -handed- the win, and didn't necessarily win it themselves.

And I can't really word it right, because I'm really not taking credit away from New York - it was their defense that kept our offense in check and shut us down. Even with all the mistakes, San Francisco had plenty of opportunities to finish the job, and New York's D closed the door.

But if Kyle Williams doesn't knock that punt off his knee, we aren't having this conversation. New York never gets set up to take a go ahead touchdown, which led to overtime, which led to the second fumble.

And I'm not blaming the refs, but I felt the whistles on that Ahmad Bradshaw fumble came out -way- too fast. That's another one of those that if we get that break - which I feel we should have gotten - we're having a totally different conversation right now.

I know it sounds like I'm taking credit away from New York. I'm not. I guess I just don't know how to word it. New York earned it - but they didn't. And I'm heartbroken.

I don't know if I can bring myself to watch the Super Bowl this year. I mean, I will, but it's gonna be painful. That should be the 49ers.

I disagree they were 'handed' the win. They still had to earn the chances to capitalize on SF's miscues and given opportunities. The Niners didn't go 1 for 13 in third downs by handing them away...the Giants stopped them. Vernon Davis didn't hand them a fourth down on 3rd and 6th in overtime, and neither did the refs....he was tackled and kept from getting the first down by the Giants. Alex Smith didn't sack himself, and Williams didn't give them the ball....he got it knocked out and covered just like special teams practice to do when the opportunity presents itself.

So at least until the last forced fumble, the Niners had complete fair chances and control to stop any of those and change the outcome of the game before it got to that fumble...and they didn't...because they were stopped. So with all due respect, the Niners did get beat by the Giants...just like if a few things went the Niners' way leading to a win, it would have been the niners beating the Giants. Hopefully your pain will fade soon into what it should be: acceptance and a stepping stone towards what should be an excellent next season for the Niners.

 

[marvelman2006]

As a ravens fan I had a full night to reflect on this loss and it still hurts honestly. We outplayed the patriots. The only glaring problem I saw last night besides the final 30 seconds was the ravens only scored 6 points off of turnovers. We have to punch those in for TD's in not just playoff games but all games in general. We have to make teams pay for turning the ball over to us. I expect all off season for them to correct this. I still say cam is fired along with cundiff. I dont buy cams play calling after one game and the rest horrible all season. Joe deserves a better system and he really has hit the cieling under cam. Cam had to call a great game to save his job but he still gets lazy in most games and just calls vanilla plays.

 

[Dangerman]

There is no way the Pats will lose the Super Bowl. Brady is playing in his home away from home stadium. It will be like the team has home field advantage.

 

[Dangerman]

On a side note if I was allowed to post the scene from The League where Kevin freaks out after his loss in season 2 I would because I am sure that is how Ravens and 49ers fans feel at the moment.

 

[Immortalfire]

Is there going to be a Hype Superbowl Pick'Em ? A thread with a poll should do it

I will make a poll, always do.

 

[roach]

and this is why the game is played. There's a certain amount of luck in these games. This is why we watch because we'll never know if what looks to be a sweep left loss for 20 yards will turn into a touchdown...or a receiver will win a Superbowl with a catch on his helmet...or a hail mary pass would help a team win...
Muffed catches and missed kicks are all a part of that.
Think about all the greatest plays in football..all of them have a air of luck to them....

That being said...GO PATS

 

[kane9321]

Touche.

And the Cindarella season is over for both Harbaugh brothers.

So, 49ers fans who said last week that Alex Smith was the next Kurt Warner I ask this question, while the body is still cold (cause I'm a prick like that): After a 12 completion game for 178 yards (and really, if you take away the 70 yard run from Davis, a 100 yard game), is Alex still your guy or if there is a better option on the market, do you take him?

alex is still "my guy" no matter what !
We need a receiver(s) point blank period. The injury to josh morgan earlier this season hurt us, it showed lastnight in so many ways

 

[Themanofbat]

Well, it's the morning after.... and the Giants are still a flukey team... GO PATRIOTS!!!

 

[kane9321]

Go hug your FIVE Lombardi trophies.

No, seriously, four super bowls is still a very commendable achievement that should hopefully tide you guys over until you get the chance to win again (which will probably be sooner than later considering how good Harbaugh is).

lemme fix that

 

[Poeman]

I saw so upset that the Jets lost to an inferior Steelers team last year, but the major miscues Ravens had last night remind me of good old Doug Brien missing 2 game winning field goals against the Steelers in 2005. Ravens fans will be burning for some time, but at least they've won a Super Bowl in this generation.

In this era, you need a ELITE QB to overcome the football gods

Alex Smith Super Bowl champion? pfft...Brady or Eli is the sexy pick...Oh no, Ochocino super bowl champion (facepalm)

 

[Matt]

alex is still "my guy" no matter what !
We need a receiver(s) point blank period. The injury to josh morgan earlier this season hurt us, it showed lastnight in so many ways

You guys are like victims of Stockholm Syndrome. The ****ty quarterback has been around for so long, you have just learned to love him.

Seriously, Alex Smith played like **** last night. And not just his stats (which were terrible). Look at his intangibles. He is a veteran quarterback (don't give me bull **** about him having different systems and coordinators, regardless of how many systems, if you've been in the league for 7 years, you're a veteran) who made rookie mistakes. A college senior knows that you throw in front of the sticks on third down (or to a receiver with a clear lane). A veteran shouldn't be holding the ball for as long as Smith did. Smith blew it for the Niners. Just one of those twelve missed conversions could have led to a whole different game.

In my opinion, the Niners are quickly on their way to becoming the Jets of the West Coast. Especially if they get complacent with their mediocre quarterback. Game planning can only protect a QB so much. Having a quarterback who you are forced to plan around will ALWAYS come back to bite you in the ass. The lack of talent at the position will always come back to bite the team.

There will be better options on the table, ranging from T.J. Yates who is young and could possibly be developed to veterans like Peyton Manning, Kyle Orton and Jason Campbell. If the Niners front office is smart, they will take one. This team is a real quarterback away from success. But as long as Alex Smith is behind center, this story will repeat itself just like it did with the Jets (and that's only if Niners fans are very very lucky). You need a guy who can convert those third downs against tough defenses (not New Orleans and their nonexistent secondary). Alex Smith showed last night, that even as a 7 year veteran, he's not that guy.

 

[Erzengel]

The play at the end of the Ravens/Patriots game when it was 3 and 1, Flacco could have just ran for the first down easily. That was the only real mistake I saw Flacco do last night. With all the criticism, he really did play well last night.

 

[Erzengel]

Question for 49er fans.

How many years do you give Smith as his contract is up?

 

[CConn]

Why in God's name does it seem like every Niners fan feels like they "deserve" another Lombardi trophy?

You people are more pompous than Batman fans.

 

[CConn]

The play at the end of the Ravens/Patriots game when it was 3 and 1, Flacco could have just ran for the first down easily. That was the only real mistake I saw Flacco do last night. With all the criticism, he really did play well last night.

I was thinking about that.

If he did that, then they'd have no time outs, and I bet they still would've kicked the FG the very next play.

But yeah, if I was Flacco, I would've ran for it anyway.