Daisy Does the 49ers: the Final Bang
St. Louis Rams quarterback Keith Null, left, is sacked for an 11-yard loss by San Francisco 49ers defensive end Justin Smith during the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, in St. Louis. The 49ers had a season-high eight sacks including 3 1/2 by Smith in their 28-6 victory over the Rams. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
by Daisy Barringer
The San Francisco 49ers won their game against the St. Louis Rams yesterday 28-6 and managed to finish their season at 8-8, their best record since 2002. Whoopee. (Yes, that’s right, I just used a phrase meant to imply disillusionment that most people choose not to use after the age of six. But since Singletary’s excuse as to why the Niners didn’t make it to the playoffs this year is the team’s “immaturity,” I’m going to go ahead and stick with that questionable word choice.) At the beginning of the season, Singletary declared, “I want winners.” Instead, he got “non-losers,” which I guess we’re supposed to believe is something to be happy about. Or at least not sad about. I know. It makes me want to drink, too.
I think it’s fair to assume that anyone reading this did not spend three hours yesterday in front of a television watching a meaningless and OHMYGOD SO BORING football game. I feel I can assume this because most of you seem like smart, motivated people. People who know better than to waste a gorgeous Sunday watching the Niners struggle to end their season at .500. People who would never give up a day of snowboarding in Tahoe in order to suffer through the most lackluster half of football ever played (The 49ers had zero points and 52 total yards in the first half… against the WORST TEAM IN THE NFL). I’m going to assume that if you did choose to watch football, you watched any other game available for viewing because, well, let’s be honest: watching the 49ers play a team who likely want to lose in order to get the first round draft pick is about as exhilarating as waking up on Sunday morning and deciding to hit up your local church service for the free donuts and God-talk.
A football fan is seen in the stands during the second quarter of an NFL football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the St. Louis Rams, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
So. Based on the fact that I’m assuming you didn’t watch the game, I should probably try to give you some sort of recap. But instead, I’ll say this: The Boy, who will watch any sport they show on TV, chose to go back to bed after the first quarter rather than suffer through the rest of the game. That’s right: he chose sleep over football. (I handled the situation by helping myself to a beer, but, as you’ve figured out by now, that’s how I solve most problems, including, but not limited to problems like waking up in the morning, going to work, and breathing.)
Since I don’t want to lull you to sleep with a mind-numbing recap of yesterday’s game, I’ll instead give you some fun facts from this season you can use to impress all of your friends. You are welcome.
- The 49ers went 5-1 in the NFC West.
- Vernon Davis got his 13th TD catch on a 73-yard reception yesterday, tying the NFL record for most touchdown receptions by a tight end in a single season.
- Vernon Davis dropped 12 passes this season.
- Crabtree dropped 9.
- Frank Gore had five 100-yard rushing games.
- The Defense went five games without allowing a touchdown (most in the NFL).
- The Niners had seven games in which an opponent scored 10 points or fewer.
- Linebacker Patrick Willis led the league in tackles (152) for the second time in three years.
- Niners went the entire season without a wide receiver having a 100-yard day.
- The 49ers have the Panthers first round draft pick, so it really sucks that the Panthers ended the season 8-8. Still, two first round draft picks might be just want the Niners need. That and a new QB, but it’s never going to happen, so just let the dream die. (We’ll see what happens with Alex Smith when he has the same offensive coordinator for two years in the row, the first time that will happen in his NFL career.)
So what does it all mean? I wish I knew. Likely, it means another season of similar ups and downs. I think the 49ers have almost everything it takes to make it to the playoffs… but none of that will matter unless Alex Smith starts playing consistent football. Maybe it’s not fair to pin it all on Smith—certainly there are other players who need to show improvement—but ultimately, he is the leader of the offense and it is up to him to get points on the board. Can we make it to the playoffs? Sure. Will we? Maybe. Will we get past the first round if we do? Probably not. Will I bitch and whine either way? Definitely.
It’s out of our hands. All I can guarantee for the 2010 49ers is another season full of inappropriate behavior in which I drink too much, curse too loudly, and cry too often… All for the slim chance of a Super Bowl Championship… and, despite the fact that I should know better, the love of the game. What can I say? Some girls watch “Grey’s Anatomy.” I watch football.
Ok fine. I watch both.
Thanks to SFist for letting me guest blog every week and thanks to all of you who suffered through my ramblings, rants and recaps. I hope to be back next year, and if I am, I hope my last post of 2011 comes in February.
Happy New Year!