(By Daisy Barringer)
Hopefully we've all recovered from the debacle that was last Sunday's loss to Minnesota because we're just two days away from facing off against the Jets in New York. Well, technically New Jersey, but I can't even make fun of that now that the SAN FRANCISCO 49ers are moving to Santa Clara. Anyway, I'll bitch about that later because today we've got one thing to concentrate on: Beating the J-E-T-S JETS! JETS! JETS!
I happen to be in New York right now (I have issues that make me think flying all over the country to games is a totally reasonable thing to do) and last night at the bar a Jets fan told me that this game wasn't going to be easy for us. That we would probably lose. And something about the Jets awesome run defense. Considering the Jets rank 28th in the NFL against the run, I would have asked him if he was high, but I literally saw him go outside to smoke a joint minutes before, so I just nodded and smiled. And then told him he was wrong.
And with that out of the way, let's break it down.
The Good
- The 49ers running game vs. the Jets run defense. After only giving Gore 12 carries last week, I hope Harbaugh now remembers we're a run-first team and is going to act accordingly. This could also be a good opportunity for Kendall Hunter, as the Jets struggle against smaller backs.
- Darrelle Revis is out with a torn ACL. I hate putting injuries under "The Good," but it would be dishonest not to point out the obvious: that not having the All-Pro cornerback in the game benefits the Niners.
- Patrick Willis (ankle sprain) is going to play.
- The 49ers did not travel back to California after their loss in Minnesota. Rather, they've been practicing in Youngstown, Ohio all week. That means what while technically this is a "10 a.m. game on the road," they're adjusted to East Coast time and should come out energetic and ready to go.
- I'm going to the game. Along with a busload of fellow 49ers fans. Apparently we literally have extra security for our section. You know where that wouldn't be necessary? Green Bay. Nonetheless, I predict there will be a lot of Niners fans out in full force at this game and we're going to be loud. Or at least I am.
The Bad
- Niners had to prepare for two quarterbacks: Sanchez and Tebow. [http://49ers.pressdemocrat.com/2012/09/inside-the-49ers/fangio-on-preparing-for-the-tebow-offense-and-more/] Tebow hasn't seen a ton of action this year, but the fact remains: he's a running threat and the Jets might use him.
- Revis is out so now's the time for the 49ers to bust out their deep passing game. Only problem? They don't really have one. Alex Smith has attempted only four passes of 20 yards or more.
- Looks like Isaac Sopoaga isn't going to play. Frankly, this isn't a huge deal since Ricky Jean Francois is a tough, physical guy. Still, always a bummer when someone's injured.
- Jets are ranked 11th in points scored, averaging 27 per game. The Niners have got to dominate Sanchez and force him to play badly, something we all know he's quite capable of doing.
The Rest of It
- Greg Roman and the rest of the offensive coaching staff have been staying up until all hours preparing for the Jets defense.
- The Niners have something to prove. Last week was a fiasco and they need to show everyone, most importantly themselves, that it was a fluke.
- The refs are back! Sure, they're going to be a little rusty since they didn't get a preseason, but nothing can be worse than the replacement refs. Nothing.
I got to NYC last night and when I opened my suitcase, I realized I literally only packed Niners' gear. And a wool sweater. (It's 70 degrees and humid.) Which leaves me to the biggest question of the weekend: Do I wear my Niners' cape and mask or my Niners' cowgirl outfit? Or do I play it safe and just wear a boring old Niners' t-shirt. What? I love football, but I'm still a girl.
Watch the 49ers face off against the Jets on Sunday at 10 a.m. PT on FOX.