Pregame Expectation

Conference rivals meet again after epic recent battle in the postseason. On this occasion I’m not expecting a heated, everything on-the-line chess match but I am confident these two will face each other at some point during the business end of the season. Both teams basic requirement for this fixture is to break live game rust for first team personnel and afford opportunities for rookies and the undrafted against NFL opposition.

Preseason snaps are gold dust for individuals fighting to make the team. I’m hoping for a few fringe players to make their mark. The running back and offensive line groups will provide the most intrigue. Competition is fierce across the positional groups therefore players on the cusp will need to step up during the preseason games and force the managements hands.

Postgame Evaluation

Initial reflection – Trey Area. Good preseason outing from the offense, defense and special teams. Preseason games cannot be underestimated, suiting up against NFL opposition is an evaluation of camp work and the like. Samuel Womack was the star of the show on defense and Ray-Ray McCloud on the offense. I believe the o-line will grow into a position of strength and the backup quarterbacks can play. It is early but stars are born in Womack and Burford. Ray-Ray needs the ball and I hope 49ers can keep hold of Kris Kocurek, the d-line coach is a magician.

Pregame Expectation

The 49ers travelled to Minnesota, week 2 preseason opponents and for joint practice sessions. Over the course of the sessions, 49ers defensive line stole the show and the depleted and inexperienced secondary obtained critical experience facing the elite skills of Justin Jefferson. Dalvin Cook provided an early season test for the 49ers acclaimed front seven. Trey Lance was confident and efficient, Nick Bosa is not human, Fred Warner is a unicorn and we glimpsed Javon Kinlaw’s immense potential. As expected the offensive line continues to be a work in progress.

The Vikings facility is truly world-class and a moment of class personified from Minnesota to invite players and coaches from Marshall High School Football Team on day two to support Trey Lance. The Vikings provided transport for the team’s 150 mile trip to the Vikings facility and arranged a nearby school for Marshall High School to practise. On gameday, I’m expecting risk aversion with first team personnel and major emphasis on providing opportunities for rookies, specifically undrafted players.

Postgame Evaluation

Starting personnel were rested due to upcoming schedule and recently concluded joint practice sessions thus affording a huge opportunity for rookies, backup and fringe players. Javon Kinlaw’s health and happiness is translating to the field. The d-line is stacked and Kinlaw is a multiplier, whom will the opposition double now? The calculation is pick your poison. We finally have a long-term sparring partner for Bosa. Drake Jackson, the NFL is on alert and Kemoko Turay is primed for a breakout season. Tayler Hawkins and George Odum are ascending in next man up mentality.

Spencer Burford continues to gain valuable experience and continues to shine. Jason Poe can play multiple positions and do justice to them all. I’d love to see Jason with fullback packages, enforcer comes to mind. Imagine both Kyle Juszczyk and Jason Poe lined up in the backfield coupled with Trey Lance and a running back. You like that? The running back group is fascinating. Jordan Mason is forcing the coaching teams hand and people are sleeping on Trey Sermon. Roster cuts will be nightmarish for the 49ers and a treasure trove for other NFL teams.

Pregame Expectation

Risk averse with first team personnel. Last gasp opportunity for rookies and undrafted players to showcase skills for current establishment and or future employers. Preseason provides the ultimate platform to obtain valuable game-tape for players on the cusp.

Postgame Evaluation

The scoreboard will show absolute zip for the 49ers but thankfully preseason results are not fundamental to the impending season. Play-calls and concepts for offense, defense and special teams are simplified by design. Health is king and gaining reps is gold for individuals fighting for roster selection and would-be employment across the league.

Going forward the lack of scoreboard performance against Houston is valuable game time experience and a reference point for on-field training and film study. Offseason programs and preseason is a process and not invitation for incredulous evaluation, over reactions, over analysis and over thinking. Trust the process and trust the procedure. 

Pregame Expectation

The NFL offseason is now in the rear-view with final cut down 53-man squads and practise teams all set. A unique matchup in week one between potential pick number three and the actual pick number three. This will add to the tension and drama on gameday. George Kittle’s questionable status will be worth monitoring right up to kick-off. George is instrumental to the 49ers and the locker room leader’s potential absence will impact the Niners in many shapes and forms. Untold number of on-field adjustments will be in play if George is unavailable.

49ers will have to be mindful not to underestimate the perceived underdog status of the opponent, the unknown quantity of Chicago Bears provides a fear factor and a motivator for both sides. Trey Lance will be making his first appearance as starting quarterback alongside ascending rookies; Spencer Burford (guard), Samuel Womack III (nickel back) and defensive end Drake Jackson whom are expected to contribute from the get-go.

Postgame Evaluation

The rain was incredulous on gameday and by kick-off the global viewing public and fans inside the stadium were hoping and wishing for an injury free contest. Apart from a few errant plays and miscues which left points on the table, the 49ers were in control going into halftime. During the second half the heavens opened up and engulfed the stadium with torrential rain which naturally led to an abundance of penalties, missed assignments on both sides of the ball which afforded Chicago to post points and grind out the victory.

One of the most disappointing games I have witnessed. 12 penalties and a redzone fumble, make no mistake the 49ers were extremely poor with regards to communication, play execution, and ill-discipline. The heaven’s letting rip with enough rain to wipe out hellfire and the injury to Elijah Mitchell curtailed the offense and defense. Torrential rain makes the simple tasks difficult and the difficult tasks impossible. The heavy wet ball is a slippery soap to catch and throw. Setting your feet, shifting weight and accelerating can be incredibly cumbersome and energy zapping.

Shockingly Chicago’s points were constructed during the driest periods of play with a helping hand from ill-disciplined drive extending penalties by the 49ers. A couple of the penalty calls against the Niners were incredibly harsh, one each on offense and defense. The truly pathetic interference call on offense completely nullified a promising drive. Thankfully it is only week one, the season has a long way to go. Next man up as Elijah Mitchell’s is expected to miss the next 2 months. Going forward every aspect of the 49ers has to improve.

The NFL officiating world is dead against making calls in favour of Nick Bosa, the game tape does not lie. Nick could earn a potential living off the abundance and ever-growing number of missed calls from the moment he set foot in the National Football League. This is not a wild statement from a 49ers fan, study the tape and make your own judgement. It’s getting beyond ridiculous. The 49ers brass may have to call a commissioner.

Pregame Expectation

A heatwave of journalistic pollution is on afire with never-ending downpour of language defilement by spiteful, one-dimensional, self-righteous analysts who live and love to play with fire. A sold-out crowd at Levis Stadium will be firing on all cylinders to silence the naysayers and opposition alike. Playing with fire can be a platform of no return, a gulag of scorching and blazing will end with a biblical flood of analysists and the like. The 49ers are red hot favourites to kickstart the season with near healthy squad and glaciers of extra motivation to extinguish the +22 opponents on the field.

Postgame Evaluation

Harrowing injury will not halt journalistic pollution, the defilement lives on. A painful victory is a victory however the injury to Trey Lance is truly heart-breaking and a win or loss is insignificant in comparison. A humbling and long overdue loss for the Seahawks. The final scoreboard will not reflect the fact a once fearsome rival is in the midst of a transitional cycle. Legendary players aplenty have retired or moved on and yet Seattle appears to be stuck in the past. A change of guard and or philosophy might be on the cards?

The headlines will mastermind Jimmy Garoppolo for performing well as emergency stand-in. The game-tape will stipulate 49ers defense carried the team post injury in the first quarter. The impact of the injury proceeded with a subdued atmosphere on the field and around the stadium. The tension could be felt thousands of miles this side of the pond and around the globe. The on-field reaction from the team and coaching staff must be commended. The show must go on and thankfully the 49ers are in good hands with Jimmy Garoppolo.

A season of hope, on-field experience and opportunity derailed at the second hurdle. Not all is lost, much can be gained off the field by studying leaguewide trends, schemes and partaking in team plans and the like. In Trey Lance we trust. Live long and Trey Lance, Amen.

Pregame Expectation

An intriguing battle between .500 teams and no sign of misbehaving weather just high altitude. The odds are close on paper with Denver as slight home favourites however 49ers must use the momentum from last week’s win to string together a few victories to gain a foothold in the brutal NFC West. Denver appears to be finding themselves on offense, defense and special teams. An unknown quantity is a very dangerous entity mixed with chief nemesis Russell Wilson. 49ers will have to play a clean, consistent and complete game at Mile High Stadium to achieve a much-needed win.

Jimmy Garoppolo will be under pressure to deliver on last week’s impromptu appearance. Jimmy is also under self-pressure to cement his future in the NFL, a future as a league starter or backup will be played out across the season ahead. George Kittle’s availability will significantly boost the 49ers on account of Kittle’s unique physical ability to supercharge the offense and in turn mentally fire up the side-line. George Kittle is a problem, a mile high and a mile wide problem.

Postgame Evaluation

I can proclaim with safety to witnessing one of the most disappointing and infuriating regular season contests. The 49ers offense was mind-numbingly deficient bordering on amateur hour. Execution is king and with the nature of the game, everything starts and ends with the quarterback. Jimmy Garoppolo has to play better and must play better to safeguard his NFL future. The journalistic fallout and list of excuses are mile high and mile deep however Jimmy Garoppolo is an established veteran with 7 years of experience within the 49ers system and an abundance of games with the current personnel.

The undeniable game-tape will show the quarterback play was truly horrific. Lack of rhythm, reps and training camp is no excuse for basic mental lapses on the field. Throwing the ball away is not a negative play or lack of execution. Forcing the ball to pre-snap targets at the expense of post-snap identification of mile-wide open receivers is a rookie’s rite of passage. Non-existing scrambling, lack of pocket awareness and the pick-six-safety will be Denver folklore.

The defense was truly amazing minus the influential and hugely underrated Arik Armstead. The watching world could have witnessed a masterful performance if not for the amateurish offense who completely wasted the hustle and bustle. Denver’s defense has to be commended for playing its part nullifying Jimmy Garoppolo and the 49ers offense. The ascending play from the defensive-backs and acquisition of Charvarius Ward has shored up past weaknesses and could propel this 49ers defense to potential all-time territory. Thankfully the season is long and going forward the 49ers can only hope the offense steps up and plays an indisputable part.

Pregame Expectation

The NFL season is a marathon and even with ample playtime at hand, week four already seems pivotal for both the 49ers and Jimmy Garoppolo. A heated divisional rival at home will provide a stern test for the Niners seasonal aspirations. Emphasis will be on the next man up with Injuries along the defensive line and to all-world Trent Williams. You cannot contemplate, replace or replicate a unicorn like Trent Williams. You simply have to make do especially with an inexperienced o-line at the helm. It is imperative the 49ers offense awakens from self-imposed hibernation and going forward, George Kittle is just the man to ignite the offense and the season.

The patchwork o-line may need Jimmy Garoppolo to master the art of subtly scrambling from the pocket. The threat alone will alleviate incoming pressure. Jimmy Garoppolo will need to compute with pocket awareness on full alert whilst managing the inexperienced o-line and the stumbling offense. The 49ers inadvertently may have to lean on the defense, offense and special team’s unit to conduct a clean penalty free contest and refrain from removal of helmets in the vicinity of the reigning champion of helmets.

Postgame Evaluation

The pressure was overwhelmingly on 49ers to re-kickstart the season. The stakes were high due to the fact a win would propel San Francisco to top the NFC West with a 2-0 divisional record. The Niners defense is stupendous just ask Matthew Stafford and who knows how many by season end? Jimmy Garoppolo had some wonderous throws along with the scratch your head moments. Thankfully pocket awareness was serviceable and Jimmy managed the game well enough for the defense and yards after catch to cook. Talanoa Hufanga is on the crest of superstardom. Non-stop motor with vet like awareness, anticipation and a nose for the ball. What else can you say besides the ceiling having a roof?

The patchwork o-line was magnificent with rookies and vets excelling just ask chief helmet on the Rams defensive line. Deebo Samuell loves the Rams like the earth loves the moon. Jeff Wilson efficiently moved the chains inside-out and flashed his speed on the touchdown run. The next man-up mentality of this team is truly unique. George Kittle was effectively silver back Trent Williams for the day. George has the ability to play on the offense and defense, imagine Kittle lining up next to Nick Bosa! 

Pregame Expectation

49ers will have to be focused and prepared for a potential trap game at Panthers. The Niners have already tasted Any Given Sunday and therefore must respect the opposition. A wounded opponent with a lacklustre offense is a dangerous opponent. Thanks to the magical Kris Kocurek, a few manoeuvrings along the defensive line should not dilute the monstrous impact of the front seven even with key cogs Arik Armstead and Javon Kinlaw missing. Jimmie ward will be back in rotation to boost the already booming secondary. Jimmy Garoppolo needs to simply manage the game and get the ball in the hands of the playmakers. Nothing more and nothing less.

Postgame Evaluation

Resounding victory at the cost of costly injuries to Emmanuel Moseley, Jimmie Ward, Nick Bosa and Samson Ebukam. Artificial turf strikes again, must be personal between team champion grass advocates and Artificial turf! The NFL will have to address the growing turf fury across the league. An enquiry or two will yield overwhelming support and advocacy for grass. Jimmy Garoppolo with Jimmy Garoppolo moments aplenty nevertheless Jimmy managed to manage the game to allow the 49ers defense to wreak havoc without Nick Bosa for the entirety of the second half.

The running game is gaining momentum thanks to outstanding play-call execution from the offense. The o-line is creating wide open holes and team-wide blocking is creating daylight lanes for the running back committee. Tevin Coleman turned back the clock with a cameo of burst, vision and power previously witnessed in Atlanta. Tevin Coleman could be the ace in the pack, a do it all catch happy run machine in conjunction with Jeff Wilson and Elijah Mitchell.

Pregame Expectation

The offense may need to step-up and deliver to ease the pressure on a defense littered with a litany of injuries. The strength and value of the next man-up mentality in San Francisco will hopefully account for a plethora of missing individuals. It would be remiss to expect the 49ers ravenous defense to cause the same elite havoc against a universally underrated opponent. Nick Bosa is not expected to be risked and Dontae Johnson could be on rotation with the defensive back group to fill in for the stricken Emmanuel Moseley. Jimmy Garoppolo simply needs to continue with finding his playmakers. Tevin Coleman will be geed-up to face his old team on the back of his impressive renaissance against Carolina Panthers.

Postgame Evaluation

Poor execution. Drops. Penalties. Injuries. The tales of the turf. The artificial surface really has it in for the Niners who may have to legitimately look at thorough off-season and in-season acclimation. Jimmy Gorropola and the offense attempted but ultimately struggled to step-up and take the heat off the downright decimated defense but alas a stacked box combined with poor execution on the field drastically curtailed the chances of climbing the mountain.

The 49ers unique run game scheme which feeds the pass game like an umbilical cord was negated from the get-go with the lone fumble completely dismantling both Jeff Wilson and the run game. I’d have liked the powers that be to persist with both Wison and running the ball. Who knows Jeff Wilson and company could have come out shining like the artificial surface? The run game is better with Wilson not without and it is inevitable anyone can and will fumble. How you react to adversity is key over the fact in today’s NFL, hunting for a fumble is truly an art form.

We can over analyse, pick holes and point fingers all-day. I firmly believe Any Given Sunday has struck again and you can only do so much on the fly. The in-game adjustments did keep the Niners in the game for long stretches and on another day with a bit of luck they could have flipped the script and the result. Hopefully bad luck with injuries will be an afterthought and going forward It will be fascinating to see how the team reacts. The offense, please stand up!

Pregame Expectation

Pure and simple, the makers have to stand-up, up-the-ante and play. The 49ers offense already under intense scrutiny and pressure has to wake-up, turn-up and act-up. The depleted defense alone can only slowdown Patrick Mahomes however the offense can keep him idle on the side-line. All-world Trent Williams could be back to reignite the offense, Nick Bosa is trending in the right direction of availability and Charvarius Ward is hoping to be healthy enough to keep one side of the field off limits for Mahomes and company.

Any Given Thursday addition of Christian McCaffrey will inevitably spark the offense into life with the one, two three punch of McCaffrey, Mitchel and Wilson. Going forward Jimmy Garoppolo can focus soley on managing the game instead of attempting to adopt a playmaking role. The NFL is on alert with the new three-pronged attack paired with the all-world Trent Williams and the Shanahan scheme.

Postgame Evaluation

The unforgivable throw that killed the 49ers. If no one is open, please throw the ball away. Taking a sack would have been a better play. Much has been analysed and debated across the globe. The media and fandom observations are overtly good, bad and the ugly. The undeniable fact San Francisco’s offense, defense and special teams were truly putrid. Up until the red zone interception the 49ers were competing however as soon as Jimmy Garoppolo threw the interception the game was over as a contest. The 49ers had no answer for the Patrick Mahomes offense and the Patrick Mahomes defense sitting idle on the side-line. Under differing circumstances, Christian McCaffrey’s body of work on the day would put the NFL on notice and appease the fandom however Jimmy Garoppolo and company have left a ghastly taste in the air.

The coaching team has come under a blaze of fire including crazy talk about firing Kyle Shanahan. The loss is on everyone much like a win is a teamwide effort. The 49er’s coaching tree was plucked again in the offseason, the numbers involved could be posited as a rapture. A total of 9 staff members were lost or moved on therefore players and new staff need to build chemistry which can take time but simply put the players are on the field not the coaching personnel. Execution takes place on the field of play and not on the side-line. If no one is open and scrambling is not possible Jimmy Garoppolo cannot and must not hurt the team by holding on and not throwing the ball away or forcing the ball to the opposition.

Pregame Expectation

Adversity can dismantle or fuel you and the 49ers are under intense pressure to reverse the bad form and appease a gargantuanly vocal fandom. Hopefully the San Francisco 49ers offense will stand-up. A familiar foe and a stadium worth of traveling fans are ample fuel to clean sweep the Rams and move onto the bye week. Christian McCaffrey on the back of a full week of acclimation will start at full capacity however Deebo Samuel is out with a hamstring injury. The gameplan will have to be adjusted to account for the marquee player therefore I’m expecting a heavy dose of running backs in traditional form and out wide in the slot.

Jeff Wilson and Ross Dwelly are possible options at fullback for the injured Rubik’s Cube Kyle Juszczyk. Oren Burks will have a tremendous task to solely replicate Dre Greenlaw’s ravenous hustle and bustle in the middle of the field. Rotation along the defensive line will persist without Arik Armstead and Javon Kinlaw whose absence continues to be felt across the front seven and both lines of scrimmage.

Postgame Evaluation

San Francisco 49ers achieved a seasonal sweep and cleaned house at Levi’s Stadium South. The comradery in the stands was deafening and the savagery on turf was akin to killing fields of rams. Jimmy Garoppolo managed the offense superbly with outstanding throws, pocket awareness and decision making. Christian McCaffrey on his second start with the Niners was the alpha Ram killer with a hattrick of touchdowns including passing, rushing and receiving. Seriously did journalists and fandom alike have nonsensical issues with the outlay of draft capital for the CMC trade? Please watch the game tape. Brandon Aiyuk continued with his repertoire of precise route running coupled with separation and yac yards.

Pregame Expectation

The injury curse continues for the 49ers and for Jason Verrett who tore his Achilles with a non-contact injury. Jason who was expected to feature heavily against his former team has to be one of the unluckiest footballers of all time. The sheer will, tenacity and hard work to return from a multitude of devastating injuries is testament to the athlete, beloved teammate and the man. A Greatest of all time talent riddled with injury, bad luck and frankly damnation. The niners fresh of the bye week welcome a faltering LA Charges side with numerous injuries and sketchy form to Levi’s Stadium. San Francisco have designated a plethora of starters to return from injury and injured reserve. The Niners are almost at full strength with the exception of Ark Armstead and Trey Lance.

Postgame Evaluation

Justin Herbert began the contest in spoiler mood, threating to run and throw at will with a patchwork and at times revolving door offensive-line. The 49ers trailed at halftime however 12 minutes break helped regain the momentum. The run game and defense stood up to sit down on the LA Chargers. The NFL is on notice and better be prepared to account for the Elijah Mitchell and Christian McCaffrey show. Thankfully Jimmy Garoppolo managed to manage the good, bad and ugly well enough for the Niners defense to stifle Justin Herbert and company. Dre Greenlaw was back disrupting and dissecting the opposition until he was untimely ejected by New York in the first half for a vicious hit on LA’s quarterback who was running at the time. Unfortunately for Dre lowering his shoulder resulted in a vicious head-to-head collision thanks to the sudden unpredictable shift in quarterback’s positioning just before impact. 

Pregame Expectation

The Estadio Azteca will be a sea of red and gold with just under 100% representation. San Francisco on paper are clear and present favourites however gameday in Mexico City is prime Any Given Sunday material because whoever acclimates and adjusts to the Estadio Azteca’s altitude, which is remarkably 2,200 meters (7,200 feet) above sea level will have the upper hand on the field. Sky High in comparison to Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. Thankfully the 49ers are healthy again with Arik Armstead the only absentee, who could be back in the line-up next week. The Niners could lean on Elijah Mitchell and Christian McCaffrey to continue leading the line to take the pressure off and close the door firmly on Jimmy Garoppolo the playmaker. DeMeco Ryans and his battle-ready defense will need to keep the door wide open for Jimmy Garoppolo the game manager.

Postgame Evaluation

Altitude is attitude and long live Jimmy Garoppolo the game manager. It seems training at altitude is fundamental to the attitude on the field. The 49ers trained at Colorado Springs providing an elevation of more than 6,000 feet to prepare for Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Arizona Cardinals elected to acclimate at base for over a two-week period with bespoke inhouse methodology. The game tape and scoreboard will justly highlight who was slow, cumbersome and missing in action for the entirety of the contest.

Game Manager at the quarterback position is miss-sold, misunderstood and misappropriated. Managing the game at the most pivotal position on the field in conjunction with a unique set of yac playmakers is no easy task. Do your job is simple on paper however on-field performance can and will be negated or elevated by gameplans, play execution, adverse weather and Any Given Sunday umpiring. In-game adjustments are not overrated and can make all the difference. The Niners all-world defense has shutout the opposition in the second half for the third game in a row.

Pregame Expectation

A full Levi’s Stadium will be on-hand willing the 49ers to continue climbing the mountain of momentum to solidify the NFC West and secure postseason aspirations. The Niners are near full strength with Samson Ebukam expected to contribute immediately and Arik Armstead is anticipated to return next week. Javon Kinlaw’s conditioning continues, and Trey Lance is making great strides with recovery. The Saints with recent yo-yo form are expected to continue with Andy Dalton at quarterback. Alvin Kamara will need slowing down with sound hustle and bustle from the perimeter to the side-line and Chris Olave will have to be kept in check across the board. The Niners faithful, in Jimmy Garoppolo we must trust. #FTTB.

Postgame Evaluation

Thankfully the 49ers defense stepped up and upped the ante to compensate for a stuttering offense who failed consistently to offense a dogged and underrated Saints defense. Tyrann Mathieu assisted the solitary Niners touchdown by jumping early for an underthrown ball resulting in a tipped assist to Jauan Jennings at the cost of a routine interception. The entire offense appeared to be suffering from post-schedule merry-go-round of Mexico for the entirety of the contest akin to the Cardinal’s offense at Estadio Azteca in Week 10. Jordan Mason looked primed and ready to step in for the stricken Elijah Mitchell who could be out for an extended period. If health, form and strength in numbers prevails, the 49ers all-world defense seems primed to carry the team into the witching hour of the regular season and beyond.

Pregame Expectation

San Francisco 49ers welcome Miami Dolphins plus friends to Levi’s Stadium. In some friendly circles the Dolphins are referred to as Miami 49ers thanks to a number of former 49ers on the payroll from head coach, coaching staff and player personnel. Mike Mcdaniels and company will feel right at home away from home. The media and fandom headlines are high on high-powered offense versus high-powered defense however the contest may simply come down to a grudge battle in the trenches. Who can stop the run and whom can manage to run effectively to open up passing lanes and opportunities. Arik Armstead will be on-hand to bolster an already boisterous defensive line and Jordan Mason will step in to replace Elijah Mitchell who is likely to miss a minimum of 4 games. Miami Dolphin’s Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson will be buzzing to roadrunner old friends who will need to be up for the challenge.

Postgame Evaluation

Cometh the hour, cometh the Relevant. Excruciating injury curse continues for San Francisco and Jimmy Garoppolo who broke his foot under a heavy challenge evading a would be sack. The Dolphins rocket powered offense was denied by 49ers third string quarterback and all-world defense. The game opening play from scrimmage touchdown for Miami was the inevitable spark to ignite the Niners defense whom never took the foot off the gas peddle in vengeance. Brock Purdy was called up early in the contest and managed to lead the offense enough for Nick Bosa and company to take over the game. Thankfully for the 49ers, Brock Purdy’s sample of work demonstrated, pocket awareness, poise, courage and the tenacity to carry the offense for the foreseeable future. In Brock Purdy we must trust.

Pregame Expectation

The GOAT returns to face his childhood team. Tom Brady will be up for the challenge to test his mastery against a masterful defense. The 49ers will have to rally around newly installed rookie quarterback across all three phases of the game. The key for the Niners is to control the clock by running the football inside out and taking advantage of the short passing game to accumulate yac yards. Time of possession will keep the master and his cohorts on the side-lines. Arik Armstead and the defensive line will have to disrupt and dismantle the trenches with Fred Warner and the line-backers evaporating the middle of the field. Jimmie Ward and the secondary will have to be on full alert with number 12’s repertoire of mental manipulation. Teamwide snap rotation will feasibly be at play thanks to an impending short game week.

Postgame Evaluation

The greatest of all time and his band of cohorts had no answers on the day for the Niners ferocious defense who almost forced a shutout but for a would-be interception fortuitously bouncing into Russell Gage’s hands in the endzone. The Niners masterfully dominated the proceedings from start to finish. Tampa could not stop Brock Purdy constructing an outstanding game with pocket awareness, poise and the tenacity to throw on the run. (More Coming Soon).

Pregame Expectation

The 49ers travel to the home of the 12’s safe with the knowledge a victory will clinch the NFC West along with a seasonal sweep over a heated divisional rival. Brock Purdy who remains questionable post bang-up job against Tampa is anticipated to start for the second game in a row thanks to his rip-roaring start to life as a San Francisco 49ers quarterback. Deebo will be missing in action and additional rotation along the interior defensive line is expected with injuries to Kevin Givens and Hassan Ridgeway. The Seahawks will be determined to dethrone the heavily favoured guests for the day and to play catch-up in the NFC West. Niners please run the ball and please feed Jordan Mason. #Sempre Niners!

Postgame Evaluation

San Francisco finally vanquished the Seattle hoodoo by orchestrating a regular season clean sweep of the Seahawks. The Niners also officially clinched the NFC West along with postseason football. (More Coming Soon).

Pregame Expectation

A battle of the trenches is anticipated with top ten defenses at the helm. Reinforcement for the interior line with Javon Kinlaw slated for a pitch count on his return from injured reserve. Charvarius Ward will be available after passing concussion protocol and Jordan Mason who could be in for a big role is questionable. The 49ers offense will need to manage the game to secure the win and boost home field playoff advantage.

Postgame Evaluation

Return of the Kinlaw and the legend of the Brock slinger. After a few early mishaps the offense managed to obtain enough points for the defense to take over the game. Brock Purdy was impressive with scrambling, evading and throwing on the run against an underrated defense. Javon Kinlaw on pitch count made the difference on every snap. Going forward the interior defensive line, linebackers and the depleted secondary will benefit sunstatially from the addition of Kinlaw. (More Coming Soon).

Pregame Expectation

49ers are heavy favourites for the trip to the faltering Raiders who recently announced the intention to proceed with inexperience at the quarterback position. A large traveling crowd is expected to represent the red and gold at Allegiant Stadium with upwards of 60% of the capacity. The Niners mustn’t take the foot of the gas pedal in order to seize every conceivable chance to claim the top two play-off seeds at play. Jordan Mason is back to compliment the run game and Javon Kinlaw will be eager to shake of the rust. The Niners defense is on a mission to aid Nick Bosa to break franchise and National Football League sack records. Raiders are win or bust with regards to the postseason.

Postgame Evaluation

Any Given Sunday alarm bells. Credit to the Raiders for fighting tooth and nail to momentarily board the postseason train and grateful for a wakeup call for the 49ers team on eight straight wins. It was time for the offense to step-up and rescue the defense. Brock Purdy made plays and missed plays but crucially managed to hold on. The experience will be invaluable going forward. Brandon Aiyuk was super clutch late in the game after an inconsistent start. To all the naysayers complaining about the steep draft compensation for Christian McCaffrey, the fact is the Niners robbed the Carolina Panthers. Nick Bosa was literally held sackless for more than 4 quarters but in the most critical moment forced the game winning turnover. The NFL umpiring committee and New York must be on point to protect Nick Bosa’s opponents. To even the odds-on paper, make it so Bosa can be held at all costs.

Pregame Expectation

San Francisco are completely one-sided favourites against a divisional opponent suffering from numerous injuries, severe lack of confidence and putrid form. 49ers on the back of 9 wins on the bounce are competing for potentially two home games in the playoffs however the final game of the regular season can guarantee heavy rotation across the team. Deebo Samuel and Elijah Mitchell are back on snap count. Jordon Mason buoyed with a first touchdown in the bag will be in line for a big day with the running back committee expected to be on snap count. Brandon Aiyuk will be counting down 44 yards to achieve a coveted first milestone of 1000 receiving yards for the season.

Postgame Evaluation

Congratulations. Tens wins in a row with adversity aplenty is a remarkable feat and a remarkable turnaround. A testament to the red and gold organisation. JJ Watt signed off with a signature performance on the field and walked off to a standing ovation from both teams and a stadium full to the brim. Brock Purdy continued with breaking rookie league and franchise records. Mr relevant is in pursuit of rubbing shoulders with icons. Brandon Aiyuk eclipsed 1000 plus receiving yards for the first time. 

Pregame Expectation

Any given Sunday is a real possibility, Seattle Seahawks are not to be underestimated. Ten wins in a row means nothing, one and done is at play for both sides. The 49ers will be at almost full strength minus Trey Lance, Emmanuel Moseley and Jimmy Garoppolo. Thankfully Niners have been preparing and training in abject conditions in preparation for gametime because wind and heavy rain is expected throughout the contest. A disciplined and mistake free game across offense, defense and special teams is the order of the day. A wet field coupled with a heavy ball and strong winds are a recipe for disaster akin to the experience in the opening regular season game against Chicago Bears.

Postgame Evaluation

A clinical San Francisco swept past Seattle for a third time this season. The Seahawks briefly provided a contest by taking the lead in the first half coupled with bright sunshine at Levi’s Stadium. The Niners run game is out of this world, the three headed monster is proving unstoppable for the opposition. The acquisition of Christian McCaffrey has propelled the offense to a wholly new stratosphere. Seattle can be credited for providing adversity for Brock Purdy who experienced a few rookie moments with missed throws and reads. Thankfully Brock continues to grow, adapt and break rookie records. The most relevant, irrelevant.

Pregame Expectation

The divisional rematch of historical past and present, a first at Levi’s Stadium. In shocking news, pockets of Cowboy’s fandom are not wishing and praying for victory but rather an injury or two for Niners personnel even before the teams hit the field. On paper we have no favourites in one and done contests, however if the 49ers execute the Niners way they’ll be odds on to proceed to the next round. On the field anything can and probably will materialise, this could be an offensive slugfest of the highest order or a definitive defensive masterclass. Thankfully the red and gold are uniquely equipped, and battle worn for both facets. The make or break could be on special teams and the battle of the hidden yardage. Sempre Faithfull.

Postgame Evaluation

Monumental defensive masterclass from San Francisco. The entirety of the contest was a back-and-forth chess match between offense and defense for both sides. Did anyone expect anything less? On multiple occasions the KaVontae Turpin threatened to ignite on special teams with Robbie Gould saving a kick return touchdown with a last-ditch takedown. Luckily for the most part, the Niners counterparts were up to task with sure-fire hustling and tackling. Cowboys may have missed a trick on offense by not further utilising KaVontae Turpin post injury to Tony Pollard. The latter is electric with ball in hand. A running back is a quarterback’s best friend. Christian McCaffrey was clutch on the field with sublime receptions in heavy traffic on pivotal third downs.

Pregame Expectation

The media experts along with fandom namesakes have spoken. I love the preconceived notion the 49ers are legitimate underdogs. One and done football is pressure personified and home field advantage can inadvertently increase the pressure. I believe San Francisco also love and thrive on the underdog state of mind. Thankfully off-the-field noise will cease for 60 odd minutes before it erupts again post-match. On paper we have the makings for a close game with high octane offense and die-hard defense on both sides. The difference maker on the day could be on the side-lines with the coaching personnel.

Postgame Evaluation

The football gods have caught up with the 49ers. Kyle Shanahan can’t be expected to compete with the gods and league officiating. An offense cannot opperate without a functionable quarterback, and a defense cannot defend with a multitude of yard crunching, drive increasing penalties. Please hold the breaks on media and fandom experts reflecting on a wonderful performance by the Eagles. Philadelphia managed to manage the victory, but this was a not a contest on any level, far from it. The Eagles defense can huff, puff or scheme all it wants on the back of zero scoreboard pressure and threat from the opposing offense.

Evaluation

Twenty twenty two season provided plentiful growth mixed with ample adversity (injury curse) and major success on the field. NFC West Champions coupled with twelve consecutive wins mustn’t be underestimated in the Any Given Sunday, National Football League. The trifecta at quarterback; San Francisco started the season with injury at the most pivotal position, continued with a midseason quarterback injury and ended the quest for six with injuries to Mr relevant and fourth string quarterback at the NFC Championship Game. The future looks bright from player personnel, coaching staff and to the ownership. You can’t buy luck or plan for bad luck. In Trey Lance and Brock Purdy, we must trust.