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Jay Cutler and Alex Smith

D

doug shank's crossover

New member
I'm very interested to see if either Cutler or Smith plays in Monday night's Bears vs. 49's game. Both had significant concussions and with the NFL's vague concussion policy you could see one play while the other sits....with potential playoff ramifications. Truthfully, both should sit. Better safe than sorry.
 
All indications from the local media have Smith playing. Either way it should be a low scoring game. This should be a interesting game especially the way both teams played on Sunday. The only caveat to this being a runaway is if the Bears O line does not perform. The Bears will need a strong running game and not fall behind. SF's D line can put a ton of pressure on the QBs.

BTW...These are the two teams I follow closest. I'm pulling for Da Bears and hopefully zero injuries on both sides.
 
The latest news from this morning is that Jay Cutler will not practice today, and his status for Monday night's game remains uncertain.

SF quarterback Alex Smith practiced Wednesday, and is expected to practice today, and appears likely to play Monday.
 
The NFL has made great strides in addressing concussions. There is, however, still subjectivity from team doctor to team doctor relative to the "concussion protocol". I understand that each injury / player is unique, but Cutler and Smith were both knocked into oblivion last week. I watched as Smith stood pie eyed next to Harbaugh and couldn't even converse with his coach. Playing him would be irresponsible and it's frustrating as a Bear fan that "your team" does the right thing by keeping the concussed player out for safety's sake, while your opponent plays their guy. Unless.....this is a Harbaugh head fake (no pun intended) as he doesn't want the Bears to prepare for the much more athletic Kaepernick. We'll see.
 
It appears that Smith will play but needs to get NFL approval. The news out here has shown Alex Smith practicing with the first team but with zero contact.

I like Jason Campbell and believe he can perform real well at this level but it will be a hard task for him to do well in this game because one, the 49ners have one of the better Ds in the league and two, minimal prep time leading to this game. One thing I'm sure is that he'll limit TOs compared to Cutler. Cutler though can be very explosive when he's on. Forte will have to run between the hash marks to be successful.

I can guarantee the team that can establish their run will win. As long as there are minimum TOs this game will not be decided until the 4th quarter.
 
Da Coach said:
I don't find any mention of this in the SF paper, but ESPN reported it this morning as well as the Chicago Tribune-
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/8651667/alex-smith-san-francisco-49ers-concussion-ruled-sources

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-49ers-smith-out-bears-game-20121115,0,4221950.story
Click to expand...

I haven't heard anything either on the local sports newscast. I should probably check what Vegas has to say. This game then will come down to TOs and field position. The Bears kicking game is better then the 49ners so that's a huge plus.
 
SFP said:
I haven't heard anything either on the local sports newscast. I should probably check what Vegas has to say. This game then will come down to TOs and field position. The Bears kicking game is better then the 49ners so that's a huge plus.
Click to expand...

The SF Chronicle website now has the report on Smith being out-
http://blog.sfgate.com/49ers/


They also have another article about the 49er's prep for the game revolving around holding onto the ball, and avoiding the fumbles forced by Charles Tillman. This article reads like an homage to Tillman--
http://www.sfgate.com/49ers/article/49ers-prep-for-Bears-on-Monday-night-4048566.php
 
Da Coach said:
The SF Chronicle website now has the report on Smith being out-
http://blog.sfgate.com/49ers/


They also have another article about the 49er's prep for the game revolving around holding onto the ball, and avoiding the fumbles forced by Charles Tillman. This article reads like an homage to Tillman--
http://www.sfgate.com/49ers/article/49ers-prep-for-Bears-on-Monday-night-4048566.php
Click to expand...

How many of his "forced" fumbles are because of making a tackle? Usually slapping at the ball. Love it when a runner gets 5 more yards while the tacklers? are slapping. Have to admit though that slapping caused a big turnover for the Packers yesterday.
 
You are right that most coaches preach that they defensive backs should concentrate on tackling and not trying to strip the ball loose. However, Tillman is the best I have ever seen at forcing fumbles, and still doing a great job tackling. That is why he rarely recovers the fumbles he forces. But he doesn't often miss tackles.
 
Both teams tackle extremely well.

Offense - 49ners the edge

Running I give the 49ners the edge...Gore is a beast and can take hits and their backup running backs are not bad. Also their O line is just better. The question is can they find the time to get their WR open and will The Bears double up Vernon Davis.

The Bears will need to be able to throw because I suspect that they will be given the opportunity. 49ners run defense is extremely good.

If both teams as suspect will stop the run it will up to the WRs and TEs to make the difference. Overall 49ners have better offensive minded TEs and WRs are a wash between Crabtree and Marshal.

Defense - Even

To me is a wash especially since both teams are playing their 2nd string QB. I do expect a low scoring game with potentially both team's D scoring more then their O. This should be a hard hitting game much like the Ravens and Steelers game.

Special Teams - Edge Bears +
Returns can we Devon Hester and the 49ners kicking game has not been steady lately nor have they done to much on returns this year. They have covered well and will have to really concentrate on closing down the lanes and maintaining their discipline.

Coaching - Edge Bears

Love Harbaugh but something is missing from his staff this year. I've seen him out coached twice this year.

Both teams really need a win tonight after last week. The team that can maintain field position, create points other then from their O and not turn over the ball will win.

I'm picking The 49ners to win because it is a home game. 17-10 I can't see The Bears scoring enough to win unless their D completely dominates. Just remember the 49ners D is also good enough to dominate a game as well.
 
At least I will be able to get to sleep early tonight, because this Bears-49er's game is a total mismatch. Bears fans have lived through some awful quarterbacks in past years, but IMO, Jason Campbell is as bad as any I have ever seen. He is terrible. His passes aren't even in the right time zone to ever hope to complete any of them. I predicted he'd have 4 interceptions tonight if he doesn't fumble the ball away before he can throw it away. Maybe Josh McKown will get a chance. I think he is much better than Campbell.
 
Take that back about Harbaugh getting out coached. What a game plan! Da Bears need an offensive line overhaul. They will not win against the elite teams until they fix that problem. What surprised me was how well the 49ners offense moved the ball. The question going forward can The Bears rebound and string a few games going forward and are the 49ners really that good.

Justin and Aldon Smith, what a pair!
 
Frustrating to see a Bears team get pushed around and totally dominated. Out coached and out played in every area.

On the other hand, it was nice to see SF with some two-fullback sets and a power running game. So much of the NFL has turned to spread offenses and speed, I have been wondering when a power team would buck the trend and have success.
 
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