ESPN Sees Special Season for the Niners (tag: Sports, Football, 49ers))
Apparently the guys over at ESPN think the San Francisco 49ers have a special season brewing.
Can't say I disagree.
The Niners have been transformed from an elegant white wine and caviar club to a traditional NFL smashmouth brand of team. Doubt it? Here are some stats that I think make my case:
- They are 5th in rushing offense, nearly dead last (30th) in pass offense
- They are 2nd in rush defense, 21st in pass defense and 12th overall (their highest defensive attainment in decades)
- On special teams, they are 5th in kicking, 4th in punting, #2 in kickoff returns, #6 in punt returns.
- Aldon Smith & Justin Smith rank #5 and #6 among sackers with 6 and 5, respectively.
This is a team that has clearly begun to emphasize in-your-face running and defense as well as special teams while leaving passing, its nom de guerre for many years, on the sideline. The West Coast Offense is no more in San Francisco. And the Niners under Jim Harbaugh seem better for that.
For me, they're not quite as much fun to watch any more but the style of play seems to fit the coach and players they have, and that's what's important because that leads to a team that is both competitive and a potential contender. Been a while since us Niners Faithful experienced that combination.
