Contraction

Recently, LBJ created a stir by stating that sports would be better off if leagues would contradict a few teams to increase the quality of the remaining teams. While he was clearly talking about the NBA, he really should have directed his comments at the NFL.

Having sat down and watch a 49er game for the first time this year, I cannot argue with anyone who wants to strip the NFC West of a playoff spot, let alone a home playoff game. In a game that could potential save their coach's job and lead to a playoff birth, here's what the first 15 or so minutes produced:

Really? Moment 1:On the first drive of the game, the 49ers had the Rams in a 3rd and 8. Instead of trying to put some pressure a rookie QB who has struggled recently, the 49ers conceded by rushing only 3 and let the Rams complete a easy crossing route for the first down. Apparently Big Mike read the clock as if he was watching soccer and assumed the game was almost over and put in the prevent defense.

Really? Moment 2:On a reverse pass that looked like it was thrown by a 12 year old, Nate Clements, the $80 million corner who enjoys getting abused by Vincent Jackson on national television, pass interfered to give the Rams the ball at the 49ers 2. While PI isn't always a bad play, Clements actually had good coverage, not to mention the actual interpretation by safety Reggie Smith who read the play the entire way. Instead, Clements thought it was be smart to mindlessly jump into the receiver, despite Smith making a play on the ball 5 yards in front.


Really? Moment 3:On a punt by the Rams, clearly designed to just pin the 49ers inside their own 10, reserve linebacker Navarre Bowman (PSU) somehow get penalized for an illegal block in the back. How someone gets penalized for an illegal block when there is no return and the ball actually rolls back to the kicking team is a mystery, but then again, so are the 2010 49ers.

Somehow, by a fluke touchdown pass (intended for Vernon Davis but went to Michael Crabtree) and a punt return, the 49ers are currently winning (though T. Smith just throw a Eli Manning-like interception by floating one too high over the middle). I wonder if it's too early to bet on the Saints in the wild card game.