Niner Gridiron

On this day 30 years ago - Jan 24, 1982

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:19:10 +0000

The 49ers won the by defeating the Bengals 26-21. Joe Montana had 175 total yards and 2 touchdowns.That was the 5th playoff win in franchise history for the 49ers. They have won 21 playoff games since then.

Playoff wins
Points	Date	Opp	Result
NFC Wild Card Round	Dec 27, 1970	MIN	W 17-14
NFC Wild Card Round	Dec 26, 1971	WAS	W 24-20
NFC Divisional Round	Jan 03, 1982	NYG	W 38-24
NFC Championship	Jan 10, 1982	DAL	W 28-27
	Jan 24, 1982	CIN	W 26-21
NFC Divisional Round	Dec 31, 1983	DET	W 24-23
NFC Divisional Round	Dec 29, 1984	NYG	W 21-10
NFC Championship	Jan 06, 1985	CHI	W 23-0
	Jan 20, 1985	MIA	W 38-16
NFC Divisional Round	Jan 01, 1989	MIN	W 34-9
NFC Championship	Jan 08, 1989	CHI	W 28-3
	Jan 22, 1989	CIN	W 20-16
NFC Divisional Round	Jan 06, 1990	MIN	W 41-13
NFC Championship	Jan 14, 1990	LARams	W 30-3
	Jan 28, 1990	DEN	W 55-10
NFC Divisional Round	Jan 12, 1991	WAS	W 28-10
NFC Divisional Round	Jan 09, 1993	WAS	W 20-13
NFC Divisional Round	Jan 15, 1994	NYG	W 44-3
NFC Divisional Round	Jan 07, 1995	CHI	W 44-15
NFC Championship	Jan 15, 1995	DAL	W 38-28
	Jan 29, 1995	SD	W 49-26
NFC Wild Card Round	Dec 29, 1996	PHI	W 14-0
NFC Divisional Round	Jan 03, 1998	MIN	W 38-22
NFC Wild Card Round	Jan 03, 1999	GB	W 30-27
NFC Wild Card Round	Jan 05, 2003	NYG	W 39-38
NFC Divisional Round	Jan 14, 2012	NO	W 36-32

49ers Fall to Giants, 20-17 in OT, Eliminated from Playoffs

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 04:22:36 +0000

Vernon Davis had a big night receiving, but it wasn't enough to avoid a late defeat for the 49ers against the Giants, 20-17 at home. With the loss, San Francisco is eliminated from the playoffs.

Alex Smith accounted for two touchdown on 12 of 26 passing for 196 yards and no interceptions. For the Giants, Eli Manning wound up 32 for 58 with 316 yards passing, two touchdowns and no interceptions.

Frank Gore was a bright spot for the 49ers, running for 74 yards on 16 carries in addition to six receptions for 45 yards. Davis was a highlight, catching three passes for 112 yards while adding two touchdowns.

The San Francisco defense did not do a good job defending the passing attack, but was able to slow down the run, allowing 85 yards rushing and 267 passing. They manhandled Manning with six sacks.

Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz could not be contained, putting up 142 receiving yards. Running back Ahmad Bradshaw also performed well with 74 rushing yards and 52 receiving.

Giants Passing Leaders
Grade		Name	Comp	Att	Yds	TDs	Int
B+	90	E. Manning	32	58	267	2	0

49ers Passing Leaders
Grade		Name	Comp	Att	Yds	TDs	Int
B+	87	A. Smith	12	26	178	2	0

Giants Rushing Leaders
Grade		Name	P	Att	Yds	YdsA	TDs
A	96	A. Bradshaw	RB	20	74	3.7	0
D+	70	B. Jacobs	RB	5	13	2.6	0
B+	90	E. Manning	QB	1	-2	-2.0	0

49ers Rushing Leaders
Grade		Name	P	Att	Yds	YdsA	TDs
A-	92	F. Gore	RB	16	74	4.6	0
B+	87	A. Smith	QB	6	42	7.0	0
C	73	K. Hunter	RB	4	31	7.8	0

Giants Receiving Leaders
Grade		Name	P	Rec	Yds	YdsA	TDs
A+	100	V. Cruz	WR	10	142	14.2	0
C+	79	H. Nicks	WR	5	55	11.0	0
A	96	A. Bradshaw	RB	6	52	8.7	0

49ers Receiving Leaders
Grade		Name	P	Rec	Yds	YdsA	TDs
A+	100	V. Davis	TE	3	112	37.3	2
A-	92	F. Gore	RB	6	45	7.5	0
C	77	D. Walker	TE	2	36	18.0	0

Linebacker Patrick Willis Probable to Play NFC Championship Against Giants

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

San Francisco will most likely have linebacker Patrick Willis, who is listed as probable to play against the Giants at home this week despite a knee injury.

Questionable

Tight End Delanie Walker, Jaw
Safety Dashon Goldson, Ankle
Center Jonathan Goodwin, Calf
Cornerback Tarell Brown, Thigh
Wide Receiver Ted Ginn Jr., Knee

Probable

Linebacker Patrick Willis, Knee

Injured Reserve

Curtis Holcomb, Achilles Tendon
Dontavia Bogan, Knee
Defensive Tackle Will Tukuafu, Wrist
Wide Receiver Josh Morgan, Leg

Stat of the Day: Player with the most interceptions in a season

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:19:10 +0000

Since 1966, the most interceptions in a season by a 49ers player is 10 by Ronnie Lott in 1986.

Top 5 Most Def Ints
Ints	Name	Season	Record
10	Ronnie Lott	1986	10-5
9	Tony Parrish	2003	7-9
9	Dwight Hicks	1981	13-3
9	Kermit Alexander	1968	7-6
8	Walt Harris	2006	7-9

San Francisco 49ers (13-3) Face New York Giants (9-7) in NFC Championship

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:09:05 +0000

The San Francisco 49ers play host to the New York Giants with an opportunity to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl at stake. FOX will broadcast the game at 6:30 PM ET.

The Giants fell to the 49ers 27-20 in week 10. Carlos Rogers had a phenomenal performance, recording six tackles and two interceptions.

In their previous contest, the 49ers took down the Saints 36-32, a game in which Alex Smith played exceptionally well, completing 24 of 42 for 299 yards passing, four total touchdowns and no picks. Vernon Davis also had a solid game, catching seven balls for 180 yards and two touchdowns. The Giants are also coming off a win over the Packers, 37-20. Hakeem Nicks made his mark by scoring twice on top of 165 yards on seven catches. Another solid outing came from Eli Manning, who completed 21 of 33 for 330 yards, three scores and one pick.

Giants Passing Leaders
Grade		Name	Comp	Att	Yds	TDs	Int
A	93.5	E. Manning	359	589	4,933	29	16

49ers Passing Leaders
Grade		Name	Comp	Att	Yds	TDs	Int
C+	79.8	A. Smith	273	445	3,144	17	5

Giants Rushing Leaders
Grade		Name	P	Att	Yds	YdsA	TDs
B	85.2	A. Bradshaw	RB	171	659	3.9	9
C	76.6	B. Jacobs	RB	152	571	3.8	7
C-	72.0	D. Ware	RB	46	163	3.5	0

49ers Rushing Leaders
Grade		Name	P	Att	Yds	YdsA	TDs
B	83.5	F. Gore	RB	282	1,211	4.3	8
C-	71.4	K. Hunter	RB	112	473	4.2	2
C+	79.8	A. Smith	QB	52	179	3.4	2

Giants Receiving Leaders
Grade		Name	P	Rec	Yds	YdsA	TDs
A+	98.6	V. Cruz	WR	82	1,536	18.7	9
A	94.1	H. Nicks	WR	76	1,192	15.7	7
B-	81.4	J. Ballard	TE	38	604	15.9	4

49ers Receiving Leaders
Grade		Name	P	Rec	Yds	YdsA	TDs
B+	87.3	M. Crabtree	WR	72	874	12.1	4
A-	91.0	V. Davis	TE	67	792	11.8	6
C	75.3	K. Williams	WR	20	241	12.1	3

49ers Win in Shootout Over Saints, 36-32, Reach NFC Championship

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 19:30:00 +0000

Vernon Davis was a big receiving threat, sparking a win for the 49ers over the Saints, 36-32 at home. With the win, San Francisco moves on to the NFC Championship.

An outstanding game for Alex Smith was topped off with four touchdowns (3 pass, 1 rush) on 24 of 42 passing for 299 yards and one fumble. Drew Brees gave his best effort to keep the Saints competitive, going 40 of 63 with 462 yards passing, four touchdowns and two picks.

Frank Gore was a standout player for the 49ers, rushing for 89 yards on 13 attempts in addition to seven receptions for 38 yards. Davis was a top receiver, catching seven passes for 180 yards with two touchdowns.

The San Francisco defense did not do a good job defending the passing attack, but was able to slow down the run, giving up 435 yards passing and 37 rushing. They got to Brees for three sacks.

Finally, David Akers was perfect, making all three of the field goals he attempted.

Saints tight end Jimmy Graham gave a standout effort with 103 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver Marques Colston had a good game as well with 136 receiving yards and one touchdown.

Saints Passing Leaders
Grade		Name	Comp	Att	Yds	TDs	Int
A+	100	D. Brees	40	63	435	4	2

49ers Passing Leaders
Grade		Name	Comp	Att	Yds	TDs	Int
A+	100	A. Smith	24	42	264	3	0

Saints Rushing Leaders
Grade		Name	P	Att	Yds	YdsA	TDs
D+	69	C. Ivory	RB	9	23	2.6	0
-	-	P. Thomas	RB	1	6	6.0	0
A+	100	D. Brees	QB	1	5	5.0	0

49ers Rushing Leaders
Grade		Name	P	Att	Yds	YdsA	TDs
A+	100	F. Gore	RB	13	89	6.8	0
A+	100	A. Smith	QB	1	28	28.0	1
C	73	K. Hunter	RB	6	23	3.8	0

Saints Receiving Leaders
Grade		Name	P	Rec	Yds	YdsA	TDs
A+	100	M. Colston	WR	9	136	15.1	1
A	96	D. Sproles	RB	15	119	7.9	1
A+	100	J. Graham	TE	5	103	20.6	2

49ers Receiving Leaders
Grade		Name	P	Rec	Yds	YdsA	TDs
A+	100	V. Davis	TE	7	180	25.7	2
A+	100	F. Gore	RB	7	38	5.4	0
C	76	M. Crabtree	WR	4	25	6.3	1

Defensive Tackle Ray McDonald Questionable to Play NFC Divisional Round Against Saints

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

San Francisco may be without defensive tackle Ray McDonald, who is listed as questionable to play against the Saints at home this week due to a hamstring injury.

Questionable

Cornerback Chris Culliver, Knee
Tight End Delanie Walker, Jaw
Defensive Tackle Ray McDonald, Hamstring
Wide Receiver Ted Ginn Jr., Ankle
Wide Receiver Kyle Williams, Concussion

Injured Reserve

Curtis Holcomb, Achilles Tendon
Dontavia Bogan, Knee
Defensive Tackle Will Tukuafu, Wrist
Wide Receiver Josh Morgan, Leg

Stat of the Day: Record in playoff games

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:19:09 +0000

Since 1966, the 49ers have a record of 25-16 in playoff games.

San Francisco 49ers (13-3) Take On New Orleans Saints (13-3) in NFC Divisional Round

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:09:06 +0000

The San Francisco 49ers host the New Orleans Saints with a spot in the NFC Conference Championship Game up for grabs. The game starts at 4:30 PM ET on Saturday and can be seen on FOX.

The 49ers are coming off a bye week. In the last week of the regular season they earned a 34-27 victory over the Rams. Tarell Brown registered two interceptions and one tackle. Michael Crabtree also had a solid game, piling up 86 yards on eight catches and two touchdowns. In their most recent game, the Saints brought down the Lions, 45-28. Drew Brees scored three times in addition to going 33 for 43 for 466 yards and no picks. Another strong outing came from Jabari Greer, who registered seven tackles and two interceptions.

New Orleans might be able to lean on its passing game as they are ranked first in the league, averaging 344.1 yards per week.

Saints Passing Leaders
Grade		Name	Comp	Att	Yds	TDs	Int
A+	100+	D. Brees	468	657	5,476	46	14

49ers Passing Leaders
Grade		Name	Comp	Att	Yds	TDs	Int
C+	79.8	A. Smith	273	445	3,144	17	5

Saints Rushing Leaders
Grade		Name	P	Att	Yds	YdsA	TDs
B+	88.2	D. Sproles	RB	87	603	6.9	2
B-	80.0	P. Thomas	RB	110	562	5.1	5
C	74.3	M. Ingram	RB	122	474	3.9	5

49ers Rushing Leaders
Grade		Name	P	Att	Yds	YdsA	TDs
B	83.5	F. Gore	RB	282	1,211	4.3	8
C-	71.4	K. Hunter	RB	112	473	4.2	2
C+	79.8	A. Smith	QB	52	179	3.4	2

Saints Receiving Leaders
Grade		Name	P	Rec	Yds	YdsA	TDs
A+	100+	J. Graham	TE	99	1,310	13.2	11
A	95.4	M. Colston	WR	80	1,143	14.3	8
B+	88.2	D. Sproles	RB	86	710	8.3	7

49ers Receiving Leaders
Grade		Name	P	Rec	Yds	YdsA	TDs
B+	87.3	M. Crabtree	WR	72	874	12.1	4
A-	91.0	V. Davis	TE	67	792	11.8	6
C	75.3	K. Williams	WR	20	241	12.1	3

Green Bay Packers Matt Flynn Wins the StatSheet NFL Offensive Player of the Week: 01-03-2012

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Green Bay Packers quarterback Matt Flynn set a personal game high for passing yardage this season, propelling him to the StatSheet NFL Offensive Player of the Week award. Flynn threw for 480 yards, six touchdowns and one interception on 31 for 44 passing in the 45-41 victory over the Lions. For the season, he has thrown for 518 yards with a 67.3% completion percentage, six touchdowns and two interceptions.

This is the first time this season that Flynn has won the award. Quarterback Matthew Stafford of the Lions is the runner-up (36-59, 520 pass yds, 5 TD, 2 int). Honorable mention goes to quarterback Drew Brees from the Saints (28-35, 389 pass yds, 5 TD, 1 int). Tight end Vernon Davis, who finished 13th, was the highest ranking player from the 49ers (8 rec, 118 rec yds).

Last Three Winners: Aaron Rodgers (GB), Drew Brees (NO), Tony Romo (DAL)

StatSheet NFL Defensive Player of the Week: Curtis Lofton, Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta Falcons linebacker Curtis Lofton was zoned in on the ball carrier, recording a personal best for tackles in a game this season which cleared the path for his StatSheet NFL Defensive Player of the Week win. Lofton had eight solo tackles and one interception during the decisive 45-24 win over the Buccaneers. For the year, he has 147 tackles, one sack, and two interceptions.

This is the first time Lofton has earned the award this season. The runner-up is linebacker Daryl Washington of the Cardinals (11.0 tkls, 11.0 solo, 1.0 sack). Vikings defensive end Jared Allen receives honorable mention (5.0 tkls, 3.0 solo, 3.5 sacks). Finishing in ninth is linebacker NaVorro Bowman from the 49ers (9.0 tkls, 8.0 solo, 1.0 sack).

Last Three Winners: Brian Cushing (HOU), John Abraham (ATL), Terrell Suggs (BAL)

StatSheet NFL Offensive Rookie of the Week: Victor Cruz, New York Giants

New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz had a memorable game, recording a personal season high for receiving yards in a game. Cruz finished the day with 178 yards on six receptions and one touchdown in the 31-14 victory against the Cowboys. On the year, he has gained 1,536 yards receiving to go along with nine touchdowns.

Cruz has received the StatSheet NFL Offensive Rookie of the Week award four times this season. Redskins running back Evan Royster is the runner-up (113 rush yds, 52 rec yds). Honorable mention goes to Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (4 rec, 76 rec yds, 2 TD). Running back Kendall Hunter, who finished 10th, was the highest ranking player from the 49ers (16 car, 76 rush yds).

Last Three Winners: Victor Cruz (NYG), Greg Little (CLE), Julio Jones (ATL)

StatSheet NFL Defensive Rookie of the Week: Sterling Moore, New England Patriots

New England Patriots cornerback Sterling Moore capitalized on mistakes, setting a personal season high for interceptions in a game. Moore racked up two interceptions during the decisive 49-21 win over the Bills. For the year, he has seven tackles and two interceptions.

Moore wins his first StatSheet NFL Defensive Rookie of the Week award this season. The runner-up is Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston (7.0 tkls, 6.0 solo, 1.5 sacks). Cornerback Richard Sherman of the Seahawks receives honorable mention (6.0 tkls, 6.0 solo, 1.0 int).

Last Three Winners: Jonathan Nelson (CAR), Chris Harris (DEN), Chris White (BUF)

Passing Yards
Value	Name	Team
520	Matthew Stafford
480	Matt Flynn
417	Carson Palmer
389	Drew Brees
346	Eli Manning

Rushing Yards
Value	Name	Team
191	Ray Rice
172	Michael Turner
169	Maurice Jones-Drew
145	Willis McGahee
127	Chris Ivory

Receiving Yards
Value	Name	Team
244	Calvin Johnson
178	Victor Cruz
162	Jordy Nelson
149	Larry Fitzgerald
145	Marques Colston

Tackles
Value	Name	Team
15	James Anderson
14	Curtis Lofton
14	Kevin Burnett
13	David Hawthorne
13	D'Qwell Jackson

Sacks
Value	Name	Team
3	Jared Allen
2	Jeremy Mincey
2	Brian Orakpo
2	Antonio Smith
2	Osi Umenyiora

Total Points
Value	Name	Team
18	Jordy Nelson
14	Sebastian Janikowski
13	Dan Carpenter
13	Josh Scobee
12	Julio Jones