Once again, I was confounded by the play of the San Francisco 49ers. Here’s a team with more talent at every position in the league than anyone else, and one which cannot stop tripping over its own toes.
Take for instance, again, Alex Smith. Three interceptions on Sunday in a 26-3 loss to the New York Giants. That’s pathetic. When watching the film again earlier today, I couldn’t help but wonder how he was so clueless for four quarters after showing so much potential the past six weeks. Last year, he was a game manager up until he shepherded the 49ers to the NFC championship with a remarkable win over the New Orleans Saints. But lately, he’s been showing us that he’s more than a managed liability. I was even close to picking him up in my fantasy league. (Talk about being saved from hypocrisy.) Before Sunday’s game, he was leading the NFL with a 108 quarterback rating. He was making throws that you would expect of a normal drop back quarterback. Folks were getting to the point of trusting him and not worrying that he was going to lose the game for the 49ers. Then came Sunday.
In two of Smith interceptions, it is without a doubt that they were remarkably poor decisions. Not to mention there was several missed opportunities. But on top of all of that, Smith held the ball entirely too long in the pocket, allowing the Giants’ fearsome front four to accumulate six sack (helped in part by backup Colin Kaepernick and the loss of Joe Staley on the line). Now he’s dipped to a No. 7 passing leader with a 96.6 rating. Talk about coming down to reality.
And that’s where I was left after Week 6 of the season. I went 6-8 last week with the 49ers and Patriots being the biggest disappointments for my picks.This week, I’m sure, will be different.
Seahawks at 49ers – No way the 49ers lose two in a row. But it’s a strong possibility here.
My pick: 49ers
Titans at Bills – I like that the Titans are picking things up. Chris Johnson is also up against a sucky Bills run defense.
My pick: Titans
Cowboys at Panthers – Not a fan of Tony Romo. I think he’s a loser and I think the Panthers have figured it out by now what they need to fix. Plus, I’m high on their young defense.
My pick: Panthers
Ravens at Texans – Too many losses on the Ravens end for them to keep up with a Texans squad that is deep.
My pick: Texans
Browns at Colts – I think the Browns and Brandon Wheedon are far from being a good team and the Colts are slowly getting better. That’s not to say they’re good, but better than the Browns.
My pick: Colts
Cardinals at Vikings – This could really be a tossup. Which team are we getting from the Cardinals? The Vikings. I like the Cardinals because I’ve seen what they could do and they’ve been relatively consistent. The Vikings on the other hand are bipolar.
My pick: Cardinals
Redskins at Giants – The Giants are on a roll right now. With this being a division game, they’ll be pumped up for the challlenge that RGIII brings.
My pick: Giants
Packers at Rams – Rams suck. They steal wins when good teams overlook them. Methinks the Packers are done overlooking teams.
My pick: Packers
Saints at Buccaneers – The Saints aren’t on as strong footing as I once believed. But I do think they’re getting better and that makes them twice as good as the Bucs.
My pick: Saints
Jets at Patriots – Too much wrong with the Jets to beat a team as balanced and dangerous as the Patriots. I see Tom tearing the Jets defense apart. Plus, Bill’s teams are pretty good coming off a loss.
My pick: Patriots
Jaguars at Raiders – Jaguars? Ugh. Raiders? Ugh. (Flips coin.)
My pick: Raiders
Steelers at Bengals – These aren’t your father’s Bengals. This team is quietly gone 3-3, losing to teams like the Browns because they overlooked them and the Ravens and Dolphins because they were outmatched. But the Steelers (2-3) aren’t what they used to be and are hurting.
My pick: Bengals
Lions at Bears – Chicago looks strong while the Lions seem to be a tease. I don’t know about you, but I like the real thing.
My pick: Bears
Last week: 6-8
Season: 56-33
