Adversity.
That's what the San Francisco 49ers face as they prepare for a Week 4 home game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
How will the team respond following back-to-back losses? We'll know soon after Sunday's 1:25 p.m. PT kick-off.
So we could go through all of your #NinerTalk questions, many of them critiquing the team's 1-2 start, but we'll do our best to showcase the mindset of the fans this week.
Many of you want to know about the penalties, the second-half offense and how the team will respond.
So here are the answers to the questions that didn't quite make this week's NT show.
Here goes:
-Don't tackle with the crown of the helmet.
-Produce third-quarter scoring drives like it's the first drive of the game.
-Play with swagger. Nobody likes a Debbie Downer.
Orange slices and juice boxes. That always helped with my youth soccer games.
Kidding. Here's my honest opinion: Score on first drive of the third quarter and move the chains in the final 30 minutes of play. Here's what the 49ers did on opening drives of each half through three games.
Week 1:
First drive of the game: 3-play, 80-yard scoring drive - Colin Kaepernick to Vernon Davis for 29-yard touchdown pass.
First drive of the second half: 3 plays, 0 yards. PUNT
Week 2:
First drive of the game: 3-play, 8-yard scoring drive - Kaepernick to Michael Crabtree for 3-yard touchdown pass.
First drive of the second half: 14-play, 84-yard scoring drive - Phil Dawson makes 24-yard field goal. (NOTE: Only second-half points of the year.)
Week 3:
First drive of the game: 12-play, 80-yard scoring drive - Kaepernick to Crabtree for 2-yard touchdown pass.
First drive of the second half: 5 plays, 14 yards. PUNT
In summary:
The opening drives are key. So are third-down conversions. As Grantland.com's Bill Barnwell points out, the 49ers are converting 69 percent of their third downs in the first half and 45 percent in the second half.
So when you're watching this game against the Eagles, ask yourself: Did we score in the first drive of the second half? Did we convert a lot of third downs, especially in the second half?
Rule number 76: No excuses, play like a champion.
Also read answers to questions 1 and 2, both apply to this question.
I wouldn't say that just yet. But, if Tramaine Brock returns to the field this week, you can't overlook the contributions of Perrish Cox.
Cox has been playing really well.
I'm still trying to figure out how the heck @49ers Navarro Bowman got a penalty this past game @TaylorPrice49 #ninertalk — ees ra (@therealeesra) September 24, 2014
LOL.
Can't tell. I sit in the press box.
If you're reading this and you know, answer in the comments section of this post. I'd like to hear YOUR thoughts.
To be determined.
Injury reports should give a hint on his game status. Davis hasn't practiced this season.
Good question.
This remains a mystery. But here are the best 10 episodes of "The Joe Show."
@TaylorPrice49 taylor you still.have faith in roman? What do we have to lose by moving on? Our qb cannot b our leading rusher every week — Joe Saraho (@Kramercia) September 22, 2014
Fans have no chill. I liked what Roman did last week with the five-wide receiver offense. San Francisco had trouble rushing inside against Arizona, and it makes sense. The Cardinals have one of the NFL's best rushing defenses. No, wait, they actually have the fourth-best rush defense, allowing 71.7 yards per game. I liked how the 49ers attacked the outside of their defense.
Each game plan is different. They're created based on personnel and scheme. Will we see the same attack from the 49ers this week? Probably not. This is a new week and a different team. If Vernon Davis is back to 100 percent after resting his injured ankle and knee, that could change San Francisco's running attack as well.
Remember, Davis is a beast as an in-line blocker.
Marcus Lattimore remains on the Reserve/Non-Football Injury List and is eligible to practice after Week 6.
Pierre Garçon's two touchdowns in three weeks have nothing to do with Lattimore's future. If the second-year running back is fully healthy, then he could be added to the roster. San Francisco only has two healthy running backs on the 53-man roster. Lattimore is not out of the picture just yet.
I Really Hope Not. Would Not Like To See That Happen.
We'll Have To Wait And See.
