Author: joelami

Niners Improve to 3-0 with 24-20 Victory, Despite Five Turnovers

Published on by joelamiLeave a comment

photo from sfgate.com: Dante Pettis #18 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Levi’s Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Santa Clara, California

By Joe Lami

SANTA CLARA — For the first time since 1998, the San Francisco 49ers have started a season 3-0. In a wild home opener Sunday, the Niners outlasted the Big Ben-less Steelers in a 24-20 win.

Despite turning the ball over five times, including three times in the red zone, the Niners were able to hold off Pittsburgh thanks to a last-minute touchdown throw from Jimmy Garoppolo to Dante Pettis.

It would be Garoppolo’s only TD pass of the game, but it came at the perfect time to overcome the sloppy first half and secure the victory. Garoppolo finished the game 22 of 32 for 277 yards, the touchdown, and two interceptions.

Garoppolo threw picks to TJ Watt and newly acquired Minkah Fitzpatrick in 49ers territory in the first half. The Steelers starting positions were the 33 and 24-yard lines, but San Francisco’s defense showed the bend, don’t break style we’ve seen through the first two weeks to force field goals, holding Pittsburgh to just six points.

Despite going into intermission with a -4 turnover differential, the Niners only trailed 6-3 at halftime, giving the offense new life and confidence.

The Niners came out to score the game’s first touchdown on their opening drive on the second half. Jeff Wilson Jr. ran in his first of two scores from one-yard out, bringing his season total to four since coming off the practice squad.

The Steelers offense was held to 239 total yards, with 76 of them coming on one play in the third quarter. Mason Rudolph, making his first career start, connected with JuJu Smith-Schuster for the Steeler’s first TD of the day. Smith-Schuster beat Ahkello Witherspoon over the top and on a crossing route and carried it the rest of the way to make it 13-10 at the time.

The Niners answered right back on their next drive, going 75 yards in ten plays setting up Wilson Jr.’s second rushing score of the game to re-take the lead 17-10.

The Steelers didn’t go down quietly. After Witherspoon went down with a foot injury in the fourth quarter, Rudolph attacked his replacement Jason Verrett on consecutive plays. Verrett first took a pass interference penalty that cost the Niners 32 yards and then was beat on a 39-yard pass to Diontae Johnson for the rookie’s first career touchdown.

Rudolph played decent in his first start, passing 14 of 27 for 174 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception from K’Waun Williams. The Niners front seven did a great job slowing down the Steelers’ run, holding James Conner to just 43 yards on 13 carries.

The Steelers held the 20-17 late into the fourth quarter when the 49ers were driving. With the ball at the PIT 11-yard line, San Francisco’s turnover bug hit again, and a wonky snap went off the motion man for the Niner’s fifth turnover.

But once again, the defense didn’t let that bother them, buckling down for a huge forced turnover. Just a minute later, Arik Armstead forced James Conner fumble that was recovered by DeForest Buckner. The turnover allowed the 49ers to set up at the Steelers’ 24-yard line, setting up the game-winning score.

San Francisco’s defense has been the revelation in this young season. The newly acquired defensive line is doing precisely what Robert Saleh’s scheme is meant to do. Creating havoc and causing turnovers, the Niners have already matched 2018’s turnover total of seven in just the first three games.

Side Notes:

Justin Skule played excellent, protecting Garoppolo’s blind side in his rookie debut. The Vandy sixth-round product did take three bad penalties late in the third that luckily didn’t cost San Francisco. “Those were costly penalties at pretty bad times. I had a couple of good things, but I am going to learn from it all from the tape and move on,” Skule said.

Skule and company have a couple of weeks before their next action. Heading into the early week four bye, the Niners return to action October 7th on Monday night at home against the Browns.

When asked about heading into a bye with a 3-0 record, everyone had the same generic answer. They aren’t thrilled having a bye week this early and with the potential of having it kill momentum but see the value in getting healthy and more bodies back before the second quarter of the season.

49ers Win Huge 41-17; Start Season with Perfect Road Trip

Published on by joelamiLeave a comment

photo from sfgate.com: Marquise Goodwin #11 of the San Francisco 49ers runs for a touchdown during the first quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on September 15, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

By Joe Lami

After not winning a single road game last year, the 49ers are off to a perfect start to their 2019 season. On Sunday, they impressively manhandled the Cincinnati Bengals 41-17 in their largest offensive road output since 2014 marking a complete 2-0 road trip.

The onslaught started early, as the defense quickly forced a three-and-out, giving the offense great starting field position on the first drive. The Niners easily capitalized as Jimmy Garoppolo found Marquise Goodwin wide open for a 38-yard score.

Garoppolo flashed what excited the faithful in late 2017 in a dominant performance, throwing three touchdowns on 17 of 25 passing for 297 yards. The Bengals challenged Jimmy G by trying to shut down his top target, George Kittle, but he spread the ball around incredibly well, finding three different receivers for scores and eight different pass catchers for receptions.

Rookie Debo Samuel led the way with five catches for 87 yards and his first career touchdown. Goodwin finished with three catches for 77 yards and a score, while Mostert got four balls out of the backfield for 68 yards and a score. Kittled finished with three catches on three targets for 54 yards.

Garoppolo had one throw he’d like back, throwing a terrible interception while targeting Richie James Jr. in triple coverage.

The passing attack was set up all by the rush, as the 49ers had their best rushing game under Kyle Shanahan, totaling 259 yards. Matt Breida was a monster, rushing for 121 yards on 12 carries, including one rush that reminisced Barry Sanders. Raheem Mostert carried 13 times for 83 yards, while Jeff Wilson Jr. came off the practice squad for ten carries, 34 yards, and two touchdowns.

On defense, the front seven was all over Andy Dalton, sacking him four times, while Kwon Alexander picked up his first interception as a Niner. They held Dalton to 311 yards, on 26 of 42 passes for two touchdowns. Dalton depended upon Tyler Boyd and John Ross as his two main targets, as both combined for 14 catches, 234 yards, and a score.

However, the Niners did lose Joe Staley with a broken left fibula in the win. He’s expected to miss six to eight weeks, and it remains to be seen on whether or not he’ll be placed on the IR. After losing swing tackle Shon Coleman in the pre-season, the Niners may seek free agency or a trade to replace their all-pro left tackle.

At 2-0, the Niners now return home to host the 0-2 Steelers in their home opener. The Steelers lost 28-26 to Seattle on Sunday, very similar to Seattle’s 21-20 win over the Bengals in week one.

Join Joe for 49ers coverage each week and podcast commentary each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Defense Stands Tall as 49ers Beat Buccaneers 31-17 in Season Opener

Published on by joelamiLeave a comment

Photo credit: nbcbayarea.com

By: Joe Lami

The Niners defense forced four turnovers on Sunday, more than half of their 2018 total, as they earned their first victory of the season 31-17 over Tampa Bay. The defense carried the weight in the win, outscoring the offense 2-1 in the touchdown department.

San Francisco’s new-look defense appears to be running on full steam by the time the second half rolled around where they would see two pick-sixes from Richard Sherman and Ahkello Witherspoon. The updated front seven created chaos for Jameis Winston, picking up three sacks on the Bucs’ QB.

Winston struggled, finishing 20 of 36 for 194 yards and one touchdown.

Rookie Joey Bosa picked up his first career sack while getting three QB hits, and three tackles. Bosa was fooled early in the contest by Winston in the pocket but said postgame that it was a great learning experience.

While the defense deserves praise, the offense still has a ways to go. Jimmy Garoppolo was good enough to earn the win, throwing 18 of 27 for 166 yards, a touchdown, and a pick-six. His favorite target was George Kittle who carried the most of the weight with eight catches for 54 yards. He would’ve scored a touchdown early in the first quarter, but it was called back via penalty.

Penalties cost both teams dramatically, taking away a combined five touchdowns. The Niners were whistled 11 times for 87 yards, taking away three touchdowns and killing multiple drives.

The Niners rushing attack was mediocre, fueled by Raheem Mostert, Matt Breida, and Tevin Coleman. Mostert got the blunt of the workload in the second half trying to put the game away. He finished with nine carries for 40 yards, while Breida got 15 carries for 37 yards.

Coleman’s 49ers’ debut was cut short, as he went down with an ankle injury after getting six carries for 23 yards. He’s scheduled for an x-ray on Monday.

Garoppolo’s lone TD came on the opening possession of the second half, finding Richie James Jr. from 39-yards out down the left sideline. It was James’ first career score.

Sherman earned his third career pick-six immediately following James’ score, giving the Niners a 20-7 lead. It also marked his first interception in the red and gold, as the former all-pro was shutout last season.

The unsung hero was backup linebacker Mark Nzeocha, who blocked a punt and had an interception. Nzeocha entered the game when former Bucs’ linebacker Kwon Alexander was ejected for targeting Winston.

Witherspoon’s first career touchdown put the game out of reach in the fourth quarter, making it 30-17 with 2:01 remaining.

The victory is a huge morale boost for San Francisco. Much of the off-season was dedicated towards adding to the pass rush and forcing more turnovers. They did just that in the win. The Niners will now extend their road trip, with a matchup against the 0-1 Bengals next Sunday at 10:00 a.m. PST.

Garoppolo Bounces Back in Win Over Chiefs 27-17

Published on by joelamiLeave a comment

photo from sfgate.com: San Francisco 49ers quarterback throws behind 49ers offensive guard Mike Person (68) during the first half of Saturday Night Football’s game against the host Kansas City Chiefs in the final pre season game for 2019

by Joe Lami

Jimmy Garoppolo bounced back to expectations in his second appearance of the pre-season on Saturday night. After an abysmal performance on Monday, Jimmy G threw for 188 yards completing 14 of 20 passes and adding a touchdown in his first half dress rehearsal.

Garoppolo opened the Niners scoring with a 20-yard completion to Matt Breida to cap a seven-play, 78-yard drive, in which he went 4-for-4. He completed two more drives that ended with Robbie Gould field goals. After a 0.0 passer rating against the Broncos, Garoppolo greatly improved to a 116.2.

The Niners improved to 3-0 on the pre-season by defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 27-17. Most importantly, their dry run went phenomenal and gives hope that they’ll be ready when the season kicks off.

After showing strong defense all pre-season, the Niners defense got torched by MVP Patrick Mahomes on the opening drive. He found running back Damien Williams for a 62-yard quick touchdown strike. However, the defense was able to rebound by keeping Mahomes out of the end zone the rest of his night. He finished 8-of-10 for 126 yards.

Nick Mullens came in for backup duty; passing 8-of-11 for 84 yards. CJ Beathard didn’t see the field on Saturday night, which could give insight to how Kyle Shanahan is leaning for the backup spot.

Jeff Wilson Jr. is going to make cut down day difficult for the red and gold. He continues to impress, scoring two touchdowns in the second half, making the difference in the win. He finished with 45 yards on 12 carries and the two scores.

Kwon Alexander made his debut finishing with three tackles.

Damontre Moore stole the show with two sacks, five tackles, and four QB hits. Moore may be playing well enough to earn the 49ers a draft pick when they trade him since there’s just no room on the D-line for him on this team.

The Niners wrap up their preseason on Thursday at home versus the Chargers. While we won’t see most of the starters, we’ll get an in-depth look at how the 53-man roster is beginning to form.

Despite 49ers’ 24-15 Win, Garoppolo Shaky in Pre-Season Debut

Published on by joelamiLeave a comment

Photo credit: ftw.usatoday.com

By: Joe Lami

Jimmy Garoppolo fell flat in his much-anticipated return to the football field on Monday night versus the Broncos. Garoppolo started the first three drives and looked flat-out terrible. He finished 1-of-6 for zero yards with one interception and a 0.0 QB rating. On top of the pick and sack, Garoppolo had two balls batted down at the line and should’ve thrown a second pick that was dropped.

The good news is it’s early. Garoppolo hasn’t played any meaningful football since week three of last season and was obviously not comfortable on Monday. Looking skittish and nervous in the pocket, Garoppolo still has a long way to go before he’s close to where he needs to be. Saturday will be huge for his development and confidence as he gears up for the season.

Garoppolo also didn’t great offensive line helped, as the Broncos front seven got in Garoppolo’s face on half his throws. Bradley Chubb picked up two QB hits, including one on the interception that made Joe Staley look silly.

Aside from Garoppolo, the Niners looked pretty good overall in the 24-15 victory. They rushed for a combined 185 yards but only passed for 85. Raheem Mostert was noticeable finishing with 58 yards on six carries.

Deebo Samuel once again flashed his top speed on a 45-yard sweep play, bringing the ball within the one; setting up a touchdown. NFL NextGen clocked him in at 20 MPH, matching Tyreek Hill’s average speed.

The defense continued to bend and not break and allowed their first touchdown of the preseason with only eight seconds remaining. DJ Reed and Jaquaski Tartt looked excellent in the secondary. Reed finished with six tackles, a pass deflection, and QB hit; while Tartt had five tackles, two for loss, and a breakup. As a team, San Francisco had five sacks and forced a turnover.
Battle for Backup

The backup race still remains intriguing. CJ Beathard earned the majority of the snaps on Monday; completing 5-of-11 for 81 yards, marching the Niners to two of their three touchdowns. Mullens completed 2-of-3 passes for 27 yards and a touchdown pass to Kenrick Bourne on a fade.

Richie James Jr. is starting to make his case for the 53-man roster. While he hasn’t added a ton on offense, his return ability should be admired. He picked up 80 yards on two returns, including a 48-yarder.

Rookies Shine While Injuries and Penalties Concern 49ers in 17-9 Win

Published on by joelamiLeave a comment

file photo by sfgate.com: San Francisco 49ers quarterback Nick Mullens, right, throws a pass at the team’s NFL football training camp in Santa Clara, Calif., Monday, July 29, 2019

By: Joe Lami

SANTA CLARA — Despite sitting nearly 30 players in their pre-season opener, the 49ers couldn’t stay away from the injury bug on Saturday night’s 17-9 win over the Cowboys.

Expected swing lineman, Shon Coleman, went down during San Francisco’s third offensive play of the game. Ruled with an ankle injury, he was put in an air cast and carted off the field.

The injury to the back-up tackle could be a huge storyline this season since he’s listed as the number two to both LT Joe Staley and RT Mike McGlinchey.

Reports also surfaced during the game that wide receiver Trent Taylor had surgery on a broken pinkie toe on Friday. He’s expected to miss the entirety of the pre-season but hopes to come back early in the regular season via a message from Instagram.

Both running back Raheem Mostert and defensive lineman DJ Jones went down for the conclusion of the contest. Mostert suffered a concussion, while Jones went out with a knee.

The battle for the back-up quarterback spot has been highlighted through camp so far. Despite their records, both Nick Mullens and CJ Beathard are neck and neck heading into the first game.

Mullens played the entire first half on Saturday night, throwing 11 of 17 for 105 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. Mullens found third-round rookie Jalen Hurd for the half’s only touchdown. Chalk the interception up to Mullens getting hit during a throw.

CJ Beathard saw the field in the second half. On his first drop back, he was sacked for five yards but fared better as his night went on. Finishing 13 of 17 for 145 yards, Beathard threw a pick and a TD to Hurd.

The Niners defense held up for the most part. Bending at most times but not breaking, they forced the Cowboys to kick three field goals. Dak Prescott started the first drive for Dallas, going four-of-four for 23 yards before stalling and forced to kick a field goal.

Penalties once again remain a concern for the Niners and could be a significant sign of things to come, as they committed 18 penalties for 216 yards. In both seasons under Kyle Shanahan, the 49ers have finished in the bottom third of the NFL in penalties committed and Saturday night was glaring.

Rookie Spotlight

Three rookies made an impression on Saturday night. Linebacker Dre Greenlaw made the immediate impression; tallying five tackles in the first half, including four on Cowboys’ opening drive. His pursuit is noticeable and it’s obvious the fifth-round pick from Arkansas has a nose for the football.

At times, he over pursuits; picking up a roughing the passer penalty after getting to the QB too late. However, on the next play, he continued to show aggressiveness getting a tackle for loss.

Jalen Hurd’s first catch in a 49er uniform found paydirt. After a play-action rollout from Mullens, Hurd broke one tackle and battled through another defender past the goal line. Hurd added his second of the night when Beathard found him in the left corner of the end zone to start the fourth quarter.

After spending three seasons at Tennessee as a running back, Hurd converted to wide receiver while transferring to Baylor. The 6-foot-5-inch receiver has the size and means streak to become San Francisco’s answer to poor red-zone performance.

We saw second-round pick Debo Samuel get the ball once, but the kid can fly. He was able to turn the corner on a jet sweep and pick up 14 yards like it was nothing. In the third quarter, he climbed the ladder on a 45-yard reception hopping over a Cowboys’ DB to make the snag.

He finished for a combined 75 yards on five touches. He will be fun to watch as the pre-season continues.

San Francisco 49ers Draft Grades Report

Published on by joelamiLeave a comment

latimes.com photo: San Francisco 49ers first round second overall draft choice from Ohio State dawning the Buckeye liner inside his sportscoat — defensive end Nick Bosa.

By Joe Lami

SANTA CLARA — The 2019 NFL Draft has come and gone for the San Francisco 49ers and it can’t be more crucial for the Niners to hit a grand slam on most of their picks if they hope to turn it around. Finishing with the second-worst record in the league has given them the opportunity to strike gold.

Round 1, 2nd Overall Nick Bosa (EDGE, Ohio State)

Grade: B

With Kyler Murray selected first overall by the Cardinals, the Niners had their choice of the top defensive prospect in the draft. Unsurprisingly, they take Nick Bosa, who’s considered the top player in the draft.

Bosa only played three games this year for Ohio State before sitting the rest of the season with a core muscle injury. However, he was incredible his Junior season as a Buckeye, getting eight sacks in 14 games despite just starting in four.

This has the chance of being a home-run pick for the Niners, but there are a few red flags with Bosa. Aside from his troubling tweets, he comes from a football family that tends to look at it more as a business. His biggest comparable his is older brother Joey, who has been elite while on the field but has also had a lengthy injury history.

The injury trouble could just be the beginning and while it was a business decision to sit out his last year of school, what’s going to change now that he’s pro?

Round 2, 36th Overall Deebo Samuel (WR, South Carolina)

Grade: C

With their second selection, the Niners brought help to Jimmy Garoppolo with Samuel. Samuel comes from a very bad SEC team and was the only offense the Gamecocks really had. He scored a combined 12 TDs his senior season playing both as a wideout and returner. He was All-SEC as a returner and second-team as a receiver.

The slot receiver’s biggest knock is that he might need scheme to open him up but no one can do that better than Kyle Shanahan. He also has an injury past, dealing with hamstrings.

While the Niners needed a slot receiver, I would’ve preferred they take sure-hand receiver Hunter Renfroe (5th round to Oakland) in a later round. I think the need to shore up the offensive line or take a defensive back would have been more valuable at this position.

There were two offensive linemen that had first-round value available at this spot in Cody Ford (Guard, Oklahoma) and Greg Little (Tackle, Ole Miss) that I would have much higher on my draft board.

Greedy Williams was also available here, who is an electric DB from LSU. He can go up and catch any ball but he had issues with tackling. I think the tackling knock on him would’ve gone away with some mentorship from Richard Sherman.

Round 3, 67th Overall Jalen Hurd (WR, Baylor)

Grade: C

Tennessee five-star recruit running back out of high school was incredible for the Vols until he suffered a concussion. The concussion made him want to move position to receiver. Tennessee said no, so he transferred to Baylor.

At Baylor, he was named Big 12 Newcomer of the Year catching 69 balls for 946 yards and four touchdowns.

This dude is athletic and fun to watch but he’s coming off a knee procedure and lacks experience at the position. He’s a boom or bust style player that will be a project for Shanahan.

Round 4, 110 Overall Mitch Wishnowsky (Punter, Utah)

Grade: D

Drafting purely for need after the departure of Pinion, taking a punter in the fourth round while still having great secondary pieces on the board makes zero sense. Wishnowsky, a converted Aussie Rules player, should be good though. The Niners took the best punter available, who won the Ray Guy Award in 2016 and was nominated in 2017 and 2018.

Oh yeah? Should I mention they traded up for this pick?

Round 5, 148th Overall Dre Greenlaw (Linebacker, Arkansas)

Grade D+

Dre Greenlaw is a small linebacker that started all four years for the Razorbacks. He was fairly good against the pass with two interceptions in nine games his senior season. He lost games due to injury battling an injured foot and high ankle sprain.

According to NFL.com he looks small and plays small and is valued as a low seventh-rounder to free agent pick-up. One NFC scout said, “Good athlete. Former safety. He runs well, but I don’t think he’s tough enough to trust him in a game. He better be really good on special teams unless he finds more dog inside him”.

Hunter Renfroe was selected with the next pick.

Round 6, 176th Overall Kaden Smith (Tight End, Stanford)

Grade: B

The Niners add Kaden Smith to George Kittle at Tight End. The Stanford connection and John Lynch strike again with this pick, but you can’t argue against Tight Ends out of Stanford.

This guy has great hands and can catch balls over the top, especially with inaccurate. He’s a one-hit wonder, but he does that one thing pretty well. Don’t expect great blocking out of him or even route running. He’s a vertical threat at the intermediate level.

Round 6, 183rd Overall Justin Skule (Tackle, Vanderbilt)

Grade: C+

Niners finally pick up the need they have at the O-Line. This guy is a bit of a gamble due to lack of athleticism and failing to play low enough. But the guy is a grinder that was always looking for extra work as a left tackle for 40 games in the SEC. If he can handle that conference well, he’s worth the risk at this part of the draft.

I don’t see him stacking up well at tackle, but he may be able to become a steady interior guy.

Round 6, 198th Overall Tim Harris (Cornerback, Virginia)

Grade: C-

The Niners traded up to take a stretch on an athletic corner from Virginia. Tim Harris is a double red-shirt due to injury-ridden seasons but still dominated his pro day; running, a 4.45 40, jumping a 39-vertical, and 11-7 broad jump.

According to NFL.com, there are concerns on his tape that he will most likely struggle in the show, not having enough football IQ to keep up. But the kid is athletic as hell and Shanahan and Lynch must see enough to think they can teach it. Another gamble pick.

Overall, the Niners did just okay. The main connection and problem between all of these players is they have an injury past. As Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle pointed out this being the theme of the off-season. If all these players stay healthy, this could be a very good draft for the Niners, but that’s a risk they’re willing to take.

Thornton’s Historic Night Leads Sharks to 7-2 Win

Published on by joelamiLeave a comment

By: Joe Lami and Marko Ukalovic

VANCOUVER, BC–Jumbo Joe Thornton made history on Monday night passing Gordie Howe for ninth all-time in assists notching the 1,050th of his career in Vancouver as part of San Jose’s 7-2 blowout of the Vancouver Canucks.

The record-breaking pass came at 17:30 of the second period, as Thornton led a 2-on-1 breakaway finding Kevin Labanc, who slapped it past rookie goaltender Mike DiPietro making it 6-1. On the play, Jumbo Joe also tied Teemu Selanne for 15th in all-time points in the same game he moved into 15th all-time in games played with 1,540.

“There’s no words to describe being in a dressing room with a guy that’s ahead of Gordie Howe now. It’s pretty crazy, he’s a special player” said Logan Couture.

“When you pass Gordie Howe on any list, I don’t care what list it is, that’s the story of the night. It’s an unbelievable accomplishment, unbelievable career and that’s something that should be celebrated, and our whole group is excited to be here to witness it” added Peter DeBoer.

The pair of Thornton and Labanc has been incredible of late as the two have connected for three of Labanc’s four goals in the last two games.

With the win, the Sharks have swept Western Canada and have extended their win streak to six games jumping into first place in the Pacific Division.

The Sharks dominance of Western Canada continued early, as they quickly went up 3-0 on Vancouver before the Canucks could even get a shot on net halfway through the first period.

Timo Meier welcomed DiPietro to the NHL by scoring on the first shot he would see for his 20th goal of the season. Meier became the fifth Shark to hit 20 goals this season, making San Jose the only team in the NHL to have five 20-goal scorers. In just their 57th game of the year, it’s the fastest San Jose has reached the mark in franchise history.

“Tonight, we knew they were in a tough spot starting [DiPietro] and we wanted to jump on him early. We scored on the first couple of shifts and were in control all night” mentioned Couture.

The Sharks continued their dominance with Evander Kane and Melker Karlsson finding the back of the net before the halfway mark. Kane’s 25th of the season came on a fluttering puck from the right point off the backhand that hit Ben Hutton before going in. Karlsson tipped a Brent Burns wrist shot at 8:48 to make it 3-0.

Vancouver finally got their legs going late in the first and registered their first shot at the 12:24 mark. They made it 3-1 right before the final buzzer thanks to a fantastic play by rookie sensation Elias Pettersson who gained the zone and threw a no-look pass to the top of the right circle finding Bo Horvat for an easy one-timer goal with six seconds remaining in the period. Horvat slapped his 20th of the season to the top right corner of the net.

The Sharks didn’t let the late first period goal come back to bite them as they completely dominated the rest of the way. With no backup available for Vancouver, they continued to pound the puck past the 19-year old with Kane scoring his second, Tomas Hertl, Labanc, and Joe Pavelski all jumping in on the scoring.

Vancouver jumped on the board once again in the third to make it 6-2, as Derek Pulliot slotted his third goal of the season thanks to a beautiful pass from Zack MacEwen, recording his first point in his first NHL game.

Pavelski netted his 30th of the season on a deflection play late in the third to make it 7-2. It’s the fifth time in his career Pavelski has hit 30 goals, as the captain continues his career pace.

Most impressively, the Sharks saw all four lines get on the scoring sheet as they dominated five-on-five. Their powerplay was the one weak spot going 0-for-3 and only generating three shots.

Martin Jones was steady in net for the Sharks stopping 25 of the 27 shots sent his way. He continues to lead all goaltenders since the start of December with a record of 18-5-1 and has allowed two goals or less in ten of his last 15 starts.

San Jose returns home as one of the hottest teams scoring at least five goals in the last three games, including four of the previous six. They host the Washington Capitals on Thursday to kick off a three-game homestand.

49ers Close Out 2018 Season Versus Rams

Published on by joelamiLeave a comment

Photo credit: news.sportsinteraction.com

By: Joe Lami

The dreadful 2018 season is finally reaching the finish line for the San Francisco 49ers, as the 4-11 club travels to LA to cap-off the season against the Rams.

The 49ers have a chance to play spoiler with the Rams needing the win to secure the two seed in the NFC playoffs. The Rams can also clinch if the Bears lose to the Vikings, which kicks off as well at 1:25 pm PST.

LA will be without star running back Todd Gurley for the second straight week, as he tries to get healthy for the postseason. In his place, CJ Anderson will try and repeat a career day he had last week against Arizona.

The Niners will be without three reliable offensive weapons as well. Marquise Goodwin, Matt Breida, and breakout rookie Dante Pettis will all miss the finale with injuries.

Expect Jeff Wilson Jr. to start at running back. Since his debut during week 12, the undrafted free agent has been a surprise for the Red and Gold, rushing for 257 yards on 62 carries. He just needs to take care of the ball better, fumbling already three times, if he wants a chance to return to a very deep backfield next year.

Nick Mullens will get one final audition to be the 49ers’ backup next year or even a starter somewhere else. Kyle Shanahan has seemed unimpressed by his 3-4 record, 91 passer rating, 10 touchdowns, and nearly 2,000 passing yards he’s had since taking over week 9.

He ranks third in the NFL since 1970 behind Patrick Maholmes and Cam Newton for most yards in his first seven games.

Attacking him will be Aaron Donald, who leads the NFL with 19.5 sacks on the year, the most ever by a defensive tackle. He’s just 3.5 away from passing Michael Strahan’s single-season record. The 49ers’ offensive line needs to keep him in check to prevent history.

The 49ers face an uphill battle against the Rams but have had their number in recent bouts. San Francisco is 4-2 in their last six against the Rams, including winning both games since their return to LA.

49ers Lose to the Bears in the Red Zone 14-9

Published on by joelamiLeave a comment

Photo credit: @49ers

By: Joe Lami

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The San Francisco 49ers will finish their 2018 home record at 4-4 this year, as they dropped the home finale 14-9 to the Chicago Bears at Levi’s Stadium Sunday. The Bears remain hopeful for a first-round bye with the must-win victory.

Inability to score in the red zone and a few late mistakes cost the 49ers from upsetting the NFC North champs. San Francisco finished 0-for-3 in the red zone, as Robbie Gould scored all nine points with field goals inside the 30-yard line.

Nick Mullens made two costly errors down the stretch that prevented them from taking a late lead. With under eight minutes to go and marching, he threw a pick at the 14-yard line. After being lead a little too much, it tipped off the hands of Marquise Goodwin and right to Bears’ linebacker, Danny Trevathan.

Despite the pick, San Francisco won the turnover battle against the top team in the NFL, forcing two fumbles. DeForest Buckner recovered the first and Greg Mabin recovered one with 1:52 left giving San Francisco one final chance.

The 49ers recovered at their own 24 and began to move past midfield to the Chicago 45. After two consecutive incomplete passes, SF faced a fourth-and-four. Mullens was given great protection by the line and scrambled out to his right. With nothing but open field in front of him and enough room to easily pick up a first down, he went for the home run ball and threw it a few yards out of bounds.

Mullens admitted to his mistake, while Shanahan said, “he was just trying to make a big play.”

The attempt at the big play ended the drive and gave the Bears the win.

Mullens finished the day 22-of-38 for 241 yards. His primary target was George Kittle, catching seven passes for 74 yards. Kittle stands three receptions shy of the franchise record for tight end receptions in a season.

The 49ers continued to battle and lost as a brotherhood. Richard Sherman was ejected with under six minutes remaining after a fight broke out following a late hit on Mitch Trubisky near the Bears’ bench. Shanahan, Mullens, and George Kittle all appreciated the actions of sticking up for your teammates.

It remains to be seen if Sherman will be eligible for next week’s season finale in LA. The Rams can clinch the first-round bye with a victory, giving the 49ers a final chance at spoiler.