Game Notes --12/02/01
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The 49ers flat out dominated this game. Particularly when it came down the time of possession battle. In the fourth quarter, up until just before the two-minute warning, and the 49ers being up 35-0, the Bills had only held the ball for 38 seconds and had two turnovers. Overall the 49ers had the ball for 41 minutes and 17 seconds compared to the Bill's measly 18:42. As if that didn't dictate the battle well enough it's interesting to note that only twice the Rams sustain drives of three minutes or longer - crossing mid field only three times the whole game. I don't think any more could have been asked of the 49ers defense, four interceptions - two by Plummer, great defensive pressure all game, with one sack recorded by Julian Peterson. It was an extremely well played game against a much weaker team, and this time the 49ers did not play down to the opponents level. Offensively there was still some aspects left to desire. The 49ers offense moved the ball very effectively, using every single one of it's weapons from Terrell Owens to Paul Smith, they really covered the board on this one. Hats off to Jeff Garcia who again was working with a short field all game, and still managed 189 yards off of 19 completions (27 attempts). Garcia was on fire all game but suffered some very hard hits when he left the pocket. Still the team failed on at least four occasions, missing two field goals and turning the ball over on downs twice. Garcia had his eighth consecutive two-touchdown game. Terrell Owens, playing injured, again led the day at the receiver spot; Owens had six receptions for 72 yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile JJ Stokes had another big day, as he has been coming on in recent weeks. Stokes caught 8 passes for 68 yards. Garrison Hearst and the running game continue to be the story of the year though. Hearst ran 25 times for 124 yards and his third rushing touchdown. The 49ers gained a total of 230 yards on the ground and 410 yards of total offense. Still the score should have been higher as Jose Cortez failed on at least two accounts. The 49ers will have to convert on all of their opportunities next week against the Rams.
Something I particularly liked about this game was the way the 49ers handled their final drive. In bringing Tim Ratty and the second stringers into the game, not only did the 49ers prevent injuries to their starter, but they also began giving these guys valuable experience and a sense of belonging to the team. The 49ers of old use to do this often, and if the 49ers of present can keep dominating to the extent they did this week, I expect to see much more of this in the coming games
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