Read Loyal Homer and Bleacher Fan’s argument about which game they believe is the best of the weekend.
After recently pronouncing the San Francisco 49ers visit to the Minnesota Vikings as the best game of a weekend, the 49ers find themselves in another important, sure to be well-contested game – the best game of THIS weekend.
The 49ers have shown tremendous promise this season under flourishing head coach Mike Singletary. If not for last minute heroics from the resurgent Brett Favre in Minnesota, the 49ers would be sitting at 4-0. As of right now, they are completely in control in a weak NFC West. They have already defeated every other team in their conference, and the only thing standing between the team and a 4-1 record heading into the bye week is the Atlanta Falcons.
Both teams share some similar traits. For example, both are struggling to run the football on offense. The 49ers would be fine running the football if not for an injury to star running back Frank Gore. Rookie Glen Coffee has been adequate in a week of service as Gore’s replacement, but the team needs to run the ball better to play the style of football Singletary believes will succeed and results in a playoff appearance – play great defense and run the ball to own the clock. The Falcons have had changes up front to the offensive line and the result is less running room for last season’s break out player, running back Michael Turner. The Falcons average just over 92 yards per game, well off their pace from a year ago.
Another common trait is that both teams also boast stingy defenses. The Falcons are eighth in the league in total defense allowing 17.7 points per game while the 49ers are second allowing just 6.5 points per game. Excellent defense.
The teams also share difficult stretches in their respective schedules. The Falcons are coming out of a bye week off of a stinging 26-10 by the New England Patriots. Now Atlanta travels to San Francisco before returning home to face a tough Chicago Bears team before a two game road trip where the team plays Dallas and New Orleans in back to back weeks. The 49ers will enter the bye week after this weekend’s match up with Atlanta, and emerge on the other side to travel to Houston then Indianapolis, host Tennessee, host Chicago, and then travel to Green Bay.
Each team also has a great deal to prove. Both teams must prove they are effective in the running game, that they can perform consistently week to week, and that they can finish games.
The Falcons may have slightly more to prove in the game, however. Matt Ryan has yet to put up the numbers he did a year ago. Turner is struggling to run the ball, and the defense is still trying to find their identity after losing long time leader linebacker Keith Brooking to free agency. The Falcons must prove they are a contender not only for the playoffs in general, but that they can challenge division favorites New Orleans.
The 49ers, despite the drama the organization could have spiraled into, has largely avoided distraction. Even the prolonged holdout from rookie wide receiver Michael Crabtree did not result in a distraction to the team. The team has played well and competed hard in every game. The 49ers must also prove they can stand up and take a talented, good and desperate team’s best shot. For Singletary, the 49ers must prove they can function in a playoff type atmosphere as excitement returns to the Bay.
Both are talented, tough, well-coached teams – the ingredients necessary for excellent football. The Falcons must avoid .500 while the 49ers must prove they belong in the same category as the league’s better teams. No matter what the outcome is, this game is the cannot miss, must watch, best game of THIS weekend.
