Big win against the Panthers.
I thought the defense played great throughout the game. Pitching a second half shutout was amazing. One thing to notice, of all the games over the weekend, the Niners gave up the fewest points and also allowed no points in the 4th quarter. I think in all of the other games (except the Pats/Colts) a 4th quarter comeback was made by the team that was trailing going into the 4th quarter. Those 2 goal line stands were huge and set the tone for the game.
The offense was efficient from about the last drive in the first half on through the rest of the game. Nice mix of Run/Pass. Having Quan has been the difference between being 12-4 and about to play in our 3rd consecutive NFC Championship game and being like 9-7 and not making the playoffs, honestly. He's made that much of a difference. He and Crabs together along with VD are a problem for secondaries, and no matter how much opposing defense try and downplay it, it's the truth. Those 3 put pressure on secondaries. It seems like the popular thing to do is to double VD and give one on one with Quan and Crabs, but since Crabs has come back, that strategy hasn't worked once. The Niners haven't lost a game since he's been back. I think that speaks volumes to his importance to this team.
Going into this NFC Championship game, I think the Niners having had to win on the road twice will help them in their bid to unseat the #1 seed and earn their second straight trip to the Superbowl. Offensively, I think they're playing better than Seattle. Colin is seeing the whole field and taking what the defense gives him. Roman has did a good job play calling this last game. The Saints proved that you can run and run consistently on the Seattle defense. As long as you stay ahead in the down/distance, you should be okay.
Defensively, maintaining rush lanes is key. When the Niners beat them in San Francisco, they basically made Russell stay in the pocket and throw the ball. He's most dangerous when he can get out of the pocket and improvise. The Niners have to be disciplined again and make Wilson throw from the pocket. I'm not saying that he can't do it or that it'll work again, but having him on the perimeter putting pressure on your defense is a no no.
The Niners can definitely win this game.
we need this W to prove we deserve to be at the bowl
