Look ahead: 49ers are not Road Warriors
Falcons wide receiver Roddy White had a career-high 210 yards receiving and two touchdowns against San Francisco last season. Paul Sakuma, AP
FLOWERY BRANCH – Falcons coach Mike Smith did his best Lou Holtz impersonation during Monday’s press conference.
When it was over, you were convinced that Smith had a healthy respect for the 0-3 San Francisco 49ers.
He wasn’t all over the top with it, but he noted that when the Falcons beatdown the 49ers last season that running back Frank Gore didn’t play, wide receiver Michael Crabtree didn’t play and the since-departed Shaun Hill was the quarterback.
While Gore, Crabtree and quarterback Alex Smith don’t exactly make you think of Roger Craig, Jerry Rice and Joe Montana, they are upgrades.
“Last year’s game in San Francisco will have no bearing on the outcome of the game this week,” Smith said. “It will have no bearing whatsoever. They’re a completely different football team.”
The 49ers were predicted to win the NFC West, but have struggled early this season. Head coach Mike Singletary fired offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye on Monday. Former Falcons assistant coach Mike Johnson will call the plays.
Here’s a quick look at the 49ers:
Record: 0-3, with losses to Seattle, New Orleans and Kansas City.
Falcons running back Michael Turner scores a touchdown in front of 49ers safety Curtis Taylor in the second quarter of last season's game. Paul Sakuma, AP
Last time played: Wide receiver Roddy White caught eight passes for a franchise-record 210 yards and two touchdowns, including a 90-yarder, a career-long catch. He broke Terance Mathis’ team record of 198 receiving yards, set on Dec. 13, 1998, against New Orleans. Here’s the game story from last year.
San Francisco on offense: They have weapons in Gore, Crabtree and tight end Vernon Davis, but things have not clicked for them this season. They did play the Saints close, but had four turnovers. The Chiefs took away their running attack, Davis and then sacked Smith five times. They are 31st in the league in points scored at 12.7.
San Francisco on defense: The defense is led by middle linebacker Patrick Willis, but they have not stopped the run. Last week, Jamaal Charles rushed for 97 yards on 12 carries and Thomas Jones had 19 carries for 95 yards. Singletary has denied reports that he is going to bench linebacker Takeo Spikes and safety Michael Lewis.
San Francisco on special teams: Joe Nedney is the kicker. Andy Lee is the punter. Nedney made a 51-yard field goal last week against Kansas City, which gave him a franchise-record nine successful field goals of 50 yards or more. Kyle Williams had three kick returns for 65 yards against Kansas City, but he had a fumble. He replaced Phillip Adams, who had a fumble against the Saints.
What you should know: The 49ers are not Road Warriors under Singletary. They are 4-11 on the road under the former Chicago Bear great, losers in eight of the past nine away games, with no road victories outside the NFC West since they won in Buffalo on Nov. 30, 2008
Former Falcons assistant Mike Johnson was "promoted" to offensive coordinator this week.
What you might not know: Johnson, 43, is a former backup quarterback with Arizona State, who’s spent 10 seasons as an NFL assistant with the Chargers, Falcons, Ravens and 49ers as either a receivers or quarterbacks coach. The Los Angeles native coached with the Falcons from 2002 to 2005.
Coach: Mike Singletary, who was a candidate to be the Falcons head coach before Bobby Petrino was hired, is in his fourth year with the 49ers.
Get instant updates on Twitter at AJCFalcons and you can join the Facebook Fan page at AJC Falcons.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
156 comments Add your comment
FrontRow
September 28th, 2010
1:10 pm
The 49ers have not been successful on the road because they are not comfortable on the road. One reason for the comfort level is the opposing teams crowd.
If we show up and support like we did against AZ then look out; once these guys get comfortable they can be dangerous.
How about we SHOW UP, fill all 70,000 seats before the kickoff, and run them out of the stadium.
Falcon Jim
September 28th, 2010
1:12 pm
Ken, I agree. I wish well for Vick, he paid the price. I think we are dogging him because there are some that just won’t let go.
Falcon Jim
September 28th, 2010
1:18 pm
I used to be as big a fan of Vick as anyone. The other day when the Eagles game was on, I asked my wise young son why he was hating on Vick so much? He said he could not get over how he screwed the Falcons so bad after they did so much for him. Out of the mouths of babes……………….
waynester
September 28th, 2010
1:22 pm
Ken and the U
Ken said that all the ways Vick let this franchise down are “irrelevant”. Perhaps to Eagle and Vick fans, but not to Falcon fans. One man is not greater than the team and that was the problem with that player all along. No matter how much this organization did for him it was always about Mike and rarely if ever about the team. Everyone keeps telling us how much he’s grown up and these were just “youthful indiscretions” but Criminy, the man was nearly 30 years old and still hadn’t figured out that it’s the team that’s paramount. I hope for his sake and the folks who still admire the guy that the “change” is for real. I know for sure that the Lord can make such a night and day change in a man’s life but while I say “forgive” I also say “never forget”. I’m still glad that it’s the Eagles who have to deal with it now and not the Falcons. No “I” in team….
papadawg
September 28th, 2010
1:26 pm
This is the Falcons blog not the Eagles so shut the heck up about Vick. He needs to enjoy this brief spotlight cause he will return to his happy feet ways and be crushed by a good defensive team
waynester
September 28th, 2010
1:28 pm
papadawg
I hope one of those teams is Atlanta. The Eagles(with or without “7″) have had our number for far too long….
Keith
September 28th, 2010
1:28 pm
Re: Joe Tess Fish Home
I bet to differ with you. As a QB and leader of team, a true leader needs to confront teammates sometimes if they screwed up or aren’t giving their all. I applaud it. Good to see some energy on the sidelines!
GO FALCONS!
falcondawg
September 28th, 2010
1:28 pm
Ken, there is another reason our passing stats don’t look as good as the Saints. Most of Brees’ passes are the short stuff (5-8 yards). It’s impossible to defend them 100% of the time. He rarely threw the ball down the field!
Keith
September 28th, 2010
1:28 pm
*beg to differ
falcondawg
September 28th, 2010
1:30 pm
I can’t believe we’re still talking about Vick! I don’t have enough emotional energy to spend worrying about him. I have to use what I have on today’s Falcons
FrontRow
September 28th, 2010
1:30 pm
We’re playing the 49ers. Last time I looked Vick was playing for the Eagles. Eagles fans talked alot of smack about Vick back in the day and come week 6 I am sure they will be talking smack again.
This is week 4.
falcondawg
September 28th, 2010
1:33 pm
Did anybody noticed that Smitty was about to speak to the team but when “Ice” took charge he kinda backed out of the huddle and let the iceman do his thing? Very encouraging to see that we have a quarterback who takes charge!
Joe Tess Fish House
September 28th, 2010
1:35 pm
If my QB yelled at me, he would have a broken leg.
waynester
September 28th, 2010
1:39 pm
Frontrow
The team has to stay focused on the Niners this week but we have Philly in a couple of weeks and as a fan, I want to see us kick their asses for a change. I don’t know if you realize this but ever since our 1st playoff meeting(which we barely won) they are 14-10-1 against us in the regular season, 2-1 postseason and we’ve only beaten them ONCE since 2000! I freakin’ loathe the Iggles and am ready to see us turn the tables on them regardless of who their QB is. The fact that Vick is under center just makes me want to whup ‘em even more than usual….
falcondawg
September 28th, 2010
1:42 pm
I really like using both Burner and Snells throughout the game! They both stay fresh and that wears out the defense by the fourth quarter.
papadawg
September 28th, 2010
1:53 pm
Wasn’t the all great Vick under center for alot of those losses to Philly
FrontRow
September 28th, 2010
1:56 pm
waynester – after the performances the last 2 weeks I detect elevated excitement in the fan base. My first game was the 14-13 playoff win in the rain and 30,000 empty seats. So, yeah I want to see us win in week 6.
But this is week 4. The 49er’s (with Young, Rice, TO) came here in ‘98 and the CROWD RAN THEM OUT OF THE STADIUM.
How about we tap that energy first.
FalconsFan284
September 28th, 2010
1:56 pm
Joetess——-Matt Ryan yelling at a backup tackle and showing his desire to win is leadership. seems you won’t be happy unless Micheal Vick and Terrel Owens are on this team. Well I hate to be the bearer of bad news but IT’S NEVER GOING TO HAPPEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Quit your crying and talking trash and get behind this team!!! Go cheer for Philly or the Bengals and leave the Falcons alone!
Falcon Jim
September 28th, 2010
1:58 pm
Wasn’t it the Iggles playoff game that was supercold and Vick led a victory? Is my memory correct?
I believe that was one of Vick’s best moments…………………………….or was that Green Bay?
reckingball
September 28th, 2010
1:59 pm
I would like to see the Falcons put a beatdown of the 9ers, like they did last year, and get some more revenge on the 9ers, for the beatdowns they used to give the Falcons, back when they were both in the same division.
FrontRow
September 28th, 2010
2:00 pm
FJ Falcons / Vick never won in Philly. Vick was the first QB to win a playoff game in Lambeau Field.
We have a few demons to exorcise in week 6. Until then, please if you can get a ticket and be in your seat by kickoff.
papadawg
September 28th, 2010
2:00 pm
If you haven’t had a QB yell at you then you either never played on a football team or played on one worth a crap. Yelling out of anger is one thing but yelling from intensity is another
reckingball
September 28th, 2010
2:01 pm
The Eagles contained Vick in NFC championship game, and the Eagles won.
falkonfan
September 28th, 2010
2:03 pm
allcrimson
September 28th, 2010
11:41 am
“A dirty bird can’t fly with a broken wing.”
No. But he can run like hell!
post of the today! GO BIRDS!!!!
Kane337
September 28th, 2010
2:08 pm
I remember Mike Johnson. He stayed on the Falcons coaching staff after the Dan Reeves to Jim Mora coaching transition in 2004. He was Jim Mora’s QB coach in 2004 and they went to the NFC championship game. After a dissappointing 8-8 season in 2005 he got the axe. He basically took the fall for Mike Vick’s poor season. The new QB coach (I believe Bill Musgrave) didn’t make dramatic improvements since the Falcons went 7-9 in 2006 in Mike Vick’s last lack luster year with the Falcons.
HGN
September 28th, 2010
2:10 pm
Eric C. I am with you. This game scares me. I just think that the Falcons may could have a let down and let the 49ers get too much confidence if there’re not careful……
And as far as ‘Matty Ice’ yelling at his teammates, so what? He’s the Leader and he’s taking charge. Which is what he is suppose to do. No , we never saw Vick yelling at his teammates, but I have never seen Ice fighting dogs either. So it all balances out from my standpoint.. We need a take charge QB. And I am glad we have Matty Ice.
FrontRow
September 28th, 2010
2:10 pm
Here’s what Matty Ice said (fill in the f-word yourself):
We got our f****** chance. Now let’s take this f****** ball and run the f****** thing down their f****** throat.
FrontRow
September 28th, 2010
2:13 pm
Yeah scary game. But I do recall the Dome crowd running a much better 49ers team OUT OF THE DOME in a much bigger game (divisional playoff).
The 49ers will be encouraged by 20,000 empty seats at kickoff. DON’T LET IT HAPPEN ATL.
ATL1NETIME
September 28th, 2010
2:14 pm
Has anyone seen the Mr.”SEEN THIS B4″……………………………He seems a little “QUIET” this week….LOL………Go FALCONS
NO1 PICK
September 28th, 2010
2:15 pm
That is all of philliy, talking trash. Go team or bad, a lot of hot air.
Falcon Jim
September 28th, 2010
2:15 pm
Haven’t SEEN him ! (Nice.)
Kane337
September 28th, 2010
2:15 pm
I’m not worried. Matt Ryan is 14-1 at the Georgia Dome. This will be a beatdown.
NO1 PICK
September 28th, 2010
2:15 pm
*GOOD team or…
ATL1NETIME
September 28th, 2010
2:16 pm
Mr. SEEN THIS B4…….Where are you…………….Is anybody out there……….LOL……..GUESS ALL SAINTS FANS ARE BACK IN DREWLOOOOOSIANA………………..LOL……SORRY….FOR ….ALL THIS FALCON FANS BUT I SPENT AN ENTIRE SUMMER LISTENING TO THE GARBAGE THAT WAS THEIR MIRICLE SEASON………GOOOOOO FALCONS!!!!!!!
Chop Buster
September 28th, 2010
2:17 pm
I swear some of you need Ritalin…keep focus on the topic. One person decides to bring up a name that has nothing to do with the upcoming game with the 49ers and it ends up hijacking this blog. Can you say…49ers discussion?
FrontRow
September 28th, 2010
2:22 pm
Seen checked in and took his licks (and whined like a little girl) yesterday. Now he’s posting on kitty-cat boards. Here – he’s changing his name to NeverSeenAgain.
ATL1NETIME
September 28th, 2010
2:29 pm
Chop Buster…Didnt mean to get off topic but it looks like everything dealing with the 49ers has been said….thats why I chose to induce a little humor….On topic. The 49ers are not a very good team at the moment. They cannot stop the run. They are horrible on the road and coming to a dome where we have dominated during the Matt Ryan era. They just fired the Off. coordinator which means Singletary will have influence on Offense …..(guess we will see how that works out)….and right now the Falcons are clicking on all cylynders. If you believe we are set up for a letdown….I say….STOP LOOKING FOR A CRACK IN THE ARMOR…..Falcons will dominate Sunday…….See U at the Dome…on Sunday…….Go Falcons.
JONESBORO SLIM
September 28th, 2010
2:29 pm
I see no one remembers what was going on in the Falcons locker room after the Saints game…..the players were observed NOT “jumping for joy” over their victory of the Saints….but quietly going about their business and focussing on their accomplishment and looking to get ready for the next battle…..that was a quote on the radio from “color” radio announcer David Archer.
JONESBORO SLIM
September 28th, 2010
2:29 pm
I see no one remembers what was going on in the Falcons locker room after the Saints game…..the players were observed NOT “jumping for joy” over their victory of the Saints….but quietly going about their business and focussing on their accomplishment and looking to get ready for the next battle…..that was a quote on the radio from “color” radio announcer David Archer.
FrontRow
September 28th, 2010
2:39 pm
The Falcons will do what the Falcons do. On home games you can help….get in your seat early.
Do not encourage the 49ers by arriving late. You already know the turnstiles are he11 15 minutes before kickoff so no excuses. How about you “game plan” a little better.
Me…I’ll be in my seat 1 hr before kickoff razzing the 49ers o-line and d-line (they warm up 10 yards from my seat) and milking the refs as soon as they put their stripes on the field.
reckingball
September 28th, 2010
2:40 pm
I remember when the Falcons beat both the 9ers and the Rams in California one year(back in the old days), under Glanville.
The next season when the Falcons went out to the west coast to play their 1st game there, and it was against Frisco.
Glanville had a big trophy made that said the Falcons were the NFC Champions of the WestCoast for the prior year, which he proudly displayed in the middle of the field, and I believe he had shirts that said the same thing.
The 49ers didn’t like that too much, and were not amused.
The 49ers beat the Falcons 49 to 0 that day, or something like that, it was a major beatdown.
Good ole Jerry, he was a card.
Falcon Jim
September 28th, 2010
2:43 pm
Yea, that WAS funny, but it sure did back-fire (and you could see it coming, pretty foolish.)
reckingball
September 28th, 2010
2:44 pm
Don’t be ascared of the 9ers, they can’t keep up with the Falcons.
FrontRow
September 28th, 2010
2:45 pm
Yeah and I remember a divsional playoff game (18-10) where the home team offense did not play very well but the home crowd absolutely ran the 49ers out of the stadium.
papadawg
September 28th, 2010
2:46 pm
I remember the Rams and the 49s beating the crap out of the Falcons every stinking time they played. Those were the days, right
SirReal
September 28th, 2010
2:48 pm
It’ll take Ryan and Co. to win a Super Bowl before we can stop talking about MV7. Love him or hate him, he’s gone and doing well so far after paying his dues. All the negative energy about Vick is nothing more than those who used to love him but feel scorned. Take your skirt off, put on some jeans, and get over it. We’re a new regime with a whole new mentality. These birds fly differently than those in the past. Lets focus on that and how well our team’s coming together shall we?
reckingball
September 28th, 2010
2:49 pm
Everyone knows, Glanville is the guy that told Favre that he would never make a QB in the NFL.
He traded Favre, and the next year, Favre beat the Falcons by running the ball into the end zone at the end of the game, for a GB win.
Good ole Jerry.
FrontRow
September 28th, 2010
2:52 pm
You mean back when Farve showed up for team meetings with a hangover?
Lucky for Farve Green Bay didn’t have a Peachtree Street.
reckingball
September 28th, 2010
2:57 pm
In one of those SF beatdowns of Atl, Steve Young threw a pass, caught it himself, and came within one yard of making a TD on the play.
FrontRow
September 28th, 2010
3:02 pm
The only 49ers game I choose to recall is when Big Play Ray picked Steve Young to seal the victory.
I swear, the crowd noise turned that good pass into a duck.