Niners Defeat

Thursday night at Baltimore was a clear defeat. The Ravens defense was on fire. The biggest worry is obviously our pass protection. One of our guards was injured in the 2nd quarter, but it was a combination of factors - falling behind, Smith taking bad sacks, injuries, play design -- the whole thing. But this was a good game. And there was a crucial stretch where weak penalties went against us on a long TD pass and an interception. Those plays go our way and it's a different game. But regardless, it gives the team a taste of what the playoffs will be like. Plus, it was a Thanksgiving away game on a short week against the best defense in the league. By no means a terrible loss. Other concern right now: 1) Gore and our running attack. Gore hasn't been the same in awhile and I cannot figure out if he is injured and this Adam Snyder injury is worrisome. 2) Braylon Edwards is injured and not getting open 3) Our secondary and pass rush -- we never seem to rush more than 4 players and get sacks -- but still, we hold teams under 20 points, so I can't complain too much about defense. What I'm strangely unconcerned about: 1) Alex Smith. The guy has grown a lot and shows confidence and good decision making ability and an understand of his role and what the team is. Even after being chased around the field by the Ravens, I was not worried he was going to ruin the game. The one pick at the end of the first half was stupid but more Braylon Edwards fault - the guy is injured. 2) Crabtree. Crabtree is now our best receiver and he runs hard for yards after the catch. Both Crabtree and Smith are quietly developing into our two most important offensive players for the stretch. I predict Crabtree has a 100 yard game in the playoffs. 3) Run defense. The best in the league. Simply put. 4) Harbaugh. He had the right game plan. We lost, but like I said, a few little things go our way earlier on and we win this difficult game. The Ravens brought everything they had to this game to win.