The Niners

In 9 games this year, the Niners have already had 3 let downs.  Strange year.  At times, the Niners look superior to last year, and at times, inferior.  There are many factors.  The raised expectations affect the team internally and externally.  Yesterday's game reflected both.  The Niners came out totally flat after demolishing Arizona and expecting to cruise against St. Louis at home.  The Rams were pumped up for the game - hitting hard from the opening snap - and clearly prepared to try and steal the game by plotting the fake punts.  Alex Smith goes down because of the hard hitting and the Niners fall behind 14-0.

But, to the credit of the Niners and Kaepernack playing decent back up, they came back.  In fact, they had the game when they went up 21-17 and stopped the Rams.  But then another fake punt and the Rams drove down on the defense.  Akers missing the field goal was killer.