Game Preview: 49ers Vs. Falcons

Posted by sf49ers

November 4, 2007 |

We have finally arrived at Week 9 in the NFL schedule and both of these teams are underachievers, so then picking a winner would be difficult. Offensively, Atlanta surpasses San Francisco but the Falcons have been having bad luck all season long. When it comes to defense, both teams are on even keel so that makes picking a winner even more difficult. There are so many injuries on the 49ers side, but I think they can pull out a win. Here is a game preview, followed by my prediction:

Overview: Drew Brees carved up the Niners like a holiday-season turkey in the Saints’ 31-10 victory in Week Eight — San Francisco’s fifth straight loss after a fast 2-0 start. The 1-6 Falcons’ season from hell resumes after last week’s bye with Joey Harrington regaining the starting QB job from the injured Byron Leftwich (ankle).

When the Niners have the ball: Both QB Alex Smith, who had missed most of the previous three games with a separated shoulder, and RB Frank Gore, who was listed as questionable with an ankle injury entering the Saints game, appeared to be laboring vs. New Orleans, particularly Gore, who was noticeably limping at game’s end. TE Vernon Davis had his best game of the year against the Saints (6-71-1) and could provide a challenge for Atlanta’s so-so pass defense.

When the Falcons have the ball: Don’t be surprised if Harrington tries to follow in Brees’ footsteps and go for the jugular right from the get-go against a Niners secondary that could be missing CB Walt Harris, who was carted off in the second half last week with a knee injury. Falcons WR Roddy White, who has provided a bright light in a dreary season, will have his work cut out for him against Niners CB Nate Clements, who has played exceptionally well for the most part this season.

Matchup to watch: The Falcons believe Trey Lewis, who will be taking over for the departed Grady Jackson at nose tackle, has great potential. San Francisco’s shaky interior offensive line could enable him to get off to a fast start in his new starting role.

By the numbers: The Niners have gained more than 100 yards rushing in only two games and have yet to pass for at least 200 yards in any game. … Four of the Falcons’ losses have been by a TD or less.

Key injuries: For the Niners, in addition to Smith and Gore, check the status of Harris, WR Darrell Jackson (quadriceps) and OT Jonas Jennings (ankle). For the Falcons, Leftwich could miss up to three games.

My Predicted Outcome: 49ers 27, Falcons 17

Source: NFL Zone