Falcons-49ers Preview: Gold Rush Cheerleaders Edition

On Sunday the San Francisco 49ers travel to the Georgia Dome to take on the Atlanta Falcons in what has been deemed a last-ditch effort for the Niners and embattled Coach Mike Singletary to stay relevant in the postseason picture.  While the Falcons are riding high after defeating their archrival New Orleans Saints, the 49ers are 0-3 and will have a new offensive coordinator in hopes of reviving an offense that is averaging only 310 yards a game.

Usually we will ask the most important questions that is on everyone's minds, but this time I enlisted the help of some lovely ladies for this week's big game:  The San Francisco 49ers' Gold Rush Cheerleaders! So, without further ado, let's get to it...

1) Deanna Asks: Will Alex Smith Become a Competent Quarterback in The NFL?

Prediciton: New 49ers Offensive Coordinator Mike Johnson may be decent when it comes to quarterbacks, but he's no miracle worker. 

Alex Smith has been nothing short of a bust since being drafted No.1 overall five years ago.  Although there are better ways to spend $49 million dollars than on a QB that has thrown for more INTs than TDs, Smith just seemed to curry the favor of Coach Singletary. Alex Smith has proven that it is more than just the system you play in, especialy when he has Pro Bowl players in Tight End Vernon Davis and Running Back Frank Gore.

That said, if he is to have any mocrum of success against a Falcons defense that is susceptible to the big play, he will need to connect with his playmakers early and often.  Also, he has some mobility and against a Falcons pass rush that has played well this season he will need to use his feet as well as his arm for the 49ers to stand a chance.

Deanna, just imagine this: at least they didn't draft Matt Leinart.

2) Lindsey Asks: Will Vernon Davis Have a Great Game Against Atlanta?

Prediction: You will get your wish on Sunday.  Vernon Davis has come a long way from being the guy that got sent to his room during Mike Singletary's first season at the helm.  He has become the captain of the team and arguably the best Tight End in football.

That said, he has only had 15 catches for a meager 173 yards and no TDs in three games this year.  A lot of that can be attributed to the poor play of his QB, but he will be a factor on Sunday in Atlanta.  The Falcons defense allowed Saints TE Jeremy Shockey to roam wild in the open space, especially on third downs last week.  Davis will get a lot of opportunities to get in the secondary if he's not being checked by the Falcons' Linebackers.

If you have Vernon Davis on your fantasy team this week, Lindsey, I would highly recommend playing him. 

3) Elizabeth Asks: Can Frank Gore Get It Going on The Ground?

Prediction: Atlanta is a team that is known for giving up big runs, and Gore has that breakaway speed to get into the backfield on Sunday.  Even though he is averaging only 3.7 yards a carry so far, his greatest contribution to the team has been his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield.  Gore has a team-leading 22 receptions so far.

This could be troubling for the Falcons, as they allowed the Saints to use a lot of short screens to the running back last Sunday.  If they don't utilize rookie LB Sean Weatherspoon or Curtis Lofton to cover Gore, he can do a lot of damage.  As for his success running, don't expect that to happen against a Falcons front four that is only allowing 78 rushing yards a game.

The key will be if he can get the big play on the ground.  The Falcons have allowed TD runs of 50 & 80 yards, and if Gore gets atleast 3 to 4 plays of 15 yards or more, it could make a along day for the home crowd.

4) Maria Asks: Will The Falcons Give Roddy White Any Help?

Prediction: Think about it this way, Maria.  If Harry Douglas catches that pass from Matt Ryan in the beginning of overtime against the Saints, are we asking that question this week? Although you may ask whatever you wish.

Roddy White is among the league leaders in receptions and yards, but hasn't received a lot of help with Michael Jenkins sidelined due to shoulder surgery. Even though the Falcons passing attack won't remind anyone of the "Greatest Show on Turf", they are still to be respected.  If the 49ers think they can try to force Matt Ryan to beat them in the air, they are in for a surprise.  Ryan is among the league's best in third and fourth down situations when it comes to passing, and usually he will be looking for White.

That said, I do believe that Jenkins will return this week in limited action, becoming quite the decoy against a suddenly suspect 49ers secondary.

5) Tritia Asks: Who Is The X Factor For San Francisco?

Prediction: I am so glad you asked. Of course it always has to be LB Patrick Willis, who is one of the best defensive players in the league.  San Francisco's defense has been beaten by the Seahawks, Chiefs, and Saints so far this season, and one has to account for where Willis is at all times on the field.

Expect the defense to play more blitz schemes and use Willis to possibly guard Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez in the red zone, since TG is one of Ryan's favorite targets.  Speaking of the blitz, if Willis gets into the backfield and sacks Ryan or puts constant pressure on him it could be a surprise victory for the 49ers. 

Atlanta has already played a solid defensive team in the Pittsburgh Steelers, and even though the 49ers D may have had its issues early, you cannot discount the talent, or presence of Patrick Willis.

 

6) Megan Asks: Who Will Be The X Factor For Atlanta?

Prediction:  The X Factor for Atlanta will be the suddenly potent 1-2 running back punch of Michael Turner and Jason Snelling.  If you need any proof of what these two (along with an improving offensive line) can do to a team, just look at how they wore down the Saints' defense in overtime as they chewed up enough time on the clock to prevent a comeback.

Atlanta is a ground-and-pound team first and foremost.  When these two are healthy and able to find holes in the defense they can make life miserable for opponents.  If they are able to attack the 49ers' front line with consistency, then it opens up for Matt Ryan to look for his favorite targets more often.  Also, it negates the effect of Patric Willis.

Expect these guys to find the end zone twice on Sunday.

7) Johanna Asks: Who Will Win?

Prediction: They say that talent is on its best display during times of desperation, and the 49ers are as desperate as it gets.  A team that many picked to go 12-4 might have four losses by the first week of October.  Mike Singletary is on the hot seat after firing his offensive coordinator, and the team has not played up to par.

They are facing an Atlanta team that could get very overconfident following last week's win at New Orleans, but Coach Mike Smith will prevent any of that from happening.  This team is now in control of their division and needs to keep that momentum, especially against a 49ers team that is in disarray right now and lacks leadership, especially on the offensive side of the ball.

This game will be a lot closer than people expect, but the running attack of Turner/Snelling will wear down the 49ers as the game goes into the 4th quarter.

Sorry, Johanna, but you're going back out west to cheer for an 0-4 team.

Final Score: Falcons 21, 49ers 16