“COLD GOLD” Defense Makes San Francisco 49ers Glitter

The 2011 San Francisco 49ers are on a tear through the NFL.  After week nine they are the second rated team in the NFL.

Led by Alex Smith the offense has been very good at avoiding the mistakes that often rob a team of its chance of victory.  They have been steady and improving week by week.  In the game against the Giants they proved they could stay up with an elite quarterback and do it without the heavy use of a rushing attack.

But it is the stout and opportunistic defense that is earning the most respect.

And, like great defenses of NFL lore, they deserve a title, a name, an appellation to distinguish them from the 31 other teams in the league.

I suggest the nickname COLD GOLD. 

Like gold, they shine brightly right from the first kickoff.  Like the cold and priceless metal, they are malleable when hit with the iron hammers of stout opposing offenses.  And they stay cool and on task, even when behind.

But, also like gold, they do not lose their value when pounded.  The 49ers defense has yielded fewer touchdowns to teams that made it into the red zone than any other team this season.  Opponents have more field goals, but fewer touchdowns, for an NFL leading average of only 15.3 points allowed per game.

And, like the shiny metal their namesakes sought in the Sierras during the 1849 gold rush, they gleam brightly and are really fun for us fans to watch.

Here is a few of the more fun guys to watch:

Cornerback Carlos Rogers

Carlos Rogers is tied for most interceptions in the NFL with five and is looking like he found his dermatologist through a Spiderman referral.

Justin Smith Has ALL the Luck

Justin Smith is channeling the Oracle by being in the right place at the right time every time — and then calling it nothing but luck.

Right.  And I have this golden bridge I’d like to sell you.

Rookie Sack Machine

Rookie Aldon Smith has 11 tackles, three assists, one forced fumble, 6.5 sacks for 53 yards lost and a safety after only nine games.

13 Players on the Offense

Defensive line starters Isaac Sopoaga and Joe Staley both have a reception on offense!

Is it legal to have 13 offensive players on the field?

Navarro Bowman and Patrick Willis Scare the Offenses

Patrick Willis and Navarro Bowmen are the terrible twos of NFL linebackers, combining for 131 tackles and 34 assists through nine games.

The COLD GOLD Defense Summary

The 49er defense has an even dozen forced fumbles, caught another dozen interceptions, hit on 23 sacks for 152 yards lost and 13 stuffs on runs for 38 yards.

They have held rushing attacks to 73.2 yards per game. Only one team, the Eagles with 108 yards, hit the century mark this season, and 75 of those yards came from their quarterback Michael Vick. The running backs were held to a total of 33 yards.

The 49ers are 4-0 in away games against east coast teams, largely because of smothering defensive play.

When opposing teams watch film in preparation of the next contest with the 49ers, they must spend a lot of time and effort to plan an offense that will work against these guys.  

The Cold Gold 49ers defense would send a chill down the spine of any offensive coordinator.