Goal Posts » David Akers

Morning Tailgate: Super Bowl Bid

Alex Espinoza — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 16:34:38 +0000

49ers CEO Jed York addressed the media on Wednesday at Northwest Plaza of the new Santa Clara Stadium to update reporters on the region’s latest efforts to secure Super Bowl L in 2016. York was joined by Santa Clara mayor Jamie Matthews, San Francisco mayor Ed Lee and San Joe mayor Chuck Reed to promote the region-wide collaboration that will make the Bay Area a premier Super Bowl host for years to come.

Want to see the latest construction progress? Book a tour of the new Santa Clara Stadium site.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee attended Wednesday’s media session and shared his thoughts on the Bay Area’s bid for the big game.

The 50th game holds the most prestige, and that’s the one the 49ers are gunning to get. Team CEO Jed York said he hoped the stadium’s hallmarks – its technology and its sustainable design – catch the eye of the owners. “We have enough solar panels for our 10 games to be powered by the sun,” he said.”

The rest of today’s Morning Tailgate rounds up the latest new stadium headlines and David Akers’ release from the 49ers.

Mike Rosenberg of the Bay Area News Group broke down the latest progress in Santa Clara.

John Cote of the San Francisco Chronicle shared comments from York and the local mayors regarding their collaboration.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle. Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group and Barrows each reacted to the release of David Akers.

Mike Sando of ESPN.com sized up possible options for Akers’ replacement as San Francisco’s kicker.

49ers.com continued its 49 in 49 pre-draft series with a look at explosive Georgia LB Jarvis Jones.

TWEET ABOUT IT

Want to thank @SFSuperbowl for their effort to bring the bowl to the bay w/ @mayoredlee #JamieMathews & #ChuckReed. Great #RegionalEffort!—
Jed York (@JedYork) March 07, 2013

Bring the Bowl to the Bay.

2012 Plays of the Year: Big Plays

Alex Espinoza — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 22:29:40 +0000

We need your help in selecting the top plays from the 2012 season. We’re asking our Faithful fans to choose the top takeaway, touchdown, sack, big play and biggest hit of the season. Next, the winning five plays (one from each category), will move on to the championship round to determine 49ers.com’s “Top Play of 2012.”

Watch our “Top 5” video highlights on the best plays for each category, then vote in the poll section of the corresponding blog post to see which top play will reach the championship.

Help us crown the top play of 2012 by choosing your favorite big play from this past season. You can vote for your favorite big play up until Thursday at noon. Let’s take a look at the five nominees.

1. David Akers’ 63-yard Field Goal vs. the Green Bay Packers

Usually the sound of hitting the crossbar is a dreaded one for an NFL kicker. For David Akers in the season opener at Green Bay, it was a blessing.

With just seconds left on the clock before halftime, Akers lined up in 49ers territory for a 63-yard kick. It sailed through the crisp Wisconsin air and hit the crossbar, bouncing over for 3 points before Akers was mobbed on the field by his teammates as they headed into the locker room. The conversion tied an NFL record and gave the 49ers a 16-7 lead in the eventual 30-22 win.

The field goal was also set up by Colin Kaepernick’s first major contribution in a regular season game, as his 17-yard run to the Green Bay 45-yard line set up the lengthy field goal try.

2. Dashon Goldson’s Fake Punt Rush vs. the New England Patriots

All-Pro safety Dashon Goldson looked more like a running back than a defensive back. With the 49ers facing a 4^th-and-10 from their own 41-yard line near the end of the first quarter in New England, the offense got a spark from one of their best defenders.

Goldson took up his post as the up-back in the punt formation, standing a few yards in front of punter Andy Lee on the left side of the line. Long-snapper Brian Jennings snapped a quick ball to Goldson and he ran past the gunner on the left side of the field before sprinting down the sideline and eventually picking up 31 yards before being brought down.

3. LaMichael James’ 62-yard Kickoff Return vs. the New England Patriots

As LaMichael James walked the sidelines in the fourth quarter at Foxboro, he started hearing words of encouragement from his teammates. Playing in just his third NFL game – on the road and in front of a nationwide audience, no less – James was expected to be a sparkplug for the 49ers.

The rookie delivered big-time, rattling off a 62-yard kickoff return that halted the Patriots’ momentum after they scored four straight touchdowns to turn a 31-3 49ers lead into a 31-31 tie. James turned the tide of the game with his long return, setting up a short field for San Francisco.

Michael Crabtree and Colin Kaepernick would go on to connect on a 38-yard touchdown the very next play, giving the 49ers the game-winning score in a thrilling 41-34 win at Foxboro. The 49ers victory stands as New England’s first and only December home loss since 2002.

4. NaVorro Bowman’s 4^th-down Stop vs. the Atlanta Falcons

The situation was simple: Get a stop and go to the Super Bowl.

The 49ers held a 28-24, fourth-quarter lead at the Georgia Dome in the NFC Championship, when the Falcons faced a 4^th-and-4 at San Francisco’s 10-yard line. When the Falcons broke the huddle and Roddy White lined up in the right slot, Bowman knew the ball was headed his way.

So the two-time All-Pro linebacker held his ground against the talented wideout, who tried to cross in front of his face near the first-down marker. Bowman swatted the pass to the ground with his left hand and his teammates raised their arms in unison, celebrating their ticket to New Orleans for Super Bowl XLVII.

5. Michael Crabtree’s Touchdown vs. the Baltimore Ravens

Once Kaepernick took over the reins as the starting quarterback, Crabtree emerged as his favorite target. The two combined for eight touchdown connections after Kaepernick earned the starting role in Week 11, including three in the postseason.

Crabtree showed off his skills after the catch all year long, but perhaps he saved his best for Super Bowl XLVII. With his team facing a 28-6 deficit early in the second half, Crabtree ran an out route to the left side of the field before catching a pass from Kaepernick. Shortly after the ball was in his hands, cornerback Cary Williams and safety Bernard Pollard tried to tackle him, but Crabtree bounced off both defenders and kept his balance before running into the end zone for the score.

While the 49ers ultimately lost the Super Bowl, Crabtree’s catch sparked a 23-3 comeback attempt in the second half against the Ravens.

UPDATE: Congratulations to NaVorro Bowman for winning with nearly 45% of the vote!

Morning Tailgate: Jan. 22

Taylor Price — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 19:15:50 +0000

The Harbaugh brother talk has officially started, but it hasn’t reached overdrive just yet. There’s still plenty of other storylines to dissect as the San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens embark on Super Bowl XLVII preparations.

For starters, Colin Kaepernick’s role on the 49ers offense is one to discuss. Furthermore, Kaepernick’s strong relationships with his teammates is quite remarkable after considering he will make start No. 10 in the biggest singular game in professional sports.

The respect Kaepernick’s teammates have already shown the second-year player was recently noted by ESPN.com’s Ashley Fox.

“There’s the conflict Kaepernick creates for opponents, and then there is the love that his teammates have for him,” Fox wrote. “It was obvious when (Frank) Gore interrupted Kaepernick’s postgame news conference, answering a question for him.

‘He can do whatever.’ Gore said. ‘He’s a hard worker. He’s a different quarterback, how he takes pride and leads us. He’s started [nine] games. Hey, he’s football. If it weren’t for him, it would’ve been a tough game for us.’

Gore looked at Kaepernick and added, ‘You deserve it.’”

It’s not hard to see why the second-year player has earned such praise from veterans.

After leading the 49ers to a 28-24 comeback victory over the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC title game, Kaepernick finished his second come-from-behind postseason win completing 76.2 percent of his passes, good for the third-best single-game outing in 49ers postseason history.

Kaepernick has already showcased maturity and poise and enters Super Bowl XLVII with seven regular starts, tied for the third fewest for a starting quarterback to reach the Super Bowl in NFL history.

John Clayton of ESPN.com discussed key storylines to Super Bowl XLVII and dished out three game balls for championship weekend, including one to 49ers punter Andy Lee.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com reviewed San Francisco’s defensive efforts against Atlanta, plus shared Jim Harbaugh’s comments on facing his brother and David Akers remaining as the 49ers kicker.

Michael Rosenberg of SI.com took an extensive look at the Harbaugh family dynamic.

Chris Burke of SI.com offered an early Super Bowl preview.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee explained why Chad Hall saw action in Sunday’s game over A.J. Jenkins.

Ron Kroichick of the San Francisco Chronicle also examined Harbaugh’s comments on facing his older sibling in the Super Bowl.

49ers.com shared NFC Championship Game notes, plus detailed Harbaugh’s initial thoughts on facing the Ravens in New Orleans.

TV49’S CLIP OF THE DAY

TWEET ABOUT IT

One fan brought this #QuestforSix banner to Atlanta. How many will we see in New Orleans? #SB47 instagr.am/p/Uy1itHCehh/—
San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) January 22, 2013

Who’s going to the Superdome on Feb. 3?

Morning Tailgate: Jan. 15

Taylor Price — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 18:14:23 +0000

Get used to hearing about Colin Kaepernick.

San Francisco’s starting quarterback continues to become a household name now that the second-year player is gracing one of four regional covers for Sports Illustrated.

It’s certainly well-deserved. The youngest starting quarterback in 49ers postseason history had a game for the ages against the Green Bay Packers – 181 rushing yards – the most by a quarterback in any game. Ever.

Furthermore, Kaepernick threw two touchdown passes and rushed for two more, joining Hall of Fame quarterback Otto Graham and Jay Cutler as the only players to throw and rush for a pair of touchdowns in a postseason game.

Now, Kaepernick is 6-2 as a starter with a 98.7 QB rating to go with 12 touchdown passes , four interceptions, as well as 419 rushing yards and four rushing scores.

Find out more about Kaepernick’s postseason mindset by picking up a copy of the cover story written by SI’s Austin Murphy.

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle shared former New York Giants quarterback and CBS commentator Phil Simms’ thoughts on Kaepernick against the Packers.

Branch also wrote about Jim Harbaugh’s comments on David Akers remaining as the 49ers kicker.

Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News shared a transcript of General Manager Trent Baalke’s weekly radio appearance on 95.7 The Game.

Inman also shared details from Willis’ weekly interview, including info on how he watched the Falcons-Seahawks game over FaceTime with Ray Lewis.

Dan Brown of the San Jose Mercury News checked in with Jack and Jackie Harbaugh for conference championship viewing plans.

Jerry McDonald of the San Jose Mercury News checked in with Kaepernick’s college coach, Chris Ault.

Steve Corkran of the San Jose Mercury News looked at Harbaugh’s praise for the 49ers offensive line.

Matt Kawahara of the Sacramento Bee examined the 49ers early preparation for the Falcons.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee discussed how the 49ers aim to handle the Georgia Dome’s noise.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com begins his matchup series with Justin Smith vs. Justin Blalock.

Mike Sando of ESPN.com looked at Michael Crabtree’s recent production in comparison to the NFL’s elite.

Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times wrote about the 49ers looking for the franchise’s first road playoff win in 24 years.

Jim Corbett of USA Today believes Kaepernick presents the Falcons with the biggest test they’ve faced all year.

49ers.com looked ahead to the NFC title game and also shared the NFC Divisional Playoff Gameday cover story with Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman.

TV49’S CLIP OF THE DAY

TWEET ABOUT IT

Holy Colin Kaepernick! Your national cover this week features Jim Harbaugh and the @49ers. on.si.com/V6XXuF // http://t.co/7YNodVFW—
Sports Illustrated (@SInow) January 15, 2013

Read all about it.

Morning Tailgate: Jan. 11

Alex Espinoza — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 19:38:09 +0000

In the past seven games, Colin Kaepernick has led the 49ers to a 5-2 record and closed out their run as NFC West Champs and the No. 2 seed in the conference. But it’s a whole new ballgame now.

Heading into his first postseason action, Kaepernick will have a chance to show why Jim Harbaugh elected to make the quarterback switch to the young, athletic signal-caller in Week 11. Kaepernick has approached the 5 p.m. Saturday kickoff as business as usual, but realizes the magnitude of the NFC Championship bid that’s on the line.

Daniel Brown of the Bay Area News Group said it’s time to see if Harbaugh’s decision will pay off for the 49ers in earnest.

“Harbaugh pushed in all his chips this season with a midseason change of starting quarterbacks and, on Saturday against the Green Bay Packers, the coach finds out if lucky No. 7 comes up a winner,” Brown wrote. “That’s the jersey number of Colin Kaepernick, the boundlessly talented, minimally experienced quarterback who earned Harbaugh’s endorsement over the cautiously efficient Alex Smith.”

The rest of today’s Morning Tailgate features all the latest links on the Packers matchup, Eddie DeBartolo’s bid for the Hall of Fame and the 49ers kicker situation.

Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times also examined Harbaugh’s decision to tap Kaepernick for the second half of the season.

Ray Ratto of CSNBayArea.com said to expect the unexpected on Saturday at The ‘Stick.

Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group wrote that 49ers players have extra incentive to add a Super Bowl to Randy Moss’ resume.

Pro Football Weekly named Mike Iupati, Andy Lee, Aldon Smith and Patrick Willis to its All-NFL team.

NFL.com also named NaVorro Bowman, Anthony Davis, Dashon Goldson Iupati and Aldon Smith to its All-Pro team.

CSNBayArea.com noted the different San Francisco landmarks that will be lit in red and gold as the 49ers make their Quest for Six.

Mike Sando of ESPN.com broke down the upcoming 49ers-Packers matchup and what to watch for.

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle passed along comments from Donte Whitner regarding the strong practices of Justin Smith.

Branch also spoke to former NFL lineman Kevin Mawae about returning from a partial triceps tear.

Monte Poole of the Bay Area News Group said Harbaugh was right in picking Akers over Billy Cundiff.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee, Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com, Branch and Inman discussed the 49ers kickers situation.

Barrows, Branch, Inman and Maiocco wrote about DeBartolo’s Hall of Fame bid as one of 15 finalists.

Ann Killion of the San Francisco Chronicle offered her take on the 49ers keeping Cundiff on the 53-man roster.

Al Saracevic of the San Francisco Chronicle examined Frank Gore’s role in the offense with Kaepernick.

John McTigue of ESPN.com took a statistical look at the 49ers-Packers and said there will a lot of quarterback pressure.

Paul Gutierrez of CSNBayArea.com shared comments from the Packers, who are aware of the tight end tandem of Vernon Davis and Delanie Walker.

Maiocco and Inman passed along Alex Smith’s thoughts as he prepares for the playoffs.

49ers.com’s coverage included a look back at the five 49ers Super Bowl seasons, Harbaugh’s decision to pick David Akers, Bruce Miller’s preparation, Bowman’s thoughts on the defense and the scheduled game entertainment for Candlestick Park. We also brought you a Weekly Conversation with Carlos Rogers, Jim Harbaugh’s press conference (video / transcript) and Press Passes from Miller, Bowman and Alex Smith.

TV49′s CLIPS OF THE DAY

TWEET ABOUT IT

Congratulations to Eddie DeBartolo jr for being named a ProFB HOF finalist again. He was the most dominant NFL owner ever + only 1 w/5 rings—
Randy Cross (@randycrossFB) January 11, 2013

Randy Cross is one of Eddie’s guys for life.

Morning Tailgate: Jan. 4

Taylor Price — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 17:53:06 +0000

The 49ers will do a lot more scoreboard watching this weekend, just like Pro Bowl safety Donte Whitner was doing after the regular season finale in the photo atop this post.

The game San Francisco is most focused on features the two teams they anxiously watched at the conclusion of a Week 17 win over Arizona. On Saturday night, if the Green Bay Packers are victorious at home over the Minnesota Vikings, the Packers will travel to San Francisco to face the 49ers on Jan. 12 in the Divisional Playoff round.

For what it’s worth, longtime Sports Illustrated writer Peter King is predicting a Packers win.

If the Vikings win, however, the winner of the Seattle Seahawks-Washington Redskins Sunday afternoon tilt will travel to Candlestick Park for a primetime postseason clash.

Tickets for the Jan. 12 Divisional matchup presented by State Farm will be made available on Monday, Jan. 7 at 10 a.m. PT via Ticketmaster. Quantities will be limited, so fans will be encouraged to visit NFL Ticket Exchange for additional seats.

But before the 49ers can find out who they’ll play next week, the team will hold one last workout this week that figures to impact San Francisco’s decision at kicker for the postseason.

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle discussed the on-going competition between David Akers and Billy Cundiff.

Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News shared a transcript of Cundiff’s first comments as a 49er.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee wrote that Justin Smith returned to practice and plans to play on Jan. 12.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com further set the stage for the kicking competition set to last up until the Divisional Playoff round.

Maiocco also shared his 2012 team awards and noted that one member of the 49ers front office is drawing more interest in NFL circles for current job openings than the San Francisco’s coordinators.

CBSSports.com’s 2012 NFL All-Pro Team featured three 49ers: Patrick Willis, Aldon Smith and Andy Lee.

49ers.com shared the comments from both kickers in competition, as well as Justin Smith’s optimistic outlook towards returning to action.

TV49’S CLIP OF THE DAY

TWEET ABOUT IT

#ItsFridayFool—
Eric Davis (@_ericdavis_) January 04, 2013

You heard the man…

Morning Tailgate: Jan. 2

Alex Espinoza — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 19:18:42 +0000

The New Year is here and the 49ers are already back at team headquarters getting ready for their Divisional Round matchup next week. Players were given Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday off this week, but it hasn’t stopped some 49ers from working out at team headquarters on their own time.

Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group relayed comments from Jim Harbaugh’s appearance on KNBR Wednesday, when he said the 49ers are preparing to play in “three Super Bowls.” Harbaugh also touched on other topics like Justin Smith’s health and the Stanford victory in the Rose Bowl.

“Watching Stanford win the Rose Bowl on Tuesday also gave Harbaugh a thrill, and fondly recounted how he sat in some of those Stanford players’ living rooms while recruiting them in his days as the Cardinal’s coach,” Inman wrote.

The rest of today’s Morning Tailgate looks at the potential impact of newly-signed kicker Billy Cundiff and a look at 49ers front office members and assistant coaches who could be candidates to fill positions for other organizations.

Sports Illustrated put together a photo gallery recapping the top sporting events from 2012.

Pro Football Focus offered its 2012 All-Pro team and Patrick Willis headlines a group of 49ers to receive recognition.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee listed potential 49ers personnel who could be offered jobs with other teams.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com noted that 49ers Director of Player Personnel Tom Gamble could be a top candidate for vacant general manager positions across the league.

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle wrote the kicker competition should be something to keep an eye on heading into next week’s contest.

Barrows analyzed the dynamic between Cundiff and Akers.

Branch looked ahead to the possibility of A.J. Jenkins contributing to the 49ers during their playoff run.

Barrows took questions from fans regarding the potential of turnover in the 49ers front office and coaching staff.

Branch recapped Harbaugh’s appearance on KNBR Wednesday.

TV49′s CLIP OF THE DAY

TWEET ABOUT IT

@mt3much4em thank you! I did not want to get tackled by that man!—
LaMichael James (@LaMichaelJames) January 02, 2013

Ray Lewis’ pending retirement was welcomed by running backs around the league.

Week 16 Game Notes

Alex Espinoza — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 20:43:51 +0000

A 42-13 loss at Seattle moved the 49ers’ record to 10-4-1 on the season, but San Francisco still leads the NFC West heading into the regular-season finale against Arizona. 49ers Public Relations presents the following game notes from the Week 16 matchup.

Delanie Gets in the End Zone

TE Delanie Walker caught an 18-yd. TD pass from QB Colin Kaepernick in the 4^th qtr., giving him 3 rec. TDs this season and 8 for his career. He finished the game with 4 recepts. for 54 yds. Walker’s 3 rec. TDs this season tied a career high (3 – 2011).

Rookie Highs:

Rookie RB LaMichael James amassed a career-high 201 total yds. (172 returns, 15 rushing, 14 receiving).
Rookie TE Garrett Celek notched a career-high with 2 recepts. for 41 yds., including a career-long 35-yd. recept.

Willis Picks Off Wilson:

LB Patrick Willis notched his 2^nd INT of the season and 7^th of his career, as he picked off Seahawks QB Russell Wilson in the 2^nd quarter.

Ice Storm:

DT Isaac Sopoaga brought down Seahawks QB Russell Wilson for his 1^st sack of the season.

Lee Nails Down the Coffin Corner:

P Andy Lee dropped 1 punt inside the 20 at Sea. He now has tallied 35 punts downed inside the 20 this season, his 2^nd highest single-season total (42 in 2007).

Akers 2^nd for NFL FG Streak:

With 2 FGs at Sea., K David Akers has now made at least 1 FG in 32 consecutive games, dating back to 1/2/11 vs. Dal., as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles. He now owns the 2^nd longest streak of consecutive games scoring a field goal in NFL history.

Most Consecutive Games Scoring A Field Goal
	Player	Years	Games
1.	Matt Stover, Bal.	1999-01	38
2.	David Akers, Phi./SF	2010-12	32
3.	Fred Cox, Min.	1968-70	31
4t.	Jim Turner, NYJ/Den.	1970-72	28
	Chip Lohmiller, Was.	1988-90	28

Long Distance Akers:

K David Akers nailed a 54-yd. FG right before halftime. It was his 9^th FG from at least 50-yds. as a member of the 49ers, the 2^nd most 50-plus yd. FGs in 49ers history (K Joe Nedney – 10). It also marked Akers’ 24^th career 50-plus yd. FG, which ranks 4^th among all active kickers.

Making His Debut:

LB Cam Johnson made his NFL debut.

Extending Their Streaks:

TE/LS Brian Jennings has now played in 207 consecutive games.
TE Vernon Davis has now started 90 consecutive games, which ranks 3^rd in the NFL among TEs behind Tony Gonzalez (100) and Jason Witten (98).
C Jonathan Goodwin has now started 69 consecutive games, the 5^th most among centers.
K David Akers has now played in 120 consecutive NFL games, the 3^rd most in the NFL among kickers.
P Andy Lee played has played in 143 consecutive NFL games, 3^rd most among NFL punters.

Morning Tailgate: Dec. 20

Taylor Price — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 17:48:50 +0000

The San Francisco 49ers have several Pro Bowl-worthy candidates on this year’s roster. The 2013 All-Star teams for both the NFC and AFC will be announced on Dec. 26, but five members of this year’s club can lay claim to leading the NFC fan-vote at their respective positions.

The vote leaders, released Thursday morning by the NFL, were as follows: DT Justin Smith (257,020), LB Patrick Willis (226,791), G Mike Iupati (177,817), K David Akers (140,847) and ST C.J. Spillman (89,797).

Smith, in particular, will be a much-discussed player this week. The 49ers defensive co-captain is nursing an elbow injury and has not practiced yet this week. Smith might not play against Seattle as discussed by Eric Branch of The San Francisco Chronicle.

Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News looked at San Francisco’s task of shutting down Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee examined how the 49ers will deal with Seattle’s well-known crowd noise.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com looked at the mid-week injury reports for both teams.

Kyle Bonagura of CBSSports.com doesn’t think Jim Harbaugh and Pete Carroll will be exchanging Christmas cards this year.

49ers.com looked at Colin Kaepernick’s preparation for Seattle, the conference calls of Carroll and Wilson, plus an update on the Sunday’s night Spanish simulcast of Sunday Night Football.

TV49’S CLIP OF THE DAY

TWEET ABOUT IT

How does @49ers @KingCrab15 snag the ball without stepping out of bounds? He broke it down for us in #NEXT, out Dec. 28 http://t.co/zGYixpPV—
ESPN The Magazine (@ESPNMag) December 20, 2012

Read all about it.

Morning Tailgate: Dec. 4

Taylor Price — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 18:06:25 +0000

San Francisco 49ers first-round draft pick A.J. Jenkins was active for the second time this season in Sunday’s 16-13 overtime loss to the St. Louis Rams. Jenkins, however, did not play. Second-round pick LaMichael James wasn’t active for the 12th time this year, but that could soon change.

The speedy running back could see action late in the season according to Jim Harbaugh in comments shared by Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee.

The 49ers coach visited with the KNBR Morning Show as he does every Tuesday and explained that the running back, who’s yet to be active in 2012, could see playing time in December.

“I think that’s a real possibility, and he’s worked hard for an opportunity,” Harbaugh said. “And that’s something that’s definitely a possibility that’s coming.”

Trent Baalke, the team’s general manager, also hinted at a possible December debut for James. Baalke visited with 95.7 The Game on Monday as part of his weekly show, his comments were discussed by CSN Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco.

If James is active and can contribute to a 49ers win over the Miami Dolphins this Sunday, the team could clinch a playoff spot with some help from NFC playoff contenders. There’s actually two scenarios in play for the 49ers to be guaranteed of postseason football for consecutive seasons.

Here are the scenarios:

1. San Francisco win + DAL loss + MIN loss + TB loss + WAS loss + SEA loss or tie.

2. San Francisco win + DAL loss + MIN loss + TB loss + WAS loss + STL loss or tie.

The Vikings host the Bears. The Buccaneers host the Eagles. The Redskins host the Ravens. The Seahawks host the Cardinals. The Rams visit the Bills. The Cowboys visit the Bengals.

Ron Kroichick of the San Francisco Chronicle looked at Colin Kaepernick’s poise in the aftermath of Sunday’s adversity.

Daniel Brown of the San Jose Mercury News shares Harbaugh’s Monday comments on Kaepernick starting for the fourth time in a row Sunday against Miami.

Brown also shares Harbaugh’s comments on David Akers remaining as the team’s placekicker.

49ers.com examined Harbaugh’s outlook on the loss to St. Louis and the positives from Kaepernick’s outing in St. Louis.

TV49’S CLIP OF THE DAY

TWEET ABOUT IT

Hopefully all my followers voted for me at least once on the pro bowl ballot….—
TWHITNER (@DonteWhitner) December 04, 2012

#Vote49ers, #VoteWhitner.