The park is mine

by Heartless James McNeil

Jacksonville Jaguars at San Francisco 49ers

Sunday 4:05pm Candlestick Park

The pressure is on for San Francisco QB Alex Smith. The 49ers have lost by a total of 20 points combined in their last 4 games. Coach Singletary has even been quoted as calling him “meek”. Coach was later quoted as saying he meant that Smith was humble.


The 49ers are at Candlestick Park today against the visiting and frisky Jacksonville Jaguars, who have managed to whip up a 3 game winning streak. Last week, the Niners lost a hard fought battle at Green Bay when they threatened later in that game to a result of 30-24. These guys have lost 5 of their last six with the exception of a victory against the ailing Chicago Bears. But the Florida Gators could beat Chicago right now.

San Francisco walks into this game with the 27th ranked offense scoring an average of 20.8 points a game. But for the 3 game trend, they’ve reduced that number to 20.3; a little over 19 if you go by 4 game tallies. Last week, Alex Smith went 16 for 33 with 3 TDs and 1 INT for 227 yards. But he didn’t get crunk until the 3rd quarter. A valid attempt at a comeback, but too late against Green Bay’s assault. However, the Jags will give Smith some room to take to the air with their 25th against the pass ranking.

On the Defensive side, the 49ers are ranked 6th against the rush with 94.7 yards a game. A definate plus against a maniac running back like Maurice Jones-Drew. The bad news is, he hasn’t been contained in the last few games that compliment the Jags 7th ranked rush offense; higher if you count 3 game trends. Also, the fact that San Fran is giving up 255 passing yards a game. David Garrard should have a nice flight path plan for the 49ers cornerbacks.

Put all the data together on both these teams, and you have a close matchup. But with one big difference; the Jags are winning. Jacksonville should edge this one out.