The Torch is Passed -- The standing ovations and chants of "Jer-ee" were a fitting tribute to Jerry Rice during this past weekend's game at 3Com Park. The greatest receiver in NFL history proved he still has it by hauling in seven catches. Some observers say that Terrell Owens stole Rice's thunder with a record-breaking 20 catches and 283 yards. Nonsense! If anything, it was symbolic of Rice passing the playmaker tag onto Owens. If the post-game interviews were any indication, Owens is ready to step up and accept the mantle as the symbol of the 49ers. Instead of mouthing off and showing up his opponents, Owens demonstrated newfound maturity by deflecting the media attention away from himself and highlighting Rice's accomplishments and contributions to the 49ers' young receiving corps.
Bears Need a Clue -- Let's set the mood ... It's the last play of Jerry Rice's farewell home game. The fans are chanting "Jer-ee!" Rice has spent much of the 4th quarter on the sidelines, as the 49ers have the game well in hand. Amid the chants, Steve Mariucci calls Rice's number and puts him in for one last play. The crowd erupts at the sight of number 80 trotting out onto the field. Jeff Garcia drops back and fires the ball to a wide open Rice running his trademark slant. He's stopped just short of the goal line. Who did the Bears think the 49ers were going to throw to in this situation, J.J. Stokes? Everyone, including the entire stadium and everyone watching at home knew who was going to get the ball. Everyone, that is, except the Chicago Bears. Maybe they were too busy making sure they had Terrell Owens covered.
Another Reclamation Project -- It was tough watching Chicago QB Cade McNown struggle against the resurgent 49er defense. Critics are pointing out that the southpaw has happy feet and not much arm strength. Remember when the 49ers had an All-Pro -- but not yet Hall of Fame-caliber -- QB by the name of Joe Montana and they still brought in a lefty signal-caller from Tampa Bay who also reportedly couldn't stay in the pocket and had questionable arm strength? Steve Young had to wait his turn, but getting the troubled Young from the Bucs turned out to be highway robbery. Jeff Garcia (a guy with a jump pass and average arm) is headed to the Pro Bowl this year (like Montana in the '80s). Wouldn't it be interesting if the Niners brought in McNown and groomed him like they did Young? Maybe that's a bit far-fetched. But then again, just two years ago, McNown was leading a prolific UCLA offense and draft experts were comparing him to Steve Young.
How the West was Lost -- Like many playoff-bound teams, the Oakland Raiders controlled their own destiny. All they had to do was beat Seattle (a non-playoff team) last weekend, finish up by beating Carolina (another non-playoff team) this weekend, and they would be ensured of a first-round bye in the playoffs. Instead, they lose to Seattle, allowing the Denver Broncos a chance to take the division lead with a win over the underachieving Chiefs. Even with the ball seemingly bouncing their way, the Broncos manage to lose to K.C. and hand the AFC West lead back to the Raiders. Is anyone here interested in being a division winner? For the silver and black to finish in first, they either have to beat the Panthers this weekend or hope for a 49ers victory over the Broncos. Will the Raiders step up and display the hunger of a champion, or are they going to rely on the 49ers to help them to a division title through the back door? Everyone knows that Al Davis doesn't trust the Niners ... There's no doubt in my mind that he'll make sure his boys are ready to play this week.
Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO
personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who
make comments. Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd,
racist or sexually-oriented language. Don't threaten. Threats of harming another
person will not be tolerated. Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone
or anything. Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on
each comment to let us know of abusive posts. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Anyone violating these rules will be issued a
warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be
revoked.
Please purchase a Premium Subscription to continue reading.
To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account.
We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription.
A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means you’re helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much!
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
Don't threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Anyone violating these rules will be issued a warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be revoked.