This is the third time in the sixteen or seventeen years of this forum that the team has advanced this far. 1998/9, last year and now. Not a lot of reward for the energy and emotion we've input over that time. And still hard to peek beyond this week to imagine the Niners taking one step beyond to a dimension of sight and sound we haven't collectively experienced together. The new frontier looms around the corner if only ....

The five championships come from a great vault of memories when remembering the satisfaction of those past years, but in reality the franchise is new to being a perennial contender. If two years can even be considered perennial or a guarentee to be continued the way the dynamics of contention change so quickly. So it's about the 'now,' the present opportunity. Teams like the Bears, Seattle and Cardinals went deep in the playoffs in the last seven or eight years only to fall back to the lower ranks and require extensive changes. I think Harbaugh can keep the team contending all things being equal, but this may be their best shot to at least get to the big show. I doubt the coaching staff can remain intact three years in a row, and who knows what else will happen to shake up the pecking order.

Last year we had home field, but faced a savvy team with lots of playoff experience. Even so the game should have been won. This year Atlanta is in new playoff territory.

As much as I never underestimate an opponent this far into the playoffs, I just can't see Atlanta being able to match the Niners score for score, series by series. Too much dynamic versatility for their defense to shut down. They will have to get great protection for Ryan, and establish a credible running game. I like the Niners odds containing the run and have a hunch that Fangio will come up with some surprises for their offensive line. Aldon has been quiet for a few weeks and I hope he busts out big time. But the most attention will be on pass coverage. Gonzales is a challenge anywhere on the field, and their deep threats are fast with good hands. They always throw a few long bombs in their games and probably will probe Culliver early.

It will be important to contain them early and not let the crowd swell their momentum. If Kap plays with poise and patience he should be able to find flaws in their schemes. Tease them with the Pistol early, but let Gore do the running. Then spread their defense the full width of the field and keep them guessing what comes next. I hope for thirty five or more points scored and have to concede that the Falcons will get somewhere between twenty one and twenty seven. And I hope field goal kicking isn't a decisive factor. With weather not a factor lots of points could be put up. My final score guess is Niners 38 Atlanta 27.

Last Edited By: Arnold49 01/15/13 01:24 AM. Edited 1 times.