Week 17 - 98-pound weekling redux

The Niners sleepwalked through 3 quarters. Then they finally played offense. The result was a 28-6 victory over the beyond-pitiful St. Louis Rams.

The game was a real snoozer, and quite annoyed was I, because, after all, it was just the Lambs, and they were keeping it close!

Michael Crabtree had a spotty game, dropping two first down passes in the first half. He played better in the second half. Still, his first season has, in my eyes, not justified his lofty self-image, his position as a #1 draft choice, or his lengthy holdout. He's just not all that.

Despite a pitiful first half, Alex Smith ended up having a decent game, passing for 222 yards and a touchdown. Frank Gore had a great second half, finishing the game with 107 yards and two touchdowns.

Special huzzahs to Vernon Davis, who tied the single-season record for touchdown receptions by a tight end (13) on a thrilling 73-yard catch-and-run for a touchdown.

Justin Smith and Dashon Goldson were the standouts for the defense, which played a monster game. 8 sacks were registered by the defense, with Justin Smith getting 3.5 of those to go with a team-leading 8 tackles, 4 of which were for a loss. Goldson had a sack of his own, and was all over the field.

The Niners finish the season 8-8, their best record since 2002. This team is improving under Coach Mike Singletary, but there are holes to fill in the offseason. Let's hope they get filled.

One last item. Three 49ers were named to the Pro Bowl earlier this week. Patrick Willis (of course!) and Vernon Davis were named to the NFC team as starters, and all-world punter Andy Lee was selected for the second straight year. Frank Gore is a first-alternate.

I was disappointed that Aubrayo Franklin didn't receive more recognition for his dominance at the nose tackle position. I was also disappointed that Dashon Goldston wasn't on the alternates list. Oh well.

Thus ends the 49ers season, to the relief of yodaddy, Toes, and Deadeye.