for this game. By simple, I mean Simple Jack type of simple. Never go full retard.
Drive. # plays, yards, TOP, result
1. 12, 66, 7:37, downs
2. 3, 36, 1:23, TD
3. 10, 53, 4:58, FG (miss)
4. 9, 33, 4:16, FG
5. 2, 3, 1:06, end of half
6. 5, 18, 3:20, punt
7. 11, 55, 5:16, FG
8. 16, 89, 8:01, FG (miss)
9. 3, -2, 1:51, end of game
If you look at the drives from the perspective of a game plan focused on ball control, the only "unsuccessful" drive is #6. Yes, the end of #1 sucked, as did #3 and #8. But they all bled clock, wore out the SF defense, and minimized the # of possessions for the 49ers offense - they could never get any rhythm.
37:48 TOP helped keep the defense rested so they could crush the 49ers. That last drive of 8:01 destroyed any chances of a 49er miracle by eating up the 4th quarter. The 49ers ONLY GOT 3 MEANINGFUL POSSESSIONS IN THE ENTIRE 2ND HALF! And only 7 for the entire game.
It could have been better with more succesful finishes on 3 drives, but just keeping the drives going was all it took to win the game.
Masterful game plan by MM and staff.
Drive. # plays, yards, TOP, result
1. 12, 66, 7:37, downs
2. 3, 36, 1:23, TD
3. 10, 53, 4:58, FG (miss)
4. 9, 33, 4:16, FG
5. 2, 3, 1:06, end of half
6. 5, 18, 3:20, punt
7. 11, 55, 5:16, FG
8. 16, 89, 8:01, FG (miss)
9. 3, -2, 1:51, end of game
If you look at the drives from the perspective of a game plan focused on ball control, the only "unsuccessful" drive is #6. Yes, the end of #1 sucked, as did #3 and #8. But they all bled clock, wore out the SF defense, and minimized the # of possessions for the 49ers offense - they could never get any rhythm.
37:48 TOP helped keep the defense rested so they could crush the 49ers. That last drive of 8:01 destroyed any chances of a 49er miracle by eating up the 4th quarter. The 49ers ONLY GOT 3 MEANINGFUL POSSESSIONS IN THE ENTIRE 2ND HALF! And only 7 for the entire game.
It could have been better with more succesful finishes on 3 drives, but just keeping the drives going was all it took to win the game.
Masterful game plan by MM and staff.