Bayless Babbles: San Francisco 49ers Guide to Week 3

By Justin Cheng

The 49ers are 1-1, are in the midst of the toughest part of their schedule, and find themselves at a huge junction in their "Quest for Six" run. After the overhyped Week 2 game against the Seattle Seahawks, Jim Harbaugh will now have to face another one of his former Stanford players -- last week being perennial loudmouth Richard Sherman -- coming in the form of quarterback Andrew Luck. 

In the two years of the Harbaugh-Luck combination, they took a lowly regarded Stanford program, beat top-10 ranked teams in Oregon and USC, en-route to an Orange Bowl victory against Virginia Tech. Harbaugh ultimately bolted for an NFL coaching opportunity before Luck's senior season, and Luck eventually became Peyton Manning's successor in Indianapolis.

This sentiment must have 49ers fans clamoring for some good news, as they played poorly in their rivalry showdown. The 49ers offensive line could not get any push on the running lanes, the wideouts were not getting any separation off the press, and Aldon Smith backhanded a solid performance with idiotic antics off the field.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ers vs. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS        - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

1) Coaching Advantage on Luck?

Put aside the sentiment. Is there a coaching-insider advantage on the Colt's quarterback? Take into consideration that most of the 49ers coaching staff was also at Stanford when Luck was there. 49ers offensive coordinator Greg Roman and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio held the same positions during the Stanford run.

Don't count on it.

Even Harbaugh admitted that "there's not a lot that confuses him (Luck) or rattles him. There's very little that he doesn't handle well. He's just that type of player."

2) Establish the Run
Show that muscle, Frank. We need you.

The 49ers ranked 4th in the NFL in rushing yards last season, but their run-first offense has been non-existent throughout the first two weeks of the season. We  will need better production from our running backs to keep our playbook open to prevent long third-down situations.







3) Stop Being an Idiot

Don't drink and drive.

Stop being a dumbass.

I don't know what else to say.

Stop being a dumbass.

@AldonSmith http://t.co/nYKMeqYxtT USE IT. #yourewelcome
— Justin Cheng (@therealjcheng) September 22, 2013

For previous guides, click below
Preseason Week 2
Preseason Week 3
Preseason Week 4
Week 1 (vs. Packers)
Week 2 (vs. Seahawks)


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The Bayless Babbles is a sports blog is co-authored by UC Merced/ USC alumnus Justin Cheng and UC San Diego alumnus Brent Lee.

For EVERYTHING about The Bayless Babbles, check out our blog page (HERE!)