Just tidbits from a local sanfran paper.
-- Story line: The Bills represent a 53-man banana peel the 49ers could slip on and fall. For example, the 49ers followed their emotional home win over the Saints on Nov. 11 by barely surviving a scare in Carolina the next week. This week, San Francisco is still on high from last week's big victory in Indianapolis, and next week they're headed to St. Louis to face the Rams. Could the 49ers look past the Bills?
-- When 49ers have the ball: Bills coach Gregg Williams imported his aggressive defensive scheme from the Titans. It's a style the 49ers have rarely faced. To counter, the 49ers probably stick with what they do best -- attack teams with a good balance of run and pass. The emphasis may tilt a little more toward the pass as running back Kevan Barlow probably will miss the game and Garrison Hearst has been slowed this week by a groin pull. Too bad, as the Bills' run defense is ranked 26th; they're ninth against the pass. Terrell Owens, by the way, is still hobbled with a foot injury and could miss the game; he's listed as questionable.
-- When Bills have the ball: Not many surprises for the 49ers, as the Bills are another team that has adopted a version of the West Coast offense, which came in with Williams. The Bills are likely to throw in this game to take advantage of the 49ers' lack of a pass rush and to exploit the talents of wide receiver Eric Moulds and Peerless Price. QB Alex Van Pelt has had two straight 300-yard passing games since replacing the injured Rob Johnson.
-- Story line: The Bills represent a 53-man banana peel the 49ers could slip on and fall. For example, the 49ers followed their emotional home win over the Saints on Nov. 11 by barely surviving a scare in Carolina the next week. This week, San Francisco is still on high from last week's big victory in Indianapolis, and next week they're headed to St. Louis to face the Rams. Could the 49ers look past the Bills?
-- When 49ers have the ball: Bills coach Gregg Williams imported his aggressive defensive scheme from the Titans. It's a style the 49ers have rarely faced. To counter, the 49ers probably stick with what they do best -- attack teams with a good balance of run and pass. The emphasis may tilt a little more toward the pass as running back Kevan Barlow probably will miss the game and Garrison Hearst has been slowed this week by a groin pull. Too bad, as the Bills' run defense is ranked 26th; they're ninth against the pass. Terrell Owens, by the way, is still hobbled with a foot injury and could miss the game; he's listed as questionable.
-- When Bills have the ball: Not many surprises for the 49ers, as the Bills are another team that has adopted a version of the West Coast offense, which came in with Williams. The Bills are likely to throw in this game to take advantage of the 49ers' lack of a pass rush and to exploit the talents of wide receiver Eric Moulds and Peerless Price. QB Alex Van Pelt has had two straight 300-yard passing games since replacing the injured Rob Johnson.
