49ers to face New York Bretts on Sunday

'Niners face tough Jets team

Brett Favre and the Jets come to San Francisco to play at Candlestick Park, a place where the quarterback is quite comfortable. Favre went 7-0 as a Green Bay Packer against the 49ers and 3-0 at Candlestick. Add in the playoffs and he’s 11-1 and 5-1 in the 49ers’ home park. Throw in a disappointing 34-17 loss in Denver last Sunday and a stiff challenge awaits the 49ers. But, coming off a surprising 10-3 victory against Buffalo, San Francisco’s spirits should be high and its faith rejuvenated.

Looking back at the win over Buffalo, the team’s performance contained a few high notes to be mentioned. The 49ers (4-8) scored on the first drive of the game as Shaun Hill found Isaac Bruce for a 12-yard touchdown. Though running back Frank Gore had only 66 yards and a 2.8-yard average, he carried the ball 24 times in the rainy weather, which allowed the 49ers to grind out the win. Hill threw one touchdown pass, but more importantly, failed to throw an interception. Ten points, especially on the road, won’t do the job on most days, but the defense made the small sum stand up.

Speaking of the defense, the unit starred and put together the type of performance some thought would be commonplace. To limit a team to three points at home is impressive; especially if compared to the many 30-point outbursts the 49ers’ defense has allowed this season.

The defense made three stops inside their 10-yard line and one inside the red zone. But, it also allowed 134 yards rushing to Marshawn Lynch and 350 total yards, which led to the win, being characterized as “ugly.”

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After getting routinely burned by Terrell Owens, Nate Clements returned to his former place of employment and combined with another former Bill, Takeo Spikes, for 15 tackles. Justin Smith had five tackles and 1 ½ sacks. The 49ers’ defense held an opponent to its lowest point total this season, which worked out because the offense put up its fewest points of the year.

What does this mean against the Jets? Probably not much because the 49ers can’t expect to limit the explosive Jets to only three points and have 10 points be enough for a second straight Sunday. So, the 49ers will have to score and limit a potent attack, which isn’t something they’ve succeeded at this year.

With the end near, interim head coach Mike Singletary probably needs another signature win to make his case for next season. But, this might not be the right match-up because if past history is any indicator, the 49ers’s defense will allow another 30 points and the offense will score more than 10, but ultimately not enough.

By Jim Bucci
ProFootball-fans.com San Francisco 49ers Correspondent