Each Wednesday we are going to look back on the 3 things that transcribed in last week’s game that changed the tides then look forward to the game coming up. Last week’s 16-6 loss in the “Harbowl” stopped the San Francisco 49ers 8 game winning streak, but gave them a lot of time to prepare for the division match-up versus the Rams.

The Baltimore Ravens defense dominated our offensive line at the point of attack. QB Alex Smith, who was sacked 9 times on the night, played decent for the lack of protection. I don’t know if it was the lack of game planning due to the short week or if the line was relaxed because they heard Ray Lewis was a scratch, but it was horrible to say the least. The running game couldn’t get established and the passing game never had a chance with the lack of time to throw the ball. (more…)

The 49ers got absolutely punked on the front line this Thanksgiving in the “Harbowl”.  Probably the only team that can stand up to the 49ers physically upfront kicked their butts.  I’m not going to spend a lot of time going into the obvious, the short week, the flight across the country, you know the complete and utter unfairness that was this game?

Back to the point here, Fullback Moran Norris was active for the game, I saw him warmup in fact, I verified it online and TV from many sources, it’s a fact.  Did you see him out there?  Nope, that’s because the 49ers only real competent FB on the roster is emerging rookie Bruce Miller.  Aside from his TD catch in Washington and his near TD in Arizona he hasn’t been somebody talked about too much (except for the growing fan base including myself that just wants to see the end of Moran Norris).

The fact is Miller has been brilliant, everyone wants to key on the fact that he is an obvious upgrade to Norris as a receiver, rusher, and overall athlete that much is a given.  But what Miller has brought to the running game has been understated to say the least.  Miller gets to the second level as fast as any FB in football (yeah I said it!) he’s a physical player and his transition from college defensive line to pro FB has been almost seamless.  Did you see Frank Gore or Kendall Hunter hit the second level vs the Ravens?  Did the backs really help out that much in pass protection?  Think the 49ers miss Miller now?

I’ll take a look at the right side of the OL after the jump

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49ers LB Patrick Willis 52 photo from articles.sfgate.com

We’ve reached the mid way point of the season so it’s time to hand out the first annual Hamm’s 49ers Pigskin Mid Year Awards .  The 49ers stand at 7-1, have won all types of games, from the blowout vs Tampa Bay to the comebacks in Philadelphia and Detroit.  Here are the players most responsible and why, time to hand out my 49er mid season awards.

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