US Soccer World Cup Roster History, Club Comparison

2014 WC 23 Man Roster

GK:
Tim Howard (Everton), Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake) - 2 Europe, 1 MLS

Def:
Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City), Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy), John Brooks (Hertha Berlin), DaMarcus Beasley (Puebla), Fabian Johnson (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Timmy Chandler (Nürnberg), DeAndre Yedlin (Seattle Sounders FC) - 4 Europe, 1 Mexico, 3 MLS

Mid:
Michael Bradley (Toronto FC), Jermaine Jones (Besiktas), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City), Mix Diskerud (Rosenborg), Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Alejandro Bedoya (Nantes), Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo), Julian Green (Bayern Munich) - 4 Europe, 4 MLS

For:
Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders FC), Jozy Altidore (Sunderland), Aron Johannsson (AZ Alkmaar), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes) - 2 Europe, 2 MLS

Total: 12 Europe (4 England, 4 Germany, 1 France, 1 Netherlands, 1 Norway, 1 Turkey), 1 Mexico, 10 MLS 


2010 WC 23 Man Roster

GK:
Tim Howard (Everton), Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton), Brad Guzan (Aston Villa) - 3 Europe

Def:
Oguchi Onyewu (AC Milan), Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes), Jay DeMerit (Watford), Clarence Goodson (IK Start), Jonathan Spector (West Ham), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96) and Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA) - 6 Europe, 1 MLS

Mid:
Landon Donovan (Galaxy), Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Michael Bradley (Gladbach), Stuart Holden (Bolton), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Ricardo Clark (Eintracht Frankfurt), Benny Feilhaber (AGF Aarhus) and Francisco Torres (Pachuca), DaMarcus Beasley (Rangers) - 7 Europe, 1 Mexico, 1 MLS

For:
Josimer Altidore (Hull City), Herculez Gomez (Puebla), Edson Buddle (Galaxy), Robbie Findley (Salt Lake) - 1 Europe, 1 Mexico, 2 MLS

Total: 17 Europe (8 England, 3 Germany, 2 Scotland, 1 Italy, 1 France, 1 Norway, 1 Denmark), 2 Mexico, 4 MLS 



2006 WC 23 Man Roster

GK:
Kasey Keller (Gladbach), Tim Howard (Man U), Marcus Hahnemann (Reading) - 3 Europe

Def:
Eddie Pope (Salt Lake), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard Liege), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham), Jimmy Conrad (KC), Eddie Lewis (Leeds Utd), Gregg Berhalter (Energie Cottbus), Chris Albright (Galaxy).  Cory Gibbs (ADO Den Haag) and Frankie Hejduk (MLS) both replaced by last 2 after knee injuries. - 5 Europe, 3 MLS

Mid:
Claudio Reyna (Man City), John O'Brien (Chivas USA), Landon Donovan (Galaxy), DaMarcus Beasley (PSV Eindhoven), Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado), Bobby Convey (Reading), Clint Dempsey (NE Revs), Ben Olsen (DC United) - 4 Europe, 5 MLS

For:
Brian McBride (Fulham), Eddie Johnson (KC), Brian Ching (Houston), Josh Wolff (KC) - 1 Europe, 2 MLS

Total: 12 Europe (7 England, 3 Germany, 1 Belgium, 1 Netherlands), 11 MLS 



2002 WC 22 Man Roster

GK:
Brad Friedel (Blackburn), Kasey Keller (Tottenham), Tony Meola (KC) - 2 Europe, 1 MLS

Def:
Frankie Hejduk (Bayern Lev), Jeff Agoos (San Jose), Eddie Pope (DC United), Tony Sanneh (FC Nuremberg), Gregg Berhalter (Crystal Palace), David Regis (FC Metz), Carlos Llamosa (NE Rev), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96) - 5 Europe, 3 MLS

Mid:
Claudio Reyna (Sunderland), John O'Brien (Ajax), DaMarcus Beasley (Chicago), Earnie Stewart (NEC Breda - Netherlands), Joe-Max Moore (Everton), Eddie Lewis (Fulham), Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado), Cobi Jones (Galaxy) - 5 Europe, 3 MLS

For:
Brian McBride (Columbus), Landon Donovan (San Jose), Clint Mathis (NY), Josh Wolff (Chicago) - 4 MLS

Total: 12 Europe (6 England, 3 Germany, 2 Netherlands, 1 France), 11 MLS 



1998 WC 22 Man Roster

GKs:
Brad Friedel (Liverpool), Kasey Keller (Leicester City), Jurgen Sommer (Columbus) - 2 Europe, 1 MLS

Def:
Frankie Hejduk (Tampa Bay), Eddie Pope (DC United), Mike Burns (NE Rev), Thomas Dooley (Columbus), David Regis (SC Karlsruher), Jeff Agoos (DC United), Marcelo Balboa (Colorado), Alexi Lalas (NY) - 1 Europe, 7 MLS

Mid:
Joe-Max Moore (NE Rev), Tab Ramos (NY), Cobi Jones (Galaxy), Claudio Reyna (Vfl Wolfsburg), Chad Deering (Vfl Wolfsburg), Roy Wegerle (DC United), Brian Maisonneuve (Columbus) - 2 Europe, 5 MLS

For:
Earnie Stewart (NAC Breda), Brian McBride (Columbus), Eric Wynalda (San Jose), Preki Radosavljevic (KC) - 1 Europe, 3 MLS

Total: 6 Europe (2 England, 3 Germany, 1 Netherlands), 16 MLS 



1994 WC 22 Man Roster

GK:
Tony Meola N, Brad Friedel N, Jurgen Sommer (Luton Town) 1 Europe, 2 Domestic

Def:
Cle Kooiman (Cruz Azul), Mike Lapper N, Thomas Dooley N/Germany, Marcelo Balboa N, Paul Caligiuri N, Fernando Clavijo N, Alexi Lalas N - 1 Mexico, 6 Domestic

Mid:
John Harkes (Derby County), Tab Ramos (Real Betis), Roy Wegerle (Coventry City), Claudio Reyna N/Virginia Univ, Mike Burns N, Hugo Perez N, Cobi Jones N, Mike Sorber N - 3 Europe, 5 Domestic

For:
Earnie Stewart (Willem II), Eric Wynalda (FC Saarbrucken), Frank Klopas N, Joe-Max Moore N - 2 Europe, 2 Domestic

Total: 6 Europe (3 England, 1 Germany, 1, Spain, 1 Netherlands), 1 Mexico, N (No Club team) 15 - either signed to play exclusively for USSF or in college



1990 22 Man Roster

GK:
Tony Meola (Virginia Univ), Kasey Keller (Portland), David Vanole (Los Angeles) - 1 College, 2 Domestic

Def:
Steve Trittschuch (Tampa Bay), John Doyle (San Francisco), Jimmy Banks (Milwaukee), Mike Windischmann (Albany), Brian Bliss (Albany), Paul Krumpe (Chicago), Desmond Armstrong (Baltimore), Marcelo Balboa (San Diego) - 8 Domestic

Mid:
John Harkes (Albany), Tab Ramos (Miami), Eric Eichmann (Fort Lauderdale), John Stollmeyer (Washington), Bruce Murray (Washington), Chris Henderson (UCLA), Paul Caligiuri (UCLA), Neil Covone (Wake Forest Univ) - 3 College, 5 Domestic

For:
Chris Sullivan (Raba ETO - Hun), Peter Vermes (Volendam - Ned), Eric Wynalda (San Francisco) - 2 Europe, 1 Domestic

Total: 2 Europe (1 Hungary, 1 Netherlands), 4 College, 16 US Domestic League



1950 Roster

GK:
Frank Borghi, Gino Gardassanich

Def:
Joe Maca, Harry Keough, Bob Annis, Geoff Coombes

Mid:
Ed Mcilvenny, John Souza, Charlie Colombo, Walter Bahr

For:
Frank Wallace, Ed Souza, Gino Pariani, Bob Craddock, Joe Gaetjens, Nick Di Orio, Adam Wolanin



1934 Roster

GK:
Julius Hjulian

Def:
Joe Martinelli, George Moorhouse, Ed Czerkiewicz, Herman Rapp, Al Harker

Mid:
Peter Pietras, Tom Lynch, Bill Lehmann, Tom Amrhein, Jimmy Gallagher, Bill Fiedler

For:
Billy Gonsalves, Walter Dick, Werner Nilsen, Aldo Donelli, Bill Mclean, Tom Florie, Francis Ryan



1930 Roster

GK:
Jimmy Douglas

Def:
Alexander Wood, George Moorhouse, Ralph Tracey, Frank Vaughn

Mid:
Mike Bookie, Jimmy Gallagher, Arnie Oliver, Phil Slone

For:
Bert Patenaude, Bart McGhee, Billy Gonsalves, Jim Gentle, Tom Florie, Jim Brown, Andrew Auld




Club Analysis:

In 1990, we had 2 players in Europe, 4 college players and 16 in the domestic league at the time, which, for our purposes, is comparable to the MLS as its forerunner.  Result: Group stage exit.

In 1994, we had 6 in Europe, 1 in Mexico, and 15 under contract with the USSF.  (Apparently in the early nineties, the US Soccer Federation began signing some of the top US players to exclusive contracts to compete for the US.  Some were loaned by the USSF to European clubs as well.)  For our purposes, we'll equate the 15 to the MLS.  Result: 2nd round.

In 1998, we had 6 in Europe and 16 in the MLS (1995 is its inaugural season).  Result: Group stage exit.

In 2002, we had 12 in Europe and 11 in the MLS.  Result: 3rd round.

In 2006, we had 12 in Europe and 11 in the MLS.  Result: Group stage exit.

In 2010, we had 17 Europe, 2 Mexico, and 4 MLS.  Result: 2nd round.

This year, we have 12 Europe, 1 Mexico, and 10 MLS.


- From 1990 to 2010, we've had a steady increase of players (from 2 to 17) plying their trade in Europe.

- Then this year, we have gone back to 12.  Bradley, and Dempsey's return perhaps indicates that the MLS is getting better.  What is not in doubt is that the MLS is paying our star players even better than European opportunities.

- We've alternated between advancing and finishing last in the group stage every other tournament.  This is the year that we are supposed to exit after the group stage.



WC Experience on US WC Rosters:

In 1994, we returned 6 players from the 1990 team.  (Meola, Balboa, Caligiuri, Harkes, Ramos and Wynalda).  Result: 2nd round

In 1998, we returned 13 players from the 1994 team.  (Friedel, Sommer, Burns, Dooley, Balboa, Lalas, Max-Moore, Ramos, Jones, Reyna, Wegerle, Stewart and Wynalda).  Result: Group stage exit

In 2002, we returned 10 players from the 1998 team.  (Friedel, Keller, Hejduk, Agoos, Pope, Reyna, Stewart, Max-Moore, Jones, McBride).  Result: 3rd round

In 2006, we returned 11 players from the 2002 team.  (Keller, Pope, Cherundolo, Lewis, Berhalter, Reyna, Donovan, Beasley, Mastroeni, McBride).  Result: Group stage exit

In 2010, we returned 7 players from the 2006 team.  (Howard, Onyewu, Bocanegra, Cherundolo, Donovan, Dempsey, Beasley).  Result: 2nd round

This year, we return 6 players from the 2010 team.  (Howard, Guzan, Beasley, Bradley, Dempsey, Altidore)


- So, the year we returned the least amount of players ('94), we advanced out of the group.  The year we returned the most amount ('98), we were the worst team in the tournament.

- The two years we only returned single digit number of players, we advanced out of the group both times.

- The three years we returned double digit number of players, we were out shamefully two of those three years.

- But the year we went the farthest ('02), we had 10 returning players.

So the conclusion is that there is no real correlation.

2014 Brazil WC US Roster Prediction - Feb 2014

This is my 5th prediction for US Soccer's 23 roster spots for Brazil 2014.  (Previous predictions, for the record: July 2010, June 2011, January 2012, and January 2013).

Goalkeepers:
Tim Howard (S), Brad Guzan, Nick Rimando

In the mix: Bill Hamid, Sean Johnson

One of 5 players than Klinsmann has penned into his Brazil starting lineup is of course Howard.  In this cycle, Guzan has shown that he deserves to be #2.  Klinsmann seems to prefer Rimando, who started so capably through last year's Gold Cup, over young guns in Sean Johnson and Bill Hamid for the last GK spot.  Rimando is 35 though, so it may be of some benefit to bring a young gun along for the ride.


Centerbacks:
Omar Gonzalez (S), Matt Besler (S), Clarence Goodson, Geoff Cameron

In the mix: Oguchi Onyewu, John Brooks, Michael Orozco, Maurice Edu, Tim Ream?

In my first 3 predictions, I didn't include Bocanegra, figuring he'd be too old by 2014 (35!).  And yet, Klinsmann started him game and after game as his captain.  I finally relented and added Boca to my last prediction in Jan '13.  Days later, in the first game of the final WC qualifying round, Boca was relegated to the bench in a shocker, never to see the field for the US again (besides a well-deserved testimonial, I hope).  He didn't even sniff a spot for the Gold Cup when we sent our B team.
Besler and Gonzalez both emerged out of the '13 January camp as starters, and both may get the nod come June.  Goodson and Cameron have been used often by Klinsmann over the last 2 years and it would surprise me if either were excluded.  Cameron also provides cover as a RB, seeing that he plays there for his club.  Gooch has been making some noise in recent weeks, but is it loud enough to catch JK's attention?


Fullbacks:
Fabian Johnson (S), Brad Evans (S), DaMarcus Beasley, Timothy Chandler

In the mix: Michael Parkhurst, Edgar Castillo, Eric Lichaj, Michael Orozco, Steve Cherundolo

The starting LB battle is really between Fabian and DaMarcus.  I gave Fabian the start just for kicks.  He could very well slide up to LM and partner with Beaz up the left.  Brad Evans was the RB starter the majority of our A team's games in '13, but I shudder a bit thinking of Ronaldo bearing down on Evans on the left side.  Chandler seems to be in the doghouse now, but our RB pool is extremely shallow.  Sadly, Dolo just can't get healthy and time is working against him anyway.  Parkhurst and Castillo have been useful to Klinsmann in this cycle, but not preferred.  Lichaj was brought in at the end of '13, and may still be on JK's radar.  (I'd much prefer to take him instead of Evans).  And again, Cameron may very well slide over and start at RB.


Central/Defensive Midfielders:
Michael Bradley (S), Jermaine Jones (S), Kyle Beckerman, Maurice Edu

In the mix: Danny Williams, Stuart Holden (not really but I just wanted to include him), Dax McCarty

This is the one position that's the most set in stone.  JK actually views this position as a two-way role, a box-to-box midfielder, if you will.  Two of Klinsmann's core players include Bradley and Jones.  Beckerman is clearly his favorite if either went down with injury.  The only question is whether Klinsmann needs a 4th player of this type.  I think Edu has the versatility to also fill in at CB, if needed.  Given the attacking prowess of our group opponents, I think JK uses this extra midfield spot to shore up defensively.


Attacking Midfielders:
Clint Dempsey (S), Landon Donovan (S), Graham Zusi (S), Brek Shea, Mix Diskerud

In the mix: Sasha Kljestan, Alejandro Bedoya, Joe Corona, Jose F Torres, Brad Davis, Benny Feilhaber, Mike Magee

According to Klinsmann, Dempsey is really the only lock to start here, and he really could be considered a forward since he'll play just under Jozy.  Zusi emerged in Jan '13 camp as a capable fill-in on the right during Donovan's absence and started the majority of the A team's games last year.  I'm thinking Klinsmann will ultimately decide to start both players on the wings, while Brek, EJ and Fabian provide the depth out wide.  Diskerud edges out Kljestan as Clint's backup.  There's a slew of names that are in the mix, so much will depend on who's in form come May.


Forwards:
Jozy Altidore (S), Aron Johannsson, Eddie Johnson

In the mix: Chris Wondolowski, Terrence Boyd, Juan Agudelo, Herculez Gomez

Klinsmann reiterated that Jozy's got his spot locked up (although I'm not sure why if he's unable to score in club play), while young Aron Johannsson's speed and skill earns him a place as well.  EJ has found some usefulness to JK often as a change of pace attacker off the bench.  Wondo may have to go on a tear in the MLS to get a real chance, while Boyd and Agudelo have opportunity to make their mark in Europe the next few months.  As we saw last WC (Findley!?!, Buddle!?!), strikers just need to get hot at the right time.  Speaking of '10 WC forwards, whatever happened to Herculez?  He was our de facto starter in '12, then went AWOL.



Starting Lineup:

-------------Jozy---------------
Donovan---Dempsey------Zusi-
--------Jones-Bradley----------
Johnson-Besler-Gonzalez-Evans
------------Howard------------

49ers: NFC Championship Game History

The San Francisco 49ers are about to play in their 15th NFC Championship.  Its their 3rd straight NFC Championship game, the third time they have played in 3 consecutive NFL semifinals in their history.  Of the 15 times the 49ers have made it, only twice (1981, 1997) did they make the NFC Championship without playing it in the year before or reaching it the year after.  Since the playoffs take place in the following calendar year, we'll denote each 49ers appearance by the regular season's calendar year.  ( For instance, the 49ers are about to play in the 2013NFC Championship).  The years in which the 49ers were victorious are in bold.

1970
Dallas Cowboys 17 - SF 49ers 10
Kezar Stadium (SF)

1971
Dallas Cowboys 14 - SF 49ers 3
Texas Stadium

1981
SF 49ers 28 - Dallas Cowboys 27
Candlestick Park

1983
Washington Redskins 24 - SF 49ers 21
RFK Stadium

1984
SF 49ers 23 - Chicago Bears 0
Candlestick Park

1988
SF 49ers 28 - Chicago Bears 3
Soldier Field

1989
SF 49ers 30 - Los Angeles Rams 3
Candlestick Park

1990
New York Giants 15 - SF 49ers 13
Candlestick Park

1992
Dallas Cowboys 30 - SF 49ers 20
Candlestick Park

1993
Dallas Cowboys 38 - SF 49ers 21
Texas Stadium

1994
SF 49ers 38 - Dallas Cowboys 28
Candlestick Park

1997
Green Bay Packers 23 - SF 49ers 10
Candlestick Park

2011
New York Giants 20 - SF 49ers 17
Candlestick Park

2012
SF 49ers 28 - Atlanta Falcons 24
Georgia Dome

2013
SF 49ers vs Seattle Seahawks
CenturyLink Field


Random Observations:

- In our 14 previous conference championship games, we have won 6 and lost 8.  Starting with the Walsh dynasty, which is really the 49ers that I know, they've actually been 6-6.  Walsh himself was 3-1.

- From 1981 to 1997, we played in 10 of the 17 NFC Championship games.  Considering our sustained excellence over 17 years, the fact that there was a 13 year absence is quite sad.

- SF has now surpassed Dallas in having the most NFC appearances and also tied Pittsburgh with conference championship appearances with 15.

- Of the 13 previous games, we've played Dallas 6 times, more than any other team, winning only twice.

- The 49ers have hosted 9 NFC Championships, far and away the most by any team.  Dallas and Washington have each hosted 5.

- Our record at home in this game is 4-5.  (4-4 at Candlestick Park since our 1st NFC champ game was played at Kezar Stadium.)

- The 1981 game against Dallas featured Montana-Clark's "The Catch", which jump-started the Walsh dynasty.

- The sweetest NFC championship win was the 1994 game over Dallas.  It was the 3rd consecutive meeting between these rivals in the NFC Championship, with SF coming up short both times before in '93 and '92.  The 49ers also disappointingly missed the '91 playoffs (even with a 10 win season).  As for 1990....  

- The most bitter NFC championship loss was the 1990 game where our hopes of an unprecedented Superbowl 3-peat was abruptly ended by the Giants in a 2 point loss.  This was the last playoff game Montana played for the 49ers.

- The 1997 loss to GB was just about as painful because the Packers had ended our postseason 3 consecutive years ('95, '96, '97 - which is clearly why TO's '98 "The Catch II" to beat the Packers was so cathartic).  If anyone was writing the storybook properly, we were supposed to finally prevail in 1997 (or at least in '98) and win the SB, just as the '94 49ers defeated the Cowboys on the 3rd try.

- Our record on the road is 2-3, with victories at Soldier Field in 1988 and at the Georgia Dome last season.  We lost at Texas Stadium twice and RFK once.

- Harbaugh's 49ers came back from a 17-0 deficit to beat the Falcons last year 28-24.  He is now the only coach to advance to the NFL semifinals each of his first 3 seasons.

- Kaepernick's road record in this game is obviously 1-0.  Montana was 1-1 on the road (3-1 at home).  Young was 0-1 on the road, (1-3 at home).

- This is only the 2nd time that the 49ers will play a fellow NFC West opponent.  In the '89 season, we pounded the Rams 30-3.

- This will be only Seattle's 2nd NFC Championship game.  They won their only visit in the 2005 season 34-14 over the Panthers.  Of course, they lost to Big Ben's Steelers in the Superbowl.


After we were punished by the Colts in Week 3, I was already resigned to the tall task of having to beat the Seahawks in Seattle to get back to the Superbowl.  Given Seattle's cake schedule and the feeling that our window closed when Kaepernick's pass sailed over Crabtree's head on 4th down vs the Ravens, I should probably be ecstatic that we're back in the NFC Championship.

Seeing as we haven't been able to get within 3 touchdowns in our last two games there, it is a frightening prospect anyway you look at it.  However, there is a glimmer of hope, since Arizona beat them in Week 16 and their offense has been off for the past few games.  (Wilson only completed 9 passes for 103 yards last week.)  As for the 9ers, they've emerged unscathed and as the most balanced team from the gauntlet of a -10 degree wind chill weather in Lambeau and a tough D in Carolina.

But clearly, this will be the toughest test.  For the 9ers to win, Willis/Bowman/Brooks need to contain Lynch (which the 49ers haven't proven they can do) and pressure Russell with just our 4 man front.  On offense, no turnovers can be allowed and Gore needs to at least have an effective day.  I can't actually make an objective prediction due to my intense hatred of the Seagulls, so here's hoping we get an early turnover or two and jump out to a 17 point lead.  We'll finish off the clock with a heavy dosage of Gore/Hunter and win 31-17.

3 Consecutive Conference Championship Appearances List

NFC
1970-73 Dallas Cowboys, 2-2 (won SB in 1971 NFL season)
1974-76 Los Angeles Rams, 0-3
1980-82 Dallas Cowboys, 0-3
1988-91 San Francisco 49ers, 2-1 (won SB '88, '89)
1992-95 Dallas Cowboys, 3-1 (won SB '92, '93, '95)
1992-94 San Francisco 49ers, 1-2 (won SB '93)
1995-97 Green Bay Packers, 2-1 (won SB '96)
2001-04 Philadelphia Eagles, 1-3
2011-13 San Francisco 49ers, 1-1, TBD

AFC
1971-73 Miami Dolphins, 3-0 (won SB '72, '73)
1973-77 Oakland Raiders 1-4 (won SB '76)
1974-76 Pittsburgh Steelers 2-1 (won SB '74, '75)
1990-93 Buffalo Bills 4-0
2011-13 New England Patriots 1-1, TBD

- The balance of power was clearly with the AFC in the '70s, with the NFC in the '80s and '90s, and nonexistent in the 2000's.

- 14 times, including this season's Patriots and 49ers, a team has advanced to at least 3 consecutive Conference championships.  9 times in the NFC, 5 times in the AFC.

- 4 of those times, a team made it to 4 consecutive conference championships - Dallas '70-'73, Buffalo '90-'93, Dallas '92-'95, Philadelphia '01-'04.

- 1 team earned 5 consecutive trips - Oakland '73-'77, but only advanced to the SB once.

- The 49ers and Cowboys are the only two organizations that have had multiple conference championship streaks.  Both have done it 3 times.

- The Dolphins and the Bills are the only two teams that never suffered a loss during their conference championship streaks.  Of course, sadly, the Bills never won a SB in 4 tries.

- In fact, including the Bills, there were 4 times where teams did not at least win the Superbowl at least once during their respective conference championship streaks.

- Also, only 4 times did an organization win multiple SBs during their conference championship streak.  Let's not be the 5th.  Hopefully that'll be the Belicheats.

49ers Division Round Playoff History

1949 - NY Yankees @ SF, Won 17-7 (AAFC)
1957 - Detroit @ SF, Lost 31-27
1970 - SF @ Minnesota, Won 17-14
1971 - Washington @ SF, Won 24-20
1972 - Dallas @ SF, Lost 30-28
1981 - NY Giants @ SF, Won 38-24
1983 - Detroit @ SF, Won 24-23
1984 - NY Giants @ SF, Won 21-10
1986 - SF @ NY Giants, Lost 49-3
1987 - Minnesota @ SF, Lost 36-24
1988 - Minnesota @ SF, Won 34-9
1989 - Minnesota @ SF, Won 41-13
1990 - Washington @ SF, Won 28-10
1992 - Washington @ SF, Won 20-13
1993 - NY Giants @ SF, Won 44-3
1994 - Chicago @ SF, Won 44-15
1995 - Green Bay @ SF, Lost 27-17
1996 - SF @ Green Bay, Lost 35-14
1997 - Minnesota @ SF, Won 38-22
1998 - SF @ Atlanta, Lost 20-18
2002 - SF @ Tampa Bay, Lost 31-6
2011 - New Orleans @ SF, Won 36-32
2012 - Green Bay @ SF, Won 45-31
2013 - SF @ Carolina

- 49ers have played in 22 divisional playoff games and have a 14-8 record.  Their 1949 AAFC playoff game is not counted here.

- They played the Vikings 5 times (4-1), Giants 4 times (3-1), Redskins 3 times (3-0), Packers 3 times (1-2), Lions twice (1-1),  Bears once (W), Saints once (W), Falcons once (L), Buccaneers once (L) and Dallas surprisingly only once (L)

- 17 of the Divisional playoff games were played at home.  They went 13-4.

- On the road, the 49ers were 1-4.  That doesn't bode well for us vs Panthers.

- In the 17 years stretch from 1981-1998, the 49ers played in an unbelievable 15 divisional round playoff games.

- In the 31 years preceding 1981 ('50-'81), they only reached this round 4 times.

- In the 16 years since 1998, the 49ers reached this round another 4 times, including this year.

- Harbaugh has reached this round in all 3 years of his NFL coaching career.


Facing the Carolina Panthers

The 49ers have never faced the Panthers in the playoffs and are actually 7-11 against them all-time.  SF is winless in the last 4 games against them, including the 10-9 ugly loss earlier this season at Candlestick.  In that game, Vernon Davis was lost to concussion and Crabtree had not yet returned.  The Panthers basically doubled Boldin and stacked the box to stop our run.  Now in the playoffs, Kaepernick is clearly allowed to tuck and run whenever he wants, adding a 3rd dimension to the attack, which turned out to be the x-factor vs the Packers.

Among the issues the 49ers need to address, is the ridiculous use of timeouts, especially early in the 2nd half.  Does Kaepernick not understand that losing 5 yards on 1st down in the 3rd quarter is worth saving a timeout for?  Not having our timeouts cost us in the Superbowl, and I'm afraid we still haven't learned our lesson.  Speaking of Kaep, I'd also like to see him tuck the ball when he's running.

Our redzone offense can be a bit frustrating as well.  Against the Pack, we could have been up 21-0, and against our defense, the game would have been over.  Settling for field goals won't cut it against the Seattle Seagulls.  Prediction: 24-16, 49ers win.

49ers Wildcard History

Since 1978 when the NFL implemented the initial Wildcard round, the 49ers have played just 5 wildcard games, winning 3 of them.  It is worth noting that they have made the playoffs 21 times (including this year) during this wildcard age, but have only been forced to play the opening weekend 6 times.  The most memorable is the cathartic 1998 "The Catch II" game, when Young and TO ended the Packer dominance.  Also notable was the 2002 game with NY in which the 9ers scored the last 25 points to snatch a comeback win.  Its interesting that of these 6 games, we will have faced the Giants twice and the Packers 3 times.

49ers' Wildcard Games

1985 - SF at NY Giants - Lost 17-3

1996 - Philadelphia Eagles at SF - Won 14-0

1998 - Green Bay Packers at SF - Won 30-27 - TO's "The Catch II"

2001 - SF at Green Bay Packers - Lost 25-15

2002 - NY Giants at SF - Won 39-38 - 25 straight points in comeback W.

2013 - SF at Green Bay Packers


Wildcard teams that won Superbowl 

I was curious to know how many wildcard teams have ever won a Superbowl.  The answer is that in the 34 seasons from 1978-2012, only wildcard 6 teams have won it (out of 10 who even reached the SB).  Interestingly, there were only 3 wildcard champs from '78-'04 (26 years) but then 3 occurred in a 6 year span.  To make matters worse, only 3 of those wildcard teams played all conference games on the road.  By happenstance, they are the recent 3 teams as well.  You better believe I'll latch onto that glimmer of hope.

1980 Raiders - played wildcard game at home.
1998 Broncos- played wildcard game at home.
2000 Ravens- played wildcard game at home.
2005 Steelers - played all 3 conference games on road.
2007 Giants - played all 3 conference games on road.
2010 Packers - played all 3 conference games on road.


Playoff History vs Packers
 
Since we're playing GB again, here's our playoff history against them.

1995 Divisional Round - Lost 27-17 in Candlestick - Down 21-0.
1996 Divisional Round - Lost 35-14 at Lambeau - Down 21-0 to start again.
1997 Conference Round - Lost 23-10 in Candlestick - Down 23-3 before late kick return.
1998 Wild Card Round - Won 30-27 in Candlestick - TO's "The Catch II".
2001 Wild Card Round - Lost 25-15 at Lambeau - GB scores last 10 points.
2012 Divisional Round - Won 45-31 in Candlestick - Kaep's 181 rush yards is QB playoff record.
2013 Wild Card Round - at Lambeau

I'm still ticked that the 49ers won 12 games (more than last season!) and has to travel to an 8-win Packer team.  On Sunday, we were a Seattle loss away from a 1st round bye and 1 home game, but now we have to travel for 3 straight games to make the Superbowl.  That variation shouldn't be so extreme.  Winning your division should guarantee a playoff spot, but not necessarily a home game.  Now that they have Rodgers back, they are extremely dangerous, especially in the confines of freezing Lambeau.  Things are just not going the 9ers way this season.

Lebron joins GOAT shortlist with 2nd title

Though I've always rooted for the Spurs dating back to the Admiral-Duncan Twin Tower days as much as a neutral (or a Laker-hater) can, I will confess that I was pulling for King James to pull off a 2nd title.  Had Ray Allen's 3 pointer with 5 seconds left in Game 6 not gone in, Lebron would have been saddled with 3 NBA Finals losses in 4 tries, probably permanently damaging his claim to be the Greatest Of All Time, at least in my mind.  Just like in the days of watching Jordan in his prime, the pure sportsfan in me wants to see the transcendently great players perform their best when it counts.

With this back-to-back title, Lebron clearly surpasses Kobe on GOAT scale.  He's got 4 regular season MVPs to Kobe's measly 1.  They share the same number of Finals MVPs.  I tire of hearing Laker fans holding up Kobe's 5 rings in their arguments.  Is Scottie Pippen mentioned anywhere in the GOAT of all time conversations for having 6 rings?  Sure, he's a HOFer to be sure, but he can't be on the list of those transcendent GOAT simply because of MJ.  So, Kobe was Pippen while Shaq was Jordan in those first 3 championships.  Shaq won the Finals MVP all 3 times.  End of discussion.

To be the greatest, you have to be both the best in the regular season and the best when its all on the line, in the championship.  I think to qualify for GOAT consideration, you need to have achieved both merits multiple times (sorry Dirk).  The following is a list of all players with multiple awards in both categories.  Not surprisingly, it is an accurate representation of most reasonable people's GOAT lists.
 
GOAT list (in no particular order)
Russell - 5 MVPs, Finals MVP did not exist, but they did name the award after him. (Out of 11 rings, he would have probably won Finals MVP at the very least, what, half the time?).
Jordan - 5 MVPs, 6 Finals MVPs
Kareem - 6 MVPs, 2 Finals MVPs
Magic - 3 MVPs, 3 Finals MVPs
Lebron - 4 MVPs, 2 Finals MVPs
Duncan - 2 MVPs, 3 Finals MVPs
Bird - 3 MVPs, 2 Finals MVPs

C Kareem, PF Russell, F Lebron, SG Jordan, PG Magic - would be my pick for greatest starting 5 in history.  (Laker haters shouldn't have much to say since there's two here).  For my money, Jordan and Russell have the best claims to GOAT.  Jordan's 11 MVPs (which is probably only surpassed by what Russell would have won) is the benchmark for which to measure Lebron.  If Lebron can get another MVP or two and 3 more Finals MVPs, he would clearly have an argument.  The best part about this is that he still has about 4-5 years more prime years left.

Just miss:
Shaq - 3 Finals MVPs, but only 1 MVP, an indictment on a lack of season-long committment.
Wilt - 4 MVPs, but only 1 Finals MVP - an indictment on his play on the biggest stage.
Moses Malone - 3 MVPs, but only 1 Finals MVP
Kobe - 2 Finals MVPs, but only 1 MVP
Hakeem - 2 Finals MVPs, but only 1 MVP


Now who are the players to win the MVP and Finals MVP in the same season as Lebron did this year?

1970 Willis Reed
1971 Lew Alcindor
1983 Moses Malone
1985 Larry Bird
1986 Larry Bird
1987 Magic Johnson
1991 Michael Jordan
1992 Michael Jordan
1994 Hakeem Olajuwon
1996 Michael Jordan
1998 Michael Jordan
2000 Shaquille O'Neal
2003 Tim Duncan
2012 Lebron James
2013 Lebron James

So only 10 players have accomplished the feat since 1969 when the Finals MVP was first awarded.  Only 3 players have done it multiple times (Jordan 4, Bird 2 and now Lebron 2).  Remarkably, all 3 did it in back-to-back years and Jordan even did it twice.