The O line has picked up the pass pro. Barclay somehow has gone back to being servicable after being a welcome mat, so they are protected from Bulaga's Packer ankle.

Lacy seems to have recovered and he is not worn out as he got a lot of rest in the second half last week.

The defense has held together despite injuries, and has gained some valuable reps (Randall, Rollins, Palmer, Ryan) for the youngsters. Jones is on fire and Raji and Daniels have sustained. Guion doesn't seem to be an end, but holy cow Pennel does. Peppers will deliver in a big moment. In the most underreported story of the last two years, Matthews seems willing and able to be an ILB. He should win a Wilkerson for that alone. Seriously, he is wealthy and famous, he could have thrown a diva. But he instead just glared for awhile so everyone knew he wasn't happy, and played lights out.

Despite some setbacks, there is less of a Slocum feel on ST. Crosby is money. Masthay has stopped bleeding even if will need a leg transplant in February. Coverage is mostly solid with a couple of gaffes that will serve as in season reminders that even this version can still suck under new coaching.

Someone will remember how to throw and catch a ball. Even the 49ers got Bono to work. M3 got Aaron Brooks. So anything is possible.