Daily Madden: Why 49ers Shouldn't Play It Safe Against Miami
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) - The 49ers aren't expected to have much trouble against the Dolphins at Candlestick Sunday. But John Madden told the KCBS morning crew there's more to this game than putting another "W" in the win column.
"I'm sure that they'll rely a lot on the running, but I think (49er quarterback) Colin Kaepernick has to throw the ball," Madden said. "One of the things they've been trying to get to is the deep ball, getting the ball up the field. They're playing the Miami Dolphins, but you're in a chunk here in the season that you want to be improving going into the playoffs... I know one game at a time and all that stuff, but in addition to all that stuff, you want to be getting your team ready for the playoffs... I think Kaepernick has to make big plays in the passing game."
The Raiders 26-13 loss to the Broncos Thursday night accentuated the growing gap in the AFC West. Madden said it will be a difficult gap for the Raiders to close anytime soon.
"Denver is building a team that's pretty good," the former coach said. "They've already won the division, they're going to be in the playoffs. But the scary thing is that they're going to be better next year... It's all driven by Peyton (Manning). You have to play him and worry about him, and everyone else (on his team) has an easier go." (8:05)
Listen to the John Madden segment live weekday mornings at 8:15 on KCBS All News 740 AM/106.9 FM. And catch John's extra report at 9:15 a.m. Mondays and Fridays during the NFL season.
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