It Just Has to be Their Year in the West: San Francisco 49ers Season Preview
Let’s just say this right off the bat. The NFC West is the 49ers division to win. It’s practically wide open for them to pounce and finally do what many experts have been predicting them to do for the last three years.
The team has built a solid foundation by bringing in the old-school methods of Coach Mike Singletary, building a solid defence, and a run-first offense.
The team might also be playing in the weakest division in football. The St. Louis Rams are the Rams, the Seattle Seahawks are a couple of years away from major improvement, and the defending division champions, the Arizona Cardinals have suffered some major setbacks this offseason. All the pieces are in place for the "Niners" to take the division and return to the playoffs.
It’s really unfortunate for the organization that they have been stuck with a decent quarterback (QB) at best. Alex Smith, a former number one pick, has disappointed so far in his career, but the team has expressed confidence in him. The team is pointing out that he showed improvements in his 10 starts last year and that it will be his first time with the same offensive coordinator in consecutive years. However, the team also signed QB David Carr, another underachieving first overall pick.
Smith needs a clean pocket to operate and plenty of time. The good news is that wide receiver Michael Crabtree is soon to develop into one of the greatest receivers in the league. He showed it last year, with his explosiveness and great hands.
Tight end (TE) Vernon Davis also showed some great promise last season after an altercation with Singletary in 2008. The tight end finally realized his Pro-Bowl potential last season and will be Smith’s go-to target.
Another acquisition this offseason includes former first round pick wide receiver (WR) Ted Ginn. Ginn himself has underperformed with his inconsistency, his dropping habits, and shaky route-running. What he does have is speed, elusiveness, and the ability to stretch the field. Once the ball is in his hands, he’s as dangerous as they come.
San Francisco still relies heavily on the run despite a core of talented receivers due to their shaky play at quarterback. Running back (RB) Frank Gore is a powerful back who has the ability to sneak through tight spaces. He has the ability to rush for over 1,500 yards this season. His only shortcomings are in pass blocking and receiving woes, which is why (RB) Glen Coffee will get his share of action.
The offensive line also performs better in the running game. Davis is one of the best run-blocking tight ends in football.
The 49ers addressed their needs on the offensive line (O-line) as they used both of their first round picks on lineman by drafting left tackle (LT) Anthony Davis and right guard (RG) Mike Iupati. Centre Eric Heitmann is also one of the best centres in football.
On defence, the 49ers showed improvement last year and will likely continue to improve. Nose tackle (NT) Aubrayo Franklin plugs up holes and takes double teams, allowing defensive end (DE) Justin Smith and linebacker (LB) Patrick Willis, to face one-on-one match-ups and clear from blockers. These three alone make San Francisco a dangerous defence.
The secondary looks primed to help out in the run-defence too. Strong safety (SS) Michael Lewis is at his best in the box, defending the run. Free Safety Dashon Goldson is a good tackler as well but his anticipation lacks and he will have to show an improvement in the passing game.
Cornerbacks Nate Clements and Shawntae Spencer are on two different paths. Clements has not lived up to the long term contract he’s under while Spencer is excellent in man-coverage and covers short-range passes beautifully.
Kicker Joe Nedney is up there in age, well over 40, but his accuracy inside of 40 yards is as solid as ever and he can even warrant attempts at long field goals.
Punter Andy Lee constantly finishes near the league lead in net yards per punt and will continue to do so.
Ted Ginn will of course be the return-specialist. He is explosive, elusive, and strong once he’s on the run. It is likely the role best suited for him, more than being a receiver.
This is the 49ers division to win. They won’t get it done because of their quarterback, but he will have to be a compliment to a strong running game and an opportunistic defence. They have those things, and if Alex Smith can just manage games, then there’s no reason why the Bay Area can’t have a playoff representative in January.
Tags: