NFL: It’s Still a Rebuilding Process with the San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49er head coach Mike Nolan is doing his best to shape his team into a future NFL powerhouse. His method is to rebuild the 49ers thru the draft and find role players via free agency that can quickly contribute to the team. Nolan Hopes that young players like quarterbacks Alex Smith and rookie tight end Vernon Davis can be the foundation for the future. In the NFC West division, Seahawks are the team to beat. It will be up to the Rams, Cardinals, and the 49ers to step up and give Seattle a major challenge. In 2005, San Francisco finished at the bottom of the division with a 4-12 record. Not much is expected from the 49ers in 2006, but we all know how NFL teams can go from worst to first in one season. Here is a look at San Fran’s unit for the upcoming 2006-2007 NFL season.
OFFENSE
Alex Smith is the undisputed starting quarterback for the 49ers. His rookie season was rough, but that is expected. It is also fair to say that he had no help from anyone on the offense. The addition of Norv Turner as the offensive coordinator will only help develop Smith into the quarterback the 49ers drafted. Former Super Bowl champion Trent Dilfer offers a good safety net as the back-up.
In 2005, the 49ers offensive line gave up 48 sacks to opposing defenses. Clearly the O-line couldn’t keep any of their quarterbacks off the ground, so the team went out and picked up All-Pro Larry Allen from the Dallas Cowboys and Jonas Jennings from the Buffalo Bills. Allen may be way past his prime, but still possesses the ability to run and pass block as good as the rest.
It is to be determined who the starting running back will be when the season begins. As of right now, Kevin Barlowe has the job, but will need to prove that he deserves to keep it in the preseason. Back-up Frank Gore is not far behind in the race for the job. In 2005, Gore led the team in rushing with 608 yards. However, his off-season was spent rehabilitating shoulder injuries.
Rookie tight end Vernon Davis may be the biggest threat in the passing game for the 49ers this season. Wide receiver Antonio Bryant was signed as well and will add weapons for Alex Smith during the season. It seems as the 49ers coaching staff and the fans, really like Arnaz Battle. Battle has missed quite a bit of games due to injury, but a full season may put him on the map.
DEFENSE
Bryant Young is the featured player on the defensive line, but his days are numbered. Besides Young, there is much to brag about on the D-line. The Linebackers are a solid group. Derik Smith has been consistently making big plays every year and should have a great year this season. Outside Linebacker Brandon Moore came along as the replacement for Jeff Ulbrich, recording 71 tackles and 5 Sacks. The secondary for the 49ers is the weak link on defense. Tony Parrish is a solid safety, but wont get much help from the rest of the defensive backs.
A LOOK AT THE 2006 SCHEDULE
Every team on the 49ers schedule will be circling a Win on the calendar, but there could be some surprise wins for San Fran. The key games are always the divisional games. The 49ers will have to be more competitive against the Rams, Seahawks, and Cardinals in 2006.
