San Francisco 49ers: Expect the Unexpected (It's the Law)

(Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Shaun Hill is 7-3 as a starting quarterback in the NFL. No matter how cynical you want to be, that is not something one can easily dismiss. Hill moves the chains and is able to throw touchdown passes. It might sound simplistic, but that's basically what a winning quarterback needs to do.

Quarterbacks however, don't usually stay upright for an entire season, that's why it would not be surprising to see Alex Smith at some point. Smith will probably get another shot to prove he's a player some time this season.

The debate about him is seemingly endless, but one thing's for sure, if Smith can simply play the way he played during the 2006 season (the season before his injury), it would certainly be adequate for what the 49ers should hope for from their backup quarterback position.

There is also the possibility that he is improved from where he left off from his shoulder injury. This year, thankfully, the 49ers don't have to bank on it.

Are Quarterbacks Afraid of "The Law"?

The outside linebackers in a 3-4 defense are supposed to rush the quarterback and provide the team with the occasional sack. So far, partly due to injury, the jury is still out on whether or not Manny Lawson can perform this essential task. If he can, then the 49ers can expect good things from the 2009 season.

But if he can't, then there are not only going to be a lot more fans frustrated at him, but there will also be a lot more fans frustrated at Nate Clements, Walt Harris and company; it is a well-known secret, that cornerbacks take most of the blame for a poor pass rush.

In fact, Manny Lawson may hold the key to Nate Clements ever sniffing the Pro-Bowl, as Pro-Bowl cornerbacks almost always emerge from teams with a great pass rush; coincidence?

Parys Haralson will also, like Lawson, have to improve. Except Haralson will not have to improve by much. Haralson has been improving every year, and another small jump forward could break him into the much revered “double-digit” sack territory, finally giving him the respect he deserves more of.

What could rain on this outside linebacker parade? An injury parade. There is absolutely no proven depth at outside linebacker as of this writing. This is perhaps the most vulnerable part of the team, and makes the extra first round draft pick in 2010 (which was essentially traded for Florida State's Everette Brown), look like its actually in 2100.

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