NFC West Preview

took over on Oct. 8th after Mike Nolan was fired finally. In his nine games at the helm of the 49ers, Singletary has a coaching record of 5-4. He was very competitive in games, being outscored by just four points 181-185. In the nine games he was the coach, his team allowed under 20 points six times, and over 30 points just twice.

The biggest need for this team is to find their franchise quarterback. J.T O'Sullivan is out, as he was let go as a free agent and has signed with the Bengals. O'Sullivan was a Nolan favorite but was not nearly productive enough as he threw 8 touchdowns and 11 interceptions with a QB rating of 73.8. That leaves rookie Nate Davis from Ball State, Alex Smith, and Shaun Hill.

Hill will have the inside track to start as he was most productive last year, throwing 13 scores and 8 interceptions with a rating of 87.8. Smith has been a draft bust so far, and I really don't think he will be able to beat out Hill.

At running back, Frank Gore is back after a 2008 season in which he gained 1,036 yards and 6 touchdowns, his lowest numbers in three seasons. Foster was let go in free agency, and with their second round pick the 49ers picked up Glen Coffee from Alabama who will provide the 49ers with a great one-two punch.

At receiver, the 49ers selected Michael Crabtree with their first pick. Crabtree has great speed and strength, and a nose for the end zone. He found pay dirt in 13 straight college games, and is ranked sixth on the NCAA Annuals List with 41 scores. Crabtree will join Issac Bruce in the starting group.

The 49ers are short a receiver as Johnson was lost in free agency, and tight end Bajema was well to the Rams. This leaves a very thin receiving core for this team. Bruce is the leader with his 61 catches and seven scores from last year. Gore was next with 41 grabs and two scores, followed by Vernon Davis with 31 grabs and two scores. Bruce should be the number one receiver, and Crabtree the number two, but that third spot is up for grabs.

On defense the 49ers improved towards the end of the season last year. The leader of this defense is linebacker Patrick Willis. Willis finished the year with an outstanding 141 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, and 1 interception. He is only a third year pro, and his potential is never ending.

Michael Lewis is the 49ers best defensive back, and one of the better safetys in football. Last year Lewis's numbers started to decline as he did not grab an interception for the first time since 2001. He has been in the league for eight seasons now and his better years could be in the mirror.

Nate Clements joins Lewis in the secondary, but like Lewis he had a down season in 2008, posting his lowest interception total (2) since 2005, and tackle total (63) since 2003. Clements is a ninth year pro and has lost a step, but can still be a anchor in the secondary. He could use some safety help as he was beat last year on too many go- routes.

Walt Harris rounds out the secondary after having a decent 2008 season in which he finished with 54 tackles, and three picks. Harris lead the secondary in interceptions last season, but he is a 14 year pro so that leaves the 49ers with a need to start grooming defensive backs.

In free agency the Niners lost three defensive backs, which really hurts their depth. They will need to pick up some younger players to develop them. In free agency they picked up Donald Strickland, who in 2008 with the Jets finished with 38 tackles. He should help provide some depth.

At linebacker the 49ers are maybe the strongest in the division. Besides Willis, Spikes comes back for another season after posting his best season stats in tackles (96) since 2004, and interceptions (3) since 2002.

On the defensive line, the 49ers bring back defensive end Justin Smith. Smith finished 2008 with 73 tackles and 7 sacks, which is his most since 2004. Smith is joined by defensive tackle Aubrayo Franklin. Fraklin, in his first season as a full time starter, flashed potential, finishing with 43 tackles, and 1 sack. He will need to get better pressure for this defensive unit.

Parys Haralson should start at the other end spot, as he started ten games last year finishing with 39 tackles, and 8 sacks. This defensive line needs to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks to protect their aging secondary. If they can do this then the unit will be very productive.

The 49ers have a tough road if they want to get over .500 for the first time in recent history. SF opens the season with a tough game against the Cardinals. then Seattle and the Vikings round out the first three weeks. The 49ers could be 2-1 after the first three games, and be in contention right away.

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