Where Does Your Team Stand in the NFC West?

(Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

After experimenting with Mike Martz's passing attack, the 49ers have finally implemented a coaching philosophy that fits their rosters talent. By establishing Jimmy Raye as their offensive coordinator, the team will establish a running game that features one cut running backs. The passing game will consist of short to intermediate routes. 

On defense the team will continue it's experiment with the 3-4. Singletary wants his defense to put more pressure on the quarterback, so expect a lot of blitzes this season from all four of the linebackers.

Draft Analysis

Michael Crabtree was easily the best wide receiver prospect out of the draft. With his incredible strength and route running ability, Crabtree is probably similar to Anquan Boldin and might even have the same impact that Boldin had in his first year.

Like the Seahawks, the 49ers acquired a 2010 first round pick through a trade. While the team gave away two picks for this future first round pick, the 49ers are only a few impact players short from making the playoffs and next years draft might be the one that will push this team back into a contender.

Glenn Coffee was a productive back during his collegiate career; however, this is a puzzling choice because while Coffee has a lot of power he does not have any specific ability that defines him as a runner. In fact, many believed that Coffee's success was a product of the Alabama offensive line.

Mckillop has the qualities of a leader and was the Big East defensive player of the year. He's expected to learn under Takeo Spikes and eventually replace him at the weak inside linebacker spot.

Nate Davis was a first day prospect until he preformed poorly in his last two national televesion games. Davis has tremendous arm strength and mobility but suffers from a learning disability. He looks to be a two year project before he can start competing for a starting job.

Bear Pascoe was an excellent blocker for Fresno State and had a knack for finding the open areas on third downs. Pascoe has tremendous size and has played in a pro style offense for three years. He can become a small contributor and possibly push Delanie Walker next year.

Ricky Jean-Francois has some raw potential with the right size and strength, but he also has character issues and was suspended during his college years. This is his last chance to show the football world he has something to offer. Curtis Taylor was a nice seventh round pick and will provide some competition at the free safety position.

Schedule Analysis

The 49ers will face three divisional opponents in their first five games. The other two games will be against teams that made the playoffs last year. The team will get a pretty good indication of where they stand when they head into the bye week. After the bye week, the team will have two away games and then two dangerous home games against the Tennessee Titans and the Chicago Bears.

After this home stand, the 49ers will have some winnable games as they face three sub .500 teams before facing the cardinals on Monday night football. With two winnable games against struggling teams to end the season, the 49ers need to make sure they have a winning record before the Cardinals match up if they want to make the playoffs.

Overview

The season will probably be decided by the first four games. If Shaun Hill starts and plays well, this team will become a threat to the Cardinals. With the offense centered around Gore again, the team will go back to its strength which is running the ball and controlling the clock. Josh Morgan and Jason Hill should continue to improve with every year and Marvel Smith solidifies the offensive line.

On defense, the team now has a 3-4 defense with promising young talent. If Manny Lawson is fully healed and Parys Haralson continues his improvement, the 49ers might have a decent pass rush heading into the season. The linebacking core is the strongest part of this defense with Willis, Spikes, Lawson, and Haralson. If Dashon Goldson can preform well, the team's defense will be a top ten unit.

The 49ers need a fast start in order to take advantage of their schedule. If Michael Crabtree and Glenn Coffee contribute as rookies, look for this team to make some noise in the regular season and compete for a wild card spot. From this unit, I project that the team has 9-10 wins this season and clinches a wild card spot.

Cardinals

Free Agency Departures: Edgerrin James, Rod Hood, Travis LaBoy, Terrelle Smith, Monty Beisel, Eric Green, J.J Arrington, Antonio Smith

Free Agency Acquisitions

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