If the 49er Offense Works, Expect a Decent Season in San Francisco

If Jimmy Raye's offense executes,then the 49ers will have a decent year and may exceed expectations. The 49er's defense is sturdy enough to keep the team in games and if the offense is an upgrade over incumbent Mike Martz's leadership, the 49ers could surprise in the NFC.

The 49er's offense is now predicated upon another Coryell system, that Raye has mastered throughout the years from Norv Turner, culminating with the coaching veteran being Turner's offensive coordinator as a member of the Oakland Raiders.

Question marks at the quarterback position still plague the team, but Raye's direction may do the trick for Alex Smith, who is already familiar with Turner's version of the "Air Coryell." If Smith grasps the offense as he did when Turner was in San Francisco, expect Smith to give incumbent Shaun Hill a run for his money as the starting quarterback during training camp.

Smith has now learned the West Coast Offense, the Norv Turner version of the Coryell offense, the confused "I'm lost" Jim Hostler offense, the Mike Martz variation of the Coryell offense and now Raye's digital version of "Air Coryell.". While we're at it, Smith should go ahead and learn the run and shoot and triple option just for fun.

The revolving door at offensive coordinator is not exactly a recipe for offensive success, but there is already talk about Smith playing extremely well in recent practices and if the quarterback position is this season, the running game will flourish.

Running back Frank Gore's brash prediction for a 2,000 yard season a few years ago did not come into fruition, but he could get close to that number if San Francisco utilizes the power run this season. Rookie Glen Coffee's production, and ability to complement Gore will be the deciding factor if there are viable options in the passing game.

Once a liability, the wide receiver corps is now a crowded bunch. Isaac Bruce's vast knowledge and veteran presence should complement former Texas Tech star Michael Crabtree, the steal of the 2009 draft. Look for Crabtree to potentially make an immediate impact at wide receiver as a rookie, a rarity in the NFL. Josh Morgan and Jason Hill are also rapidly improving as receivers.

Raye has not had a talent at tight end like he has in Vernon Davis. If Davis performs and draws double coverage, Bruce and Crabtree will thrive. However, Davis is still an underachiever that has not lived up to his draft hype but hopefully Raye will find ways to get him the ball and utilize his immense natural talent.

Chilo Rachal at No. 39 in last year's draft could also be a potential steal as he was touted to be a 1st round talent and played very well when he saw action in 2008. Standout offensive tackle Joe Staley, bruiser David Baas, and the speedy Rachal could anchor the offensive line for years to come. Veterans Eric Heitmann and newcomer Marvel Smith round out the rest of the offensive line that made a lot of progress as a unit last year. Previously, Larry Allen's retirement and Jonas Jennings' constant trips to the injury list adversely affected the offensive line.

Only time will tell, but if the offense clicks, expect nine to ten wins. Although, that prediction may be optimistic. The 49ers will be a tough team to beat this year if the offense can complement their speedy and aggressive defensive unit.