The San Francisco 49ers have turned some heads with their 3-1 start to the 2009 regular season, but it's no surprise to me.
I predicted a 3-1 start early in the summer and I've been dead right so far. Given the play of Mike Singletary's football team, they might be better than the 9-7 football team I predicted for them during the dog days of summer. They could very well be a 10-win football team, and it's quite possible they could sweep the NFC West, which I also predicted.
I can't take back the 9-7 prediction, but I won't mind being wrong if San Francisco finishes with at least 10 wins and a playoff berth.
Week One, Sunday, Sep. 13, at Arizona Cardinals
2008 Record: 9-7 (NFC Champions)
What the Offense Needed to Do to Win: This unit needed to take a look at Super Bowl XLIII.
The Pittsburgh Steelers marched 78 yards and scored on Santonio Holmes' six-yard game-winning touchdown catch with 35 seconds left to win it all.
The Cardinals' defense was good enough to bend, but not break completely (except for the Super Bowl's final scoring drive), so it was imperative the 49ers complete long drives to keep the explosive Arizona offense off the field.
What the Defense Needed to Do to Win: The overall team speed on this unit matched up well with the talented Arizona offense.
The Cardinals' receivers could not be allowed to separate or it would be a long day in the Arizona desert for the 49ers.
Key Player Matchup(s): Nate Clements & Dre Bly vs. Larry Fitzgerald & Anquan Boldin & Kurt Warner
Prediction: W (1-0)
Result: W (20-16)
What Went Right: Vernon Davis and Shaun Hill made big plays throughout the game. The defense swarmed the defending NFC Championship offense, rendering Kurt Warner ineffective for most of the game. Penalties also crippled the Cardinals.
What Went Wrong: Frank Gore only had 30 yards on 22 carries. The offensive line did not play well and the 49ers won despite the unit's poor play.
Week Two, Sunday, Sep. 20, vs. Seattle Seahawks
2008 Record: 4-12
What the Offense Needed to Do to Win: The Seahawks' defense lost Julian Peterson, decreasing the overall talent in Seattle.
With Peterson out, Vernon Davis needed to step up and use his explosive talents against Peterson's slower-footed replacements, who would be covering the speedy tight end.
What the Defense Needed to Do to Win: Nate Clements needed to shut down T.J. Houshmandzadeh.
Manny Lawson and Parys Haralson needed to get to Matt Hasselbeck, because he was capable of picking apart defenses with ease.
Key Player Matchup(s): Frank Gore vs. Lofa Tatupu , Nate Clements vs. T.J. Houshmandzadeh & Matt Hasselbeck
Prediction: W (2-0)
Result: W (23-10)
What Went Right: With Hasselbeck knocked out of the game by Patrick Willis, Seneca Wallace tried to mount an offense against the fast 49er defense, and ultimately failed, but this game will be remembered for Frank Gore's two long runs over 75 yards, making him, along with the great Barry Sanders, as only the second running back to accomplish the feat.
What Went Wrong: Nothing notable.
Week Three, Sunday, Sep. 27, at Minnesota Vikings
2008 Record: 10-6 (NFC North Champions)
What the Offense Needed to Do to Win: Viking defensive end Jared Allen racked up 14.5 sacks last season. RT Joe Staley needed to contain Allen or the 49ers' quarterback would be battered and bruised all day.
What the Defense Needed to Do to Win: It was imperative for the 49er defense not to allow Adrian Peterson
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