It has been getting harder and harder to write articles on the professional football teams in the bay area. If it weren't for the Detroit Lions, one could make the case that the 49ers and Raiders are the worst teams in the NFL.
But I'm going to try to view the 49ers in a positive light. Even though the Niners have lost five straight games since starting 2-1, their 2-6 record doesn't accurately show the talent on their roster.
Frank Gore is second behind Clinton Portis in total yards from scrimmage, and will probably end up going to another pro-bowl. Isaac Bruce, Josh Morgan, and Vernon Davis are formidable enough targets for any quarterback, but J.T. O'Sullivan has struggled to keep possession of the football.
O' Sullivan had been responsible for 17 turn-overs (11 interceptions, six fumbles) in eight starts for the 49ers. Finally, though, the 49ers fired Mike Nolan and hired Mike Singletary to replace him. Singletary has already made the switch at quarterback to Shaun Hill, and will now focus to change the 49er defense.
The 49ers have given up an average of 28.8 points per game through the first eight contests. Though, they are tied for 11th in the NFL with eight interceptions. Not bad for a 49er secondary that has been much maligned by the fans so far this season.
The reason why they have looked so poor this season is the lack of any pass-rush.
Whether under Mike Nolan, or in Mike Singletary's debut against Seattle two weeks ago, the 49ers rarely seem to blitz.
They have no identity on defense; they can't decide if they are a 4-3 or a 3-4 and it doesn't help that they have no proven pass rushers on the line.
But with their veteran secondary, which includes two Pro-Bowl cornerbacks, the 49ers should cut-loose linebackers like Patrick Willis and Manny Lawson.
We're going to send you the most entertaining San Francisco 49ers articles, videos, and podcasts from around the web.
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