San Francisco 49ers: 2009 Success Hinges on Improved Play From Secondary

Before Niner fans start predicting their team to make the playoffs, they might want to take a moment to question whether or not their team has a pass defense capable of getting them there.

Before delving into the play of last year's secondary, it's important to note how this year's offseason has unfolded.

So far, the 49ers have made some significant additions. However, up until recently, each and every one of them were on the offensive side of the ball.

The 49ers brought in free agent offensive tackle and former Pittsburgh Steeler Marvel Smith to fill their hole at right tackle in an attempt to shore up the offensive line.

Smith's signing wasn't the only change. In an attempt to improve the blocking for running back Frank Gore, San Francisco decided to bring back fullback Moran Norris. Norris spent 2006 and 2007 with the 49ers, years that saw Frank Gore put up his best two seasons running the football.

San Francisco didn't stop adding to the offense after they beefed up the running game. Instead, they added to their receiving corps by signing former Tennessee Titan wide receiver Brandon Jones to be their deep threat in the passing game.  

But prior to the recent signing of veteran cornerback Dré Bly, the 49ers had made only one significant defensive signing, re-signing veteran ILB Takeo Spikes.

Clearly, the 49ers' plan in free agency was to shore up the offense, but the defense still needed some help. San Francisco had the opportunity to address that side of the ball through the NFL Draft.

However, in this year's draft, the 49ers didn't take a defensive player until the fifth round. Granted, at pick No. 146, ILB Scott Mckillip was just the 49ers third selection of the draft. He would also be the only defensive player taken by San Francisco until the seventh and final round.

By primarily focusing on offense during free agency and the draft, San Francisco has put together a unit that should be able to put up plenty of points this season, regardless of who wins the starting quarterback spot.

Drafting Texas Tech standout receiver Michael Crabtree with their first-round pick will do wonders in the passing game, and along with veteran Isaac Bruce, youngsters Josh Morgan and Jason Hill, and new-comer Brandon Jones, the receiving corps should be quite productive.

Despite the drastically revamped offense behind a new coordinator Jimmy Raye, the 49ers have done little to nothing to improve their defense this offseason. Last year the defense let up an average of 23.8 points per game, good enough for 23rd in the league.

In particular, the 49ers pass defense was ranked 20th in the NFL last season, giving up an average of 219 yard per game through the air. The 49ers were tied amongst six other teams at 21st in the league for interceptions.

San Francisco defenders picked off opposing quarterbacks just 12 times and the defense could have been ranked anywhere from 21st to 26th in the category.

When it comes to the minuscule total of interceptions, you first have to look at the 49ers' apparent "shut-down" corner, Nate Clements. The 80 million dollar man had just two interceptions for the season, being beat out by veteran corner Walt Harris (three) and veteran linebacker Takeo Spikes. You heard that correctly, Takeo Spikes had more interceptions than Nate Clements.

Not only that, but the 49ers finished a second season in a row without an interception from their starting free safety Mark Roman, who finally lost his starting position this offseason.

However, Roman's replacement Dashon Goldson has played in just 19 games in his two years at the NFL level, made only 36 tackles, knocked down just three passes, and has yet to record an interception.

Goldson has had a history of injury problems, which adds to the problem of depth in the secondary. If Goldson can't stay healthy, Roman may have to become the starter again or San Francisco may be stuck with playing a rookie at the free safety position.

Now, at 6'2" and 200 pounds, the 24-year-old Goldson has the physical tools to be the playmaker the 49ers need him to be, but to bank on him staying healthy and to be able to produce against top-flight NFL receivers for a full season is asking a lot of such a young player.

But, if Goldson can perform adequately, his presence will help improve the play of his safety partner, Michael Lewis.

After signing with the 49ers in 2007, Lewis has not been able to be the run-stuffing and hard-hitting strong safety that the 49ers organization had envisioned.

Part of the reason Lewis has not been able to shine is the fact he has had to compensate for Roman's poor coverage ability. Nevertheless, each member of last season's secondary was burned time and time again by opposing receivers.

However, the signing of long time veteran and Pro Bowl cornerback Dré Bly will be a boost to the secondary.

But Bly's signing was made only after the news of Walt Harris' potentially season-ending ACL injury.

Therefore, prior to Harris sustaining the injury to his right ACL, the 49ers were essentially returning the same exact defensive roster from last season.

And as mentioned previously, that defense did not exactly scare many opposing quarterbacks.

In order for this 49ers secondary to limit the effectiveness of NFC West receivers such as Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, TJ Houshmandzadeh, Deion Branch, Nate Burlson, and Donnie Avery, they will not only have to step up their game but also hope for an improved pass rush.

Hopefully defensive coordinator Greg Manusky can get creative while working under head coach Mike Singletary and figure out a way to create a more effective pass rush.

Last season, San Francisco sacked the quarterback just 30 times, few of which came during key situations.

If the 2009 49ers secondary wants to slow down the plethora of playmaking receivers inside the NFC West, they're going to need more than just an improved pass rush; they're going to have to step their game up to a whole new level.

Perhaps Bly and Goldson can be the answer to the improved secondary the 49ers so desperately need, but neither one should give Niners fans much confidence.

The simple fact is that the 49ers need a pass rush that enables the secondary a chance to make plays. Then the secondary needs to step up and actually make those plays.

If the 49ers defense can't manage at least one of those two things, it may be another losing season yet again.