NFL Two-A-Days: San Francisco 49ers 2010 Season Preview

 Before I get started, this series continues through this Monday. However, both previews will be coming after 3:00p.m, as my school is starting back tomorrow.

This idea originated from ESPN's Mike & Mike. I'm using the same format, my answers. I will now preview the San Francisco 49ers.

1.) If healthy, will Alex Smith start all 16 games in 2010?

Who else is going to start? David Carr? I don't think so. Yes, Alex Smith will start all 16 games because the 49ers don't have a viable backup. He showed good improvement in 2009 and should start all of 2010.

2.) Following a short season, will Michael Crabtree make the Pro Bowl in 2010?

I doubt it. The NFC has Larry Fitzgerald, Miles Austin, DeSean Jackson, Calvin Johnson, Roddy White, Steve Smith (both of them) and many other good wide outs. I just don't see Michael Crabtree beating out half of these guys to make the team. Now I will say if some of these guys opt out due to injury, he could be used as an alternate but that's it. 

3.) Is Vernon Davis the best tight end in the NFC?

If you look around the NFC, the only other two TEs you could argue to be the best are Tony Gonzalez and Jason Witten. Gonzalez is still very good, but is certainly not in his prime. Witten's stats were better than Davis' even last season. I'll give Vernon Davis second, but not first.

4.) Can Mike Singletary's defense emerge as a consistent unit? 

The defensive line is smart, instinctive and quick with Justin Smith and Aubrayo Franklin. Isaac Sopoaga is the weakest link of this line due to his lack of instincts.

The linebacking core is anchored by All Pro Inside Linebacker Patrick Willis. Takeo Spikes has been a great fit, but he is aging. Manny Lawson, Parys Haralson, and Ahmad Brooks all bring different talents. Lawson is the sideline-to-sideline playmaker against the run. Ahmad Brooks is the pass rusher and Haralson is a bit of a mix but stronger vs. the run.

At cornerback Nate Clements lacks the speed to cover a receiver on an island. Shawntae Spencer is the team's best cornerback, showing the speed that Clements lacks. Dashon Goldson is a breakout star while Michael Lewis was injury prone last season.

This defense should improve from 2009.

5.) Record?

10-6, first in the NFC West.