San Francisco 49ers Can Still Make Playoffs This Season

The San Francisco 49ers are off to a disappointing 0-4 start to the regular season. The quarterback play has been shaky, offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye was fired after Week 4, and they lost two two heart-breaking games off two last-second field goals.

Normally when teams are 0-4 talks of the off-season are already in progress. This is now a 12-game season for the 49ers. The niners can finish 9-3 and can win the mediocre NFC West. If you look at the 49ers schedule for the next four games they have a chance to be a 4-4 ball club due to their weak schedule. Starting this Sunday the 49ers play an Eagles team without Michael VIck. Despite their record the 49ers D is stout and they made Drew Brees and Matt Ryan look human this season.

If the 49ers want to make the playoffs they need to get the ball rolling on the offensive side of the ball. The 49ers cannot win games if they run to Frank Gore first and second down and then throw to him on third down. The longest pass of the season is 17 yards and that is pretty pathetic on any level of football.

This week Ted Ginn returned from injury and should provide a spark to the team and his deep play ability should loosen up the middle of the field so Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree, and Josh Morgan can operate. They also need to find a way to put Brian Westbrook into the game plan. The 49ers can run the table in the NFC West and split when Seattle comes to the Bay.

It may be wishful thinking on my part, but I think it is a reality as long as they take it one game at a time. Mike Singletary is desperate for a win or his coaching seat will be boiling hot. Teams play with a sense of urgency when their backs are against the wall. Football is a grueling sport and it is all about how you finish. Nobody remembers the first four games it is all about how you produce during crunch time. The first quarter of the season is over for the 49ers and they have an opportunity to turnaround their season.

A strong running game and a stout defensive are the winning ingredients in football and the niners have that. They just need to address the other areas on the team. It may be hard to believe, but I sense new look team come this Sunday night against the Philadelphia Eagles.