5 Questions the San Francisco 49ers Need to Answer in the 2011 NFL Preseason

As the 2010 NFL season progressed, the San Francisco 49ers became more and more of a disappointment.

So, they begin anew in 2011, and have some new faces within the organization. There's a new head coach in Jim Harbaugh, WR in Braylon Edwards and safety Donte Whitner. Also, RB Frank Gore had his season cut short due to a hip injury, so his health is a concern for 2011.

Nonetheless, it appears the 49ers are back on track.

With that, here are five concerning questions they need to answer.

Is Alex Smith the Answer at QB?

He's had such a flaky career that it's become very frustrating watching Alex Smith under center. He has shown sign of terrible play, as well as a glimpse of brilliance. And apparently that brilliance has been just enough to keep him around.

Well, the leash appears to be shortened, as the 'Niners drafted QB Colin Kaepernick out of Nevada last April.

This preseason could very well tell us how 2011 pans out in The Bay Area.

Can the Pass Defense Improve from the Dismal 2010?

For the 2010 season, the 49ers allowed just over 230 passing yards per game, ranking them No. 24 in the NFL.

Their rush D however, finished sixth by only allowing 96.7 yards per game.

So, there appears to be gaping holes when they're in zone coverage, and a terrible use of technique when in man-to-man coverage.

Taylor Mays was the bright spot, but more help is needed.

Enter veteran Donte Whitner from Buffalo, and 'Niner fans should see an improvement in the pass defense.

What Can We Expect from RB Frank Gore?

His season was cut short due to a hip injury in 2010, so Frank Gore is a concern in San Fran this preseason.

It's important that he doesn't tippy-toe his way into the hole, because it'll show that he's not prepared for the season.

Therefore, if we see Gore smashing the hole, but also displaying patience, we'll know that he's back.

The preseason will buff out the rough spots, so let's hope for the sake of his health (at the very least), that he comes back to normal sooner than later.

Will WR Braylon Edwards Be the Savior in the Passing Game?

It's a similar situation between San Fran and the Miami Dolphins.

Miami has a flaky QB that has shown some nice stuff on occasion, but usually ends up disappointing.

Well, unlike Miami, the 49ers actually have gone out and done something useful.

And, that was add a stud WR to the mix to help out their questionable QB.

Alongside Michael Crabtree and Ted Ginn Jr., Braylon Edwards gives Alex Smith another solid target to choose from.

Also, don't count out TE Vernon Davis, and RB Frank Gore.

The toys are in position around Mr. Smith, so he has no excuse if he doesn't perform.

As for Braylon?

It's a fresh start completely across the country.

He couldn't be in a better situation.

Is Jim Harbaugh Going to Turn Around the Franchise?

There's a reason why Mike Singletary was fired, he didn't get the job done.

And with San Fran being so close to Stanford University, where legend Bill Walsh once coached, it seems like a no-brainer for the 49ers to pick up Jim Harbaugh.

He turned around a sad Stanford Cardinal program, and is back in the NFL where he belongs.

Harbaugh has been slowly putting the puzzle together in The Bay Area, so don't be surprised if San Fran surprises some skeptics this fall.

Come time for the Autumn Wind, will Harbaugh have implemented a new attitude amongst his players, coaches and the fans?

It obviously remains to be seen, but the future does look very promising.