49ers in action on Monday night against Cardinals

'Niners look to keep Cardinals from running away with NFC West

With a bye last week, the 49ers return to action on Monday night against the Cardinals in Arizona.  After San Francisco's deflating loss to Seattle in head coach Mike Singletary's debut, the team's new boss has had two weeks to get his point across to his players.  Singletary made news in his first game by benching starting quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan in favor of Shaun Hill, ejecting volatile tight end Vernon Davis from the game and apologizing to fans as he left the field.  Now, the glare of Monday Night Football and the eyes of a national television audience greet the team.

With Hill now the team's new signal caller, coordinator Mike Martz will probably dial down his pass-happy attack.  Hill doesn't have the arm strength or gambling mentality of O'Sullivan, which is good for the 49ers' offense.  He's more of a three-step drop passer who will get the ball out to receivers quickly, which could benefit San Francisco's weak offensive line.  The switch at quarterback might also mean a bigger dose of Frank Gore.  The running back represents the team's lone star, but for some reason, hasn't been taken advantage of this year.  The 49ers have played from behind a lot this season, which is part of the reason.  But, Gore needs at least 20 carriers and a few balls thrown his way as well.  He should be the focal point of San Francisco's attack.  

By far the biggest problem for the 49ers has been their defense.  Last year, the team's offense couldn't score any points for a stingy defense, and this year, the defense can't hold opponents in check to assist an improved offense.  The 49ers fail to pressure opposing quarterbacks and their cornerbacks, Nate Clements and Walt Harris, have seemingly gotten slow and old in the span of one year.  That's not good news for Clements who the 49ers signed to a large free agent contract.  Similar to the team's offense, the 49ers' defense offers few top players besides linebacker Patrick Willis and defensive end Justin Smith.  And Smith, a big free agent pick-up as well, is more of a complimentary player and one who doesn't change games, but plays every down at a variety of positions. 

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Bottom line for the 49ers, they need better players and more of them.  And it doesn't help when your most recent first round draft picks can't even get off the bench.  The team must draft better and be smarter in the free agent market.  Their needs are great, which include a young quarterback to groom as the starter, help on the o-line, a top receiver and as much defensive help as possible. 

A win on Monday night won't change the course of this season, but would do a lot for the team’s spirit and at least show the nation this franchise isn't in as poor a shape as it appears to be, even if that's completely false.      

By Jim Bucci
ProFootball-fans.com San Francisco 49ers Correspondent