Another Tough Test: San Francisco Hosts Philly
With a home game against Philadelphia on Sunday and a road test against the New York Giants next week, the 49ers (2-3) have reached a crucial point in their season. With two straight losses to the Saints and Patriots, San Francisco can continue its slide into mediocrity or save itself. Doing so would require the 49ers to defeat either the tough Eagles or the Super Bowl champion Giants. One victory would be enough, but two losses might cause the 49ers to spin out of control.
During his weekly press conference, head coach Mike Nolan stated his disappointment at the 49ers’ sluggish start. Like all coaches, he thinks his team is better and should have done better during the first five games. Maybe Nolan should be pointing his finger at himself for the 49ers’ troubles, especially on defense.
Known as a defensive-minded head coach, Nolan has done little to improve the 49ers’ defensive efforts. Against New Orleans two weeks ago, Drew Brees burned San Francisco’s secondary for several long pass plays. A supposedly experienced secondary appeared confused and clueless on how to stop the Saints’ passing game. Last week against New England, the 49ers’ failed to stop the run or the pass with any consistency. During both games, few changes appeared to be made to stop the bleeding. But, against New Orleans, Nolan did challenge a five-yard gain in what he said was an attempt to slow the Saints’ offensive momentum. So, I guess he does try at times.
The 49ers’ offense must improve against the Eagles and provide their defense a break. Against New England, the defense remained on the field for long stretches of time as the Pats dominated the time of possession by a 2-to-1 margin. After two quick first-quarter touchdowns, J.T. O’Sullivan and the 49ers’ offense didn’t do much the rest of the game. Though O’Sullivan ended up throwing three scoring passes, he threw three picks as well.> Find San Francisco 49ers jerseys & hats online through Pro Football Fans and check the 2008 NFL scoreboard as well!
The secret on how to stop O’Sullivan is out. He hasn’t much feel for oncoming pressure, will scramble and attempt to make something out of the worst conditions and locks onto receivers for too long. For opposing defenses, he’s ripe picking for either a fumble or interception. The other issue at play is San Francisco’s offensive line, which has given O’Sullivan inconsistent protection at best. O’Sullivan needs to utilize his quick release and strong arm. If he continues to scramble, not avoid pressure and play recklessly, he won’t last the year intact.
The arrival of Philadelphia in town means the return of former Cal receiver, DeSean Jackson. The 49ers had two opportunities to draft Jackson, but passed. A speedy player like Jackson would seem to be a perfect fit in Mike Martz’s offense, but apparently not.
With Eagles’ running back Brian Westbrook possibly out on Sunday, the 49ers might catch Philly at a good time. But, the 49ers’ defense isn’t in any shape to deal with the dynamic Donovan McNabb. The veteran quarterback might pull a Brees-like performance and tear the 49ers’ secondary apart with his pinpoint passes. For San Francisco to win, it’ll need a solid, mistake-free effort from O’Sullivan and a big ground game from running back Frank Gore.
The next two games will determine the 49ers’ season—win one and survive or loss both and say goodbye.
By Jim Bucci
ProFootball-fans.com San Francisco 49ers Correspondent