2008 NFL Preview > San Francisco 49ers Preview

2008 San Francisco 49ers Football Preview

Head Coach: Mike Nolan

2007 Record: 5-11

Key Additions: DL Kentawn Balmer, WR Isaac Bruce, RB DeShaun Foster, WR Bryant Johnson, QB J.T. O’Sullivan, G Chilo Rachal, RS Allen Rossum, DE Justin Smith, DB Reggie Smith, LB Takeo Spikes

Key Losses: G Larry Allen, DE Marques Douglas, OT Kwame Harris, WR Darrell Jackson, G Justin Smiley, ILB Derek Smith, DL Bryant Young

The 49ers’ 2007 season was a huge disappointment, as many predicted the team would make the playoffs after spending loads of cash on players such as Nate Clements and Michael Lewis. Things did not quite go according to plan, as Alex Smith injured his throwing shoulder and butted heads with head coach Mike Nolan regarding the severity of the injury. This past offseason, Nolan was stripped of his personnel power and was believed to be close to losing his job completely.

2008 San Francisco 49ers Offense:

The Niners offense ranked dead last in scoring, total offense, and passing last year due to a horrid offensive line, bland play calling, and instability at quarterback. The team responded by bringing in once hailed offensive genius Mike Martz, who helped put some pop in Detroit’s attack the past couple seasons. The team also signed Detroit backup J.T. Sullivan, who has now officially beaten out Smith for the starting job. Unfortunately for the 49ers, their pitiful offensive line, which yielded an astounding 55 sacks last season, may be equally as bad, if not even worse this season. While Joe Staley is a promising prospect at left tackle, the rest of the line has serious issues. Many are predicting Frank Gore to blossom in Mike Martz’s offense. However Gore may find the going tough behind the sieve blocking for him. Nonetheless, Gore should thrive catching the ball out of the backfield. One has to wonder though what Martz’s proclivity to leave the quarterback prone to pressure and the Niners already woeful pass protection will produce. They might want to keep four quarterbacks on the roster. The team is hoping the acquisitions of Isaac Bruce and Bryant Johnson will help an abysmal receiving corps. However, Bruce is way past his prime and Johnson was somewhat of a disappointment in Arizona. Vernon Davis is blessed with superb athleticism but has been somewhat of a disappointment as he has not been able to put it all together for a consistent Pro Bowl caliber season. If Martz can turn this unit around, then his past reputation for offensive genius has been well earned.

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2008 San Francisco 49ers Defense:

The additions of defensive end Justin Smith and first round pick Kentawn Balmer should bolster the defensive line. However, the team still lacks a legitimate nose tackle, one of the most vital components to a successful 3-4 defense. Patrick Willis led the entire league in tackles last season and possesses hall of fame potential at inside linebacker. The team is hoping former first round pick Manny Lawson will provide a pass rushing threat off the edge, after missing all of last season with a knee injury. Clements is still an All Pro corner but the rest of the secondary is short on talent. Walt Harris is getting old and struggled at times last season. Michael Lewis has always had difficulty in coverage. Fans should hold out hope that rookie defensive back Reggie Smith can make a positive impact. San Francisco’s defense ranked 25 th in the league last year and that number is unlikely to improve unless the team can find a legitimate pass rushing threat.

2008 San Francisco 49ers Special Teams:

Accurate place kicker Joe Nedney made an impressive 17 of 19 field goals last season. Allen Rossum is has been a solid return man throughout with 7 career touchdowns.

2008 San Francisco 49ers Expectations:

Unless Martz can work a miracle with the offense, the 49ers will most likely struggle again considerably in 2008. The team may be lucky to eclipse its win total of 5 games from last season. Don’t be surprised to see Mike Nolan coordinating another team’s defense in 2009.

2008 San Francisco 49ers Prediction: 4th place in the NFC West

By Glenn Katzman
ProFootball-fans.com Staff Writer

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