2009 San Francisco 49ers Football Preview

2008 Record: 7-9, Second AFC West

Find your favorite 49ers players in 5x7 inch wall graphics and buy Fathead Tradeables online at eBay or find Fathead Tradeables online at Sports-Shop.com.

Head Coach: Mike Singletary; First full season

Key Additions: WR Brandon Jones, CB Dre Bly, DE Demetric Evans, FB Moran Norris

Key Losses: LB Tully Banta-Cain, WR Bryant Johnson, CB Donald Strickland, QB J.T. O'Sullivan, DT Ronald Fields

1st Round Draft Picks: Michael Crabtree – Wide Receiver

2nd Round Draft Picks: -

2009 San Francisco 49ers Schedule

San Francisco 49ers 2008 NFL Season in Review

The 2008 NFL season for the San Francisco 49ers was a tumultuous one. Mike Singletary took over as coach midway through the year and found himself at the center of a media maelstrom for some of his choice actions and commentary. The club continued to struggle in its search for any quarterback who was capable enough to hold down the starting job and direct the club to some level of success. The defense wasn't very strong either, although young linebacker Patrick Willis is a shining standout and bright spot.

San Francisco 49ers 2009 NFL Season Preview

Two big questions lingered in the off season for the San Francisco 49ers. Would Mike Singletary be back to coach the club on a fulltime and official basis, and who would emerge as the starting quarterback for the 2009 season? The first has been solved as Singletary is returning, the second is still up in the air as training camps and off season work begins.

2009 San Francisco 49ers Offense:

Quarterback Alex Smith may end up returning to the starting quarterback position. He has a legitimate chance to beat out Shaun Hill, who started the last half of the 2008 season in Smith's absence from injury. J.T. O'Sullivan started the first half of the year before flaming out and is no longer with the club. Running back Frank Gore has the tools to be a premier back in the league, but not when the defense stuffs eight guys in the box on every single down.

The wide receiving unit was another glaring weakness, and the drafting of Michael Crabtree was the perfect way to address that need. If he matures quickly and develops as a go to playmaker, he could help Vernon Davis fulfill his potential and steady Isaac Bruce see easier schemes. They all need someone to get them the ball though, and it will be interesting to see who wins command, Smith or Hill.

> Find a great selection of San Francisco 49ers jerseys & merchandise online as well as NFL Fatheads through Pro Football Fans!

2009 San Francisco 49ers Defense:

As mentioned, young Patrick Willis is the undisputed leader of the defense already. With help on the line backing unit from Takeo Spikes and in the backfield from Nate Clements and Michael Lewis, there are some solid pieces in place. The toughness and schemes preached by a person who clearly knows what he's talking about in Mike Singletary may help the defense grow some teeth. The club needs more consistency and stability, and need to prevent collapses and lapses that lead to big plays. If Singletary can motivate and coach up the unit enough, the defense has enough talent to be above average.

2009 San Francisco 49ers Prediction: Third NFC West

By Jake Emen
ProFootball-fans.com Staff Writer

View all of the 2009 NFL football previews online here at Pro Football Fans!