Quarterback Jeff Garcia came into his own, and looks like he could be a star in this league, but with the loss of running back Charlie Garner, the biggest question on the team is in the backfield. It is still not known whether Garrison Hearst will be effective after being sidelined for two years with an ankle injury. The 49ers are planning on Hearst being the featured back right now, but if he can't carry the load, rookie Kevan Barlow may get the call.

The Niners also have some concerns at wide receiver. The legendary Jerry Rice has moved across the bay, making Terrell Owens the No.1 guy right now. Owens is amongst the best receivers in the league, but his attitude has him on the outs with many of the veterans on the team. The next two receivers in line, J.J. Stokes and Tai Streets, have been slowed by hamstring injuries in the preseason.

San Francisco started eight rookies on defense last year, allowing them to gain valuable experience. They released veteran linebacker Ken Norton Jr., but defensive tackle Dana Stubblefield has returned and will add some veteran leadership to the defense.

Among the youngsters that could help turn this squad around are safeties John Keith and Lance Schulters. Linebacker Julian Peterson showed signs of greatness last year, and rookie defensive end Andre Carter should be a dominating pass rusher. The 49ers felt so strongly about Carter's abilities they traded up two notches in the draft to select Carter before the Chicago Bears could get him.

Defensive tackle Reggie McGrew has finally started play well, and in the preseason has shown glimpses of the player the 49ers thought they were getting when they drafted him in the first round of the 1999 draft.

Overview

Realistically, the San Francisco 49ers are probably still a year away from competing with the New Orleans saints and the St. Louis Rams, but they are going to jump up and bite some teams this year. Garcia is showing why he deserved that $6 million contract, and if Hearst is healthy the offense will be just fine.

Defensively, they have a lot of young legs running around, and they are allowing these guys to get valuable experience. If the defense steps it up a little, this will be a quality team. I think they will not win the division, but they do have a shot at picking up a wild-card berth this year.