What's New?
Ranking 26th in the NFL on both sides of the ball, it’s almost amazing that the San Francisco 49ers finished with a 7-9 record in 2006. Those rankings are a bit deceiving heading into this season, however, because the team really seemed to find a stride over the second half of last season and they spent perhaps more money to get better than any other team in the offseason.
Of course, the headline deal was the signing of former Bills cornerback Nate Clements to a record deal for defenders. The team also improved their secondary with the addition of safety Michael Lewis, a free agent from Philadelphia, and added a pass-rushing threat in former Patriots linebacker Tully Banta-Cain. One move, though, that kind of sailed in under the radar and could pay huge dividends was the signing of former Ravens tackle Aubrayo Franklin, who is slated to start on the nose.
On offense the 49ers addressed their huge needs at receiver in fine fashion by signing free agent Ashley Lelie and then trading a fourth-round draft pick to the division-rival Seahawks for Darrell Jackson, which is highway robbery on the part of the 49ers if you ask me. Jackson is a quality receiver who should really help quarterback Alex Smith’s development.
The team could also see a significant impact from a pair of rookie first-rounders in linebacker Patrick Willis and offensive tackle Joe Staley.
NFL Draft Picks
1st Round - Patrick Willis, LB Mississippi
1st Round - Joe Staley, OT Central Michigan
3rd Round - Jason Hill, WR Washington State
3rd Round - Ray McDonald, DE Florida
4th Round - Jay Moore, DE Nebraska
4th Round - Dashon Goldson, S Washington
4th Round - Joe Cohen, DE Florida
5th Round - Tarrell Brown, CB Texas
6th Round - Thomas Clayton, RB Kansas State
Who's Gone?
DT - Anthony Adams (Bears)
S - Mike Adams (released/Browns)
WR - Antonio Bryant (released)
S - Deke Cooper (Panthers)
CB - Sammy Davis (Buccaneers)
LB - Jay Foreman (released)
TE - Eric Johnson (Saints)
DT - Lance Legree (Saints)
C - Jeremy Newberry (Raiders)
LB - T.J. Slaughter (released)
What Needs to Change?
Running back Frank Gore needs a little help on offense, and the 49ers plan to open things up in the passing game more this year now that they have competent No. 1 and 2 receivers in Jackson and Lelie. When you throw in a healthy, more experienced Vernon Davis at tight end, Smith has far more weapons than ever before to work with. Expect big improvements in the passing game this year.
Big improvements are also expected in the defensive secondary, an area the team invested heavily in during the offseason. Another year in Mike Nolan’s system, along with the free-agent additions of Clements and Lewis, should provide a marked improvement.
Under Pressure to Perform
Alex Smith - This is year three for Smith -- his second season as the full-time starter-- and big things are expected of him. Having been the top overall draft pick, it’s not enough for him to simply continue to manage games while Gore grinds down defenses. At some point he is going to be expected to win games with his arm. He no longer has the benefit of having former offensive coordinator Norv Turner around to guide his development either.
2006 Rankings
Overall Offense - 26th (303.8)
Rushing Offense - 6th (135.8)
Passing Offense - 29th (168.0)
Overall Defense - 26th (344.2)
Rushing Defense - 19th (121.0)
Passing Defense - 26th (223.2)
Prediction - Having finished so strongly over the second half last season, there is reason for optimism once again in San Francisco. In fact, anything short of a playoff appearance will be a huge disappointment. The team, though, has done a good job of shoring up some weak areas and should continue their upswing this season as long as Gore stays healthy. He’s the one guy they cannot afford to lose.
Record: 9-7 and first in the NFC West
