Niner Questions

First let me start off by apologizing on behalf of HMB for the somewhat depressing theme of our site this past week. In all honesty the Giants losing streak came as a huge downer, and at the same time there hasn't exactly been eventful offseasons for the Niners and Warriors. And since we don't really give much time to the A's here, it's safe to say the Bay Area sports scene hasn't been overflowing with positivity this past week, or even this past month. The Giants hover around .500 (we are awaiting their winning streak to return to that mark) while we wonder if the Niners can return to previous glory and the Warriors can ever garner such respect.

That being said I'd like to turn my attention to the Niners, who remain one of the most inept franchises in the NFL, despite having made it to the Divisional Playoffs only four years ago. Whether or not Eddie Debartolo's departure from the organization can be linked to its slide is debatable, but the results under new owner John York are undeniable. Starting quarterback Alex Smith, in nine games last season, threw one touchdown. The entire season Niner quarterbacks combined for 9 touchdowns and 21 interceptions: a cumulative rating of about 7.8.

I'm not here to bitch and moan about the team. Everyone knows it's a sorry situation. Some important questions will be answered this season though.

First, as the unquestioned starter and offensive leader of the team, can Alex Smith come into his own and finally step up as the cornerstone of the 49ers future? Take a look at his college statistics, who knew a player with such gaudy numbers would find it so tough to transition into the pros? That Smith is signed to a six-year, $49.5 million contract is unsettling to say the least. Moreover, the "positive" reports from training camp do little to ease the apprehension about our starting quarterback.

A traditionally strong rushing team faces some running back controversy this off-season, especially in light of a horrendous offensive season last year, as Frank Gore and Kevan Barlow battle for the starting spot. The winner will have to contribute and take some pressure off Alex Smith, especially as he develops chemistry with newcomer Antonio Bryant.

Will Vernon Davis, now the league's highest paid tight end, make an immediate impact and help Smith settle in behind center? A freakish athlete with a supposedly other-worldly work ethic, Davis will bring a much needed spark to the upcoming season. Such post-draft excitement has been lacking in the past few years, as mentioned in an earlier here on HMB.

Will the defense ever get it together? Head Coach Mike Nolan, a supposed defensive guru, having revived the Jets and established the Ravens as a premier defensive team, has yet to find his groove with this 49er squad. Granted his defensive rosters with New York and Baltimore were superior, last season the Niners gave up 25 or more points in nine games and ranked 32nd in total yards allowed.

Yet despite the enormous, looming questions, training camp always carries a sense of optimism, however reserved fans of a six-win team (in the past two seasons combined) might keep it. Bryant Young, now the longest tenured 49er, carries high hopes for this upcoming season, and his optimism remains crucial, especially as the voice of the defense and while serving as a mentor to first-round pick Manny Lawson.

Nevertheless one can't help but feel as if the Niners are on a short leash this year, and from the perspective of pride and in general protecting one's investment it appears as if the front office will not give up easily on the current youth. Young's faith is undoubtedly fragile and will need to be nurtured by a couple of early victories. A great place to start would be the home opener against the Rams, an opportunity to prove to the faithful that the Niners refuse to bottomfeed in the NFC West.