Niners Odds 'n' Ends

For the 49ers to make strides in their second season under head coach Mike Nolan, the offense must be able to move the ball and keep a young and inexperienced defense off the field. Most of the onus, of course, will fall on the right shoulder of QB Alex Smith, the highly scrutinized top pick of only a year ago. Aiding Smith's development has been the addition of WR Antonio Bryant, a game-breaking threat that the Niners were sorely missing last season. Early in training camp, Smith and Bryant have demonstrated a good rapport by connecting on multiple long touchdown passes over the past few days. The hope is that with the presence of tight end Vernon Davis and Bryant in opposing secondaries, Smith will be able to find more holes and turn into a quarterback worthy of the top overall selection. One 49er legend, however, is not nearly as optimistic, even saying that Smith is "not going to be that good" and calling for the man who drafted Smith to be fired. That, of course, would be Nolan.

The only way Smith can become the quarterback that we all dream of is if he has enough time to throw. As Kevin Lynch writes, this team will only go as far as the offensive line takes it, but may soon be without one of the line's mainstays.

How are the some of the prominent ex-49ers doing this off-season, you might wonder? My Redskin mole has reported to me that Brandon Lloyd, the spectacular (highlights) yet maligned wide receiver, has progressed well in camp and may challenge for the starting spot opposite Pro Bowler Santana Moss. It seems that he has been able to take time away from his burgeoning hip-hop career. Andre Carter, another former Niner turned 'Skin, is trying to impress the coaches in the nation's capital. Carter's outside pass-rushing partner from last year, Julian Peterson, has made a splash with his new employers. Replacing Carter and Peterson will be difficult, but two rookies hope to fill the void.

The Niners open their preseason against the Chicago Bears on August 11. Let's hope that they have a better debut than their rivals from across the Bay.