The First Test

Forty-Niner Nation is still basking in the glow of last Sunday's victory over the Rams. While last-season's opening victory against those of the Land of the Arch felt more like God throwing the Niners a bone after the saddening death of Thomas Herrion, the win at Candlestick this go around has much more substance behind it. Not only are the local papers and--I'm assuming--talk radio heads optimistic and praiseworthy, but to the observing eye of the average fan this team seems like they get it. They run hard, hit hard, and genuinely care. If the talent level was as high as the achievement level, we'd easily be looking at a playoff team. Regardless, the start to the season has some people mentioning Mike Nolan's name and the word savior--gasp!--in the same sentence. Unfortunately, that wasn't Kevan Barlow's breath. The season is only two games old and there is still a long way to go, but Nolan clearly has the ship headed north in the standings.

Apparently, the front office was so pleased with the progress of the new team that it felt that it had to shell out some contract extensions. Offensive lineman Adam Snyder was inked, and Shawntae Spencer also received a deal--not a small feat for a holdover from the Terry Donahue era. In today's NFL it is always prudent to sign your assests to extensions early so as to avoid cap issues and pay a lower-tier salary before the player inevitably holds-out. But I applaud the signings (especially the Walt Harris); it shows the Niners see that they have some good players, want to keep them in Red and Gold, and are willing to make a commitment to win. Now if HMB can only get the Giants and Warriors to start making prudent signings...

Adam Snyder celebrating his new contract with Frank Gore

Another guy playing inspired football and probably deserves, at least, his own website at this point, is Frank Gore. A quick synopsis of his career: enrolls at the U as a bally-hooed recruit with hopes of following in the footsteps of Edgerrin James and become the next great Canes running back. After averaging nine yards per carry during his freshmen campaign, he blows out his knee, misses the national championship victory over Nebraska, and has to watch as Willis McGahee dominates the competition while he is out. After a year of rehab, Gore becomes the feature back only to blow out his other knee and misses the remainder of the season. In his third time around, Gore remains healthy and immediately enters the NFL draft and is selected by the Niners. We all know what has happened since he's been here. And don't forget about his great high school career; Frank sure doesn't. Gore's determination and development have been impressive, and he is officially a good fantasy play for all you Gore owners out there.

This week the Iggles come into San Francisco reeling after absolutely blowing a sure victory against the New York Football Giants. Not only did they lose the game, but Jevon Kearse is out for the year and the underrated secondary has collectively checked into the infirmary. Without a doubt, this is the game that the Niners will be measured by. Da Birds are far and away the best team the Niners have played, and there is extra incentive to repay the Eagles for 42-3 ravaging they gave this team a year ago. In addition, Jeff Garcia will be in da house for a bittersweet return to where it all started, and for all intents and purposes, ended. I always liked Garcia despite the fact that he had a lavish lisp, had the worst receding hairline I have ever seen, and pissed off the star receiver (well, that really wasn't his fault, Owens is insane). No matter how you stack it, the Niners need to put on a good show.

While the Eagle offense put on a three quarter clinic before going on cruise control for the fourth quarter, Brian Westbrook is ailing, Donte Stallworth and Reggie Brown aren't game-breaking receivers, and they lack a punishing run game. It's obvious that this Niner defense will likely struggle against teams that throw well--like the Eagles--because of their lack of top-end cover corners, and getting a pass-rush is imperative. In Week 1 they couldn't muster much of anything and lost; last week they could and won. Donovan McNabb is no longer the running threat he used to be but is a much more polished passer. I don't see him replicating his five touchdown performance of a year ago, but he should have success.

Offensively, the Niners are up against their toughest test. Though the Eagles have injury concerns, they are still loaded on the defensive side of the ball, and coordinator Jim Johnson, who already loves to blitz, will probably bring the freakin' house at Alex Smith. Smith will really be under fire and has the most to prove. Through the first two games he has looked good, but accuracy issues remain, and will be under serious pressure all game. Gore should be able to run but he needs to worry about ball security. Look for the Truth to be a factor, as he took a backseat on the first-round rookie hype machine after Manny Lawson's two sack day last Sunday. If the Niners want to have any chance, Davis and Antonio Bryant will need to make big plays. The offensive line, which played so well last week, will be under the same microscope as Smith. To win, they need to keep the white jerseys out of the Niner backfield.

The Niners also need to be wary of fightin' mighty-might David Akers!

Cry you little bitch.

As good as the Niners have been this season, I have a hard time believing that they will beat one of the better teams in the NFC. Fortunately, the Eagles are coming off a tough loss to an archrival, but I'm not sure if that is a good thing. The game will be close, but I can't see the Niners offense scoring enough points to the win. It will be another one of those "moral victories". I hate those.

Prediction: Eagles 27-17. The silver lining: no TO.
Season: 2-0.