Hope is Justified

All things considered, you couldn't really ask for much more. Alex Smith looked liked a poised NFL quarterback, especially when leading the team down the field in the final minutes of the fourth quarter. He and Bryant looked in sync (most of the time), particularly in the fourth quarter when the Niners almost completed a furious comeback. Smith looked so good that--dare I say it?--he even resembled a possible fantasy quarterback. The Cardinals took notice of the new and improved Smith and gave him the cheapest of cheap shots in the second quarter. Though there was a case of fumble-itis in the first quarter, the team played hard until the finish; the Cardinals seemed to be relieved that the game was over.

For the most part, the young guys played well. The Truth scored his first NFL TD, but also made some expected mistakes. If Frank Gore continues to produce at his current rate (without the fumbles, of course), he can rightfully take his place alongside the great former University of Miami running backs in the league. Look at this list: Edgerrin James, Clinton Portis, Willis Mcgahee, and the defecating Najeh Davenport, a personal favorite. My boy Marcus Hudson--who I hyped up a month ago--got some burn and recovered the onside kick.

But for all the good that came out of the game, there remain issues. The pass rush struggled and the defense couldn't get the Cardinals off the field on third down. There were missed opportunities and dumb mistakes, but it is all part of the learning process. Another reason to proceed with caution and tone down any outrageous thoughts: last year the Niners opened with a win and proceeded to finish 4-12. Granted this team looks infinitely more competent than last year's rag tag bunch, but just remember to proceed with caution. If this game is a precursor for things to come, then it is clear that the team is going in the right direction. And for once it is not just us at HMB saying it: there is hope.

Nancy Gay wrote a praising piece of Bryant Young who remains the single most respected Niner of my generation. Yeah we all loved Steve, Jerry, Joe, Ronnie and the whole gang, but has there ever been a negative thing said about--or by--Bryant since he joined the team thirteen seasons ago? The guy practically owns the Len Eshmont Award to the point that it will probably be renamed the Bryant Young Award. He will easily go down as one of the greatest Niners ever, and is in my hallowed group of players you just love having on your team, which includes but is not limited to: JT Snow, Ellis Burks, Kirk Reuter, Robb Nen, John Taylor, Jesse Sapolu and Tim McDonald. Sadly, I can't think of any Warriors. That's not the whole list, but only a start.

We'll revisit the Niners on Friday with more news, info, updates, and of course, a predicition.