What, Exactly, Do We Have Here?

Regrettably, HMB did not post its usual Friday Niner blotter with news, notes and a prediction, but if that omission serves as a harbinger for victory we'll by all means stop running the feature.

A team that no one really gave a shot in the preseason has really begun to come into its own in the beginning of the season. While I still have guarded optimism--I don't want the expectations to get wildly out of hand--this team has played with intensity, purpose, and confidence. In other words, they are playing nothing like the teams of the past three seasons. In defending the Candlestick turf against the rival Rams, the Niners showed toughness and an ability to balance the run and pass while converting crucial third downs. Maybe the most relieving aspect of the early season success is the development of Alex Smith into a seemingly bona fide big-play quarterback. While there is still reason for skepticism (low completion rate and sometimes happy feet), if Smith continues his recent trend, he should become a legitimate fantasy sleeper by Week 4.

A look at the development of the young players would only bring smiles to the faces of Mike Nolan and Scot McCloughlan. Manny Lawson answered some critics by registering his first two sacks Sunday, in a game that turned out to be somewhat of a coming out for the defense. If the Niners can disrupt the pass like they did Sunday, the questions about the defense will begin to sudside. Though Frank Gore fumbled again, he came back and delivered a big day. Gore's success had a lot to do with the play of the makeshift offensive line, which was missing both of its starters on the left side. As each game passes and Gore proves himself to be a worthy NFL starting running back, the happier I am at the thought of Kevan Barlow toiling on the New York Jets. Antonio Bryant continued to assert himself as a brash playmaker much like his #81 predecessor did. Don't think this doesn't cause nightmares here on HMB. Ray Ratto has something to say about Gore and Bryant. Be aware of pretentious writing; you were warned here.

The Niners may have the Rams' number but this is no longer the Greatest Show on Turf. Good freakin' riddance.

Nancy Gay with another piece on Bryant Young, this time detailing his trench battles with Rams guard Adam Timmerman over the years.

In other good news, TO is hurt! and the Raiders are looking increasingly pathetic.

Though there was no post Friday, I did predict in my season preview that the Niners would beat the Rams at home. I think it is fair to stick with that predictions. That brings HMB to 2-0 this season. Stay tuned for the prediction this Friday.