SAN FRANCISCO 49ers
2009 RECORD: 8-8-0
(2nd in NFC West)
HEAD COACH: Mike Singletary
Key Additions: QB David Carr (FA/NY Giants), WR Ted Ginn (trade/Miami)
Key Losses: QB Shaun Hill (trade/Detroit), WR Arnaz Battle (FA/Pittsburgh), CB Dre' Bly (FA), CB Walt Harris (FA)
Offense: Alex Smith is the starting quarterback after passing for 2,350 yards last season along with 18 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. David Carr comes over from the New York Giants and will be the backup.
The 49ers ranked 27th on offense in '09, averaging 291 yards per game (100 on the ground and 191 yards passing) and Head Coach Mike Singletary would like to see more from the running game in 2010.
Frank Gore (1,120 yards rushing with a 4.9 ypc average and 10 TD) is the top rusher for the 49ers and Michael Robinson is the backup after Glen Coffee retired suddenly during training camp. Gore also had 52 catches last season, three for touchdowns. The fullback is Moran Norris.
The wide receivers will be Michael Crabtree (48 catches for 625 yards, two TD) and Josh Morgan, who made 52 catches for 527 yards and three touchdowns.
The team's leading receiver in '09 is the tight end Vernon Davis, who made 78 grabs for 965 yards and scored 13 touchdowns. Ted Ginn comes over from Miami in a trade and had 38 catches for 454 yards last season.
The offensive line has center Eric Heitmann, guards Chilo Rachal and Mike Iupati and tackles Joe Staley and Anthony Davis.
Defense: The defense was solid last year, especially in the red zone as the 49ers finished fourth in the NFL in points allowed, giving up just 281 points.
The run defense allowed 97 yards per game (6th in NFL) and 229 through the air.
The 3-4 defense has nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin and ends Isaac Sopoaga and Justin Smith.
The linebackers are Takeo Spikes and Patrick Willis, who each had four quarterback sacks in '09, on the inside while outside backers are Manny Lawson and Parys Haralson. Lawson led the 49ers with 6.5 sacks as the team totaled 44 for the season. In addition, Willis also snared three interceptions. Ahmad Brooks (six sacks) adds depth to the linebacking unit.
The secondary picked off 18 passes a year ago, including four by free safety Dashon Goldson, which led the team. The strong safety is Michael Lewis. The corners will be Shawntae Spencer and Nate Clements.
OUTLOOK: The 49ers are primed for a run at Arizona and the NFC West division title in 2010.
The defense is solid and the offense seems to be getting better and especially will do so if former top draft pick Smith continues to improve at quarterback.
San Francisco is seeking a playoff appearance for the first time since the 2002 season and there is a good chance they may achieve that this season.
Singletary is an intense coach who knows how to motivate his players and will likely be just as intense again this year.
The expectations are high for this team and with Arizona not expected to be as strong as the past two seasons, there will be added pressure on the 49ers to get it done this time around.
The keys will be the games against Arizona and an early season matchup at home against New Orleans. Some tough road games also face the 49ers as they travel to Atlanta, Green Bay and San Diego, all considered playoff contenders.
The dates to circle for the 49ers are November 29 and January 2 when they face the Cardinals, a team they swept last year.
Look for the 49ers to go 9-7 and perhaps emerge as the NFC West champions, which would punch their playoff ticket for the first time in eight years.
TEAM SCHEDULE:
Week 1- at Seattle
Week 2- vs. New Orleans
Week 3- at Kansas City
Week 4- at Atlanta
Week 5- vs. Philadelphia
Week 6- vs. Oakland
Week 7- at Carolina
Week 8- vs. Denver
Week 9- Bye Week
Week 10- vs. St. Louis
Week 11- vs. Tampa Bay
Week 12- at Arizona
Week 13- at Green Bay
Week 14- vs. Seattle
Week 15- at San Diego
Week 16- at St. Louis
Week 17- vs. Arizona
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