High Standards – The San Francisco 49ers

By Michelle Jarvis
Contributing Author

The 49ers of this decade have been a far cry from the “dynasty” team of old…but don’t tell that to the fans of San Francisco. Many were convinced the 2009 season would be the year they returned to form and reclaimed the title of NFC West Champion. It seemed like a real possibility having defeated (convincingly at that) the eventual division winner, Arizona Cardinals twice during the season. Unfortunately, losing other games that were in the eyes of their fans “give me games” on top of other nail biting close losses ended up being what stopped them from NFC West supremacy.

Inconsistency at the quarterback position seemed to be the root of the problem for the Niners. Despite starting the 2009 season 3-1 the Niners were winning in spite of quarterback Shaun Hill’s performance. Following an embarrassing 45-10 loss week 5 to the Atlanta Falcons Hill was pulled in favor of Alex Smith. Smith, who was a favorite of General Manager Scot McCloughan had been considered the team’s next franchise quarterback since being drafted first overall in 2005. Due to injuries Smith hasn’t been able to begin a season with the starting job locked up.

After finishing last season with a 5-6 record Singletary has already given a healthy Smith the starting job for the 2010 season. This will also be the first year since Smith joined the Niners that he won’t be forced to learn a whole new offense, as the Niners have kept last year’s offensive play callers intact. On top of keeping the system the same, the team has put the offensive play makers in place around Smith. There are high hopes for Michael Crabtree going into the season to start developing into his number one target, as well as for a repeat of tight end Vernon Davis’ on-field chemistry with Smith. But don’t assume Smith wants the offense to go strictly air-born. Smith’s first 300 yard passing game came in a loss to the Seahawks, where the run game pretty much non-existent. Although Smith came from a heavy passing/spread offense in college, he understands the necessary balance between passing and running the ball. He has shared throughout the off season with numerous media outlets his appreciation for the hard work of his running back Frank Gore.
Smith was sacked 22 times in 2009 and was often rushed into throws, resulting in 12 interceptions. The next step in his development is solidifying the offensive line. It’s going to be crucial for San Francisco to take a good look at offensive tackles in the first and second round of the 2010 draft.

With the Niners defense the top ranked unit in the NFC West, now it is up to the offense to show that they can be a balanced team and put points on the board. With his starting competition the past two seasons Shaun Hill being traded to the Lions, it’s time for the Alex Smith era to make its 2010 debut. It would sure seem Niners Nation has a lot to look forward to.