San Francisco 49ers – NFC West Preview

The darkhorse San Francisco 49ers are on the upswing with an overhauled defense heading into the 07' season. The 49ers haven't been to the playoofs since the 02' season but with over 40 million bucks invested into an ailing defense the niners have added some depth to compliment their stud running back and leading NFC rusher Frank Gore. Head Coach Mike Nolan will be working with a new coaching crew across the board but has done an admirable job as boss in his 3 year tenure by turning around a franchise that was sinking. Bodog.com has made the San Francisco 49ers 15 to 1 betting odds to win the 2008 Super Bowl XLII.

RB Frank Gore is a leader who propels his offense with an explosive running style. Gore can take over games with his punishing running style that wears down defenders. Unfortunately Frank Gore broke his right hand in training camp and could be hindered in the passing game early on. QB Alex Smith is a young cerebral athlete who has made improvements since coming into the NFL 3 years ago. The 49ers plan to throw more with Smith, stretching defenses with his strong arm.

On the offensive line the 49ers pack a whallop on the left side with the combination of bull strong G Larry Allen and Jonas Jennings. The line is the overlooked unit that paves the way for Frank Gore's runs. In the offseason Sanfran added division rival Seattle's best WR Darrell Jackson. Also added was the speedy Ashley Lelie. Arnaz Battle emerged as a quality possesion reciever that's not afraid to block. TE Vernon Davis is a serious threat as a reciever and will impact games.

The Defense will operate out of the 3-4 this year. Intense competitors DE's Bryant Young and Marques Douglas lead a young, hungry line that has potential. LB Tully-Banta-Cain was added in the offseason to provide a pass rush from the linebacking position. The linebackers have speed all are fast behind Cain. Top Free-Agent prospect CB Nate Clements was inked by the 49ers in the offeseason providing an instant upgrade to a struggling unit. Clements isn't a shutdown corner but can complement some intimidating Safties. Kicker Joe Nedney is a money player who has tremendous accuracy inside 40 yards. The niners have a good special teams gang.