49ers: Sounding the horn for hope entering Week 6

By Richard Brear  |   Thursday, October 09, 2008  |  Comments( 3 )

San Francisco 49ers
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There are many areas of serious concern with the 2-3 San Francisco 49ers, who face fellow 2-3 club Philadelphia this weekend. But reasons to hope for win No. 3 do exist, Niners fans.

On one hand, the 49ers’ strengths are peaking in some respects. Cases in point: Patrick Willis and Isaac Bruce. Willis managed two times the tackles versus the recently all-powerful Patriots (18) than he did against any of the 49ers' first four opponents this young NFL season. Other linebackers and the rest of the San Francisco defense cannot help but be inspired to play better by this All-Pro’s example. Bruce’s TD production is on the upswing, too, and the critical importance of 49er receivers scoring more points cannot be overemphasized.

Three other pistons are also improving the power of the Niners’ offensive machine. Frank Gore scored his first receiving touchdown of the season Oct. 5. Throughout this season, many have cried for Gore to get his hands on the ball more -- with good reason -- and this score through the air stands to not only pave the way for more points on the scoreboard in future games but to immediately prevent opposing defenses from pressuring J.T. O’Sullivan with such ferocity.

O’Sullivan himself had a decent game against New England, completing more touchdowns versus the Pats (three) than he has in any game since the opener. O'Sullivan didn't fumble, but he hurt that by tossing three interceptions. On a more positive note, O'Sullivan didn't take any sacks, which is proof that the 49ers' O-line is progressing.

Now for the Eagles’ few weaknesses. In a loss to the Redskins last week, Donovan McNabb exhibited his worst passing of the season. In fact, he threw 13 percent fewer completed passes than in any game since Week 1. In addition, injured Brian Westbrook and Correll Buckhalter combined have fewer rushing yards this season (308) than Gore alone (423).

This is certainly not a time for despair in San Francisco. Don’t forget that the season is only one-fourth played and the 49ers still sit at 1-1 in NFC West play, tied for second place with the Seahawks, only one loss behind the Cardinals.

A third win will keep the 49ers in the running for a still-attainable division crown.
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About Richard Brear

My first newspaper article of many appeared in print in the 1960's, but my fascination with journalism never got too serious until roughly twenty years later. In the 80's, I became a certified teacher of English Language Arts, got degrees from the University of Houston, and began teaching writing ...
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