Building chemistry a must for 49ers’ passing game

By Brad Wilbricht  |   Tuesday, June 02, 2009  |  Comments( 1 )

San Francisco 49ers
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans!

The San Francisco 49ers’ struggles under center have been well documented, but the team is hopeful that one of its current signal-callers will emerge as the starting quarterback in 2009. With a young group of wide receivers, whoever takes the reins will need ample time to develop chemistry through the air.

Although organized team activities and training camp are generally thought of as a preparation tool for the upcoming season, they hold even more value in San Francisco. The 49ers showed progress in the second half of last year and will attempt to build on that momentum in 2009. In order to do so, a starting quarterback will need to surface quickly.

While Shaun Hill is currently the favorite to win the starting job, former first overall draft pick Alex Smith is back on the radar. Smith has been a career disappointment, enduring a turbulent tenure thus far in the Bay Area. If he’s able to process new offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye’s system and stay healthy, he could push Hill for the starting job.

In addition to Smith, Hill will need to hold off incoming rookie Nate Davis, a fifth-rounder and underrated prospect from Ball State. Although he’s a long shot to start under center, the pedigree is there.

If Smith or Davis can surpass Hill on the depth chart, that could bode well for the 49er faithful. Hill isn’t flashy in the pocket but has been steady and reliable. If he loses the starting job, Smith or Davis will have likely performed flawlessly during training camp and the preseason.

Outside of wide receiver Isaac Bruce, the 49ers employ an inexperienced corps of wideouts. That group will be the main beneficiary if one of the quarterbacks can rapidly develop into the full-time starter. The sooner that scenario takes place, the better; after all, building chemistry in the passing game is a must for San Francisco’s offensive attack.
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans! (1)

About Brad Wilbricht

Brad Wilbricht covers numerous sporting events including the NFL, NFL Draft and college football. His analysis is simulcast through several media outlets across the country. Additionally, Brad is a regular guest on a variety of talk radio shows and can be frequently heard on the airwaves. To ...
read more
Article Tools Share!   |  RSS  |  Bleacher Report About Bleacher Report