49ers’ offense, defense went in different directions

By Marc Hudgens  |   Sunday, September 02, 2007  |  Comments( 9 )

San Francisco 49ers
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It seems the 49ers' two squads went in opposite directions during the preseason.

In the beginning, the offense was clicking. The only real issue was the battle between Kwame Harris and Joe Staley on the offensive line, which has since been resolved. Quarterback Alex Smith looked sharp in the first two games, and the line was giving him time. Even backup QB Trent Dilfer picked up the slack.

The defense, however, was faring poorly. San Francisco's pass rush wasn't as solid as needed (only a delayed blitz appeared to work), the 'D' could not stop Oakland's ground game, and it allowed questionable Chicago quarterback Rex Grossman to have a field day.

Fast forward to this last preseason game against the Chargers. Offensively, neither Smith nor third-string QB Shaun Hill looked good at all. The offensive line allowed far too much pressure, including four sacks. It appears the Niners won the stat war (they beat San Diego with more first downs, better third-down efficiency, more rushing yards, more passing yards, etc.), but turnovers (four interceptions) killed their chances. The only good constant on that side of the ball came from fullback Zak Keasey in his limited roles.

The defense, on the other hand, was much improved. Holding San Diego's high-powered offense to only one touchdown, which was in the second quarter, is a huge feather in the defense's cap, and it should be commended. The pass defense appeared vastly improved, both on the rush and in the secondary, and the rush 'D' held up nicely. San Francisco's defense held the Bolts to 108 rushing yards and the same in passing yards.

Additionally, the Charger offense got well into the red zone three times, and the 49ers' defense forced field goals every time. The only touchdown the Chargers had was a 40-yard pass from Charlie Whitehurst to Craig Davis. Outside of that lone play, the secondary looked very good.

As the game went on, though, he defense started to wane. However, with an offense that not only can't produce but also turns it over six times, that translates into the defense being on the field for too long.

The 49ers will have until Sept. 10 to get back on track. There are playoff expectations going into this season, and there's quite a bit of work left to undo what caused the poor 1-3 preseason mark. Arizona is the first team the Niners face in the regular season, and they'll have make an example of the Cards in their own backyard to save face and keep the early postseason talk going.

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About Marc Hudgens

Marc Hudgens has been with RealFootball365 since 2007, covering college football, specifically Clemson and Oregon. He also writes for SouthernPigskin.com covering the ACC. He enjoys the acidic wit of Hunter S. Thompson, is a freelance graphic designer and has written several screenplays. He ...
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CommentsComments: 9  |  Sign Up  View all comments
No.1
NinerMike		11:03 AM
09/03/2007
It all comes down to Gore. If he stays healthy and has a similar year to last year, the 49ers could make a run. If he goes down, ...
No.2
davep		08:45 PM
09/03/2007
Dont place too much stock in the pre season. None of us really know what we have. I wouldnt say that niners offense ...
No.3
ShadyRaider		08:46 PM
09/03/2007
They will be lucky to win 3 games period. Gore can't keep from getting hurt in a non-contact practice, he seems like the kind of ...
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