Five big questions facing San Francisco

By Mike Young  |   Thursday, September 06, 2007  |  Comments( 12 )

San Francisco 49ers
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The answers to these five questions, in order of importance, will determine the San Francisco 49ers' success or failure this season.

5. Will the pass catchers be enough of an upgrade from last year?

OK, almost anything would be better than last season's top tandem of Antonio Bryant and Arnaz Battle, but only half of that less-than-dynamic duo has been replaced.

Darrell Jackson will be looked upon to make the big catches in Bryant's stead, trading raw emotion and explosiveness for proven veteran know-how and polished receiving skills. On paper this looks great and Jackson should have a solid year, barring any problems with his aging legs.

Ashley Lelie will play the role of deep threat and will get a lot of looks in the slot as opposing defenses focus on Jackson and tight end Vernon Davis. But which Lelie will the Niners get -- the guy who caught 54 balls in 2004 or last year's invisible man in Atlanta?

Davis, the second-year physical specimen, might play the biggest role of the group. The question is: Does he have what it takes to turn awesome talent into spectacular production?

4. Can the defensive free agents live up to the hype?

Nate Clements is certainly confident of his skills, but great corners need to be cocky out there on an island; they are always one mistake away from embarrassment. After a preseason where he didn't play much, San Francisco fans get to see what Clements can do on the field when it matters. It looks as though he'll have to be great, too, with the 49ers' pass rush showing absolutely nothing so far.

Putting pressure on the quarterback will fall largely on the shoulders of the team's other big free-agent signing, Tully Banta-Cain. The outside linebacker has never started for a full season, but he did manage 5.5 sacks in a supporting role with the Patriots last year.

Neither of these guys are what some would call high-profile players. The first few weeks against some tough offenses will provide a strong test and give fans a good amount of play to judge.

3. Can the defensive line be respectable?

It just doesn't seem as if there is anyone the 49ers can count on to be the rock of their 3-4 alignment. Look around the league -- you'll see that successful 3-4 defenses have guys up front to stuff the run and take on blockers. The 49ers only have question marks.

Is Bryant Young too old? Will Isaac Sopoaga become the beast he is capable of being? Where will the depth come from now that two rookies have gone on injured reserve?

The D-line, more than any other area, looks like a disaster waiting to happen.

2. Will Alex Smith take his game to the next level?

If Smith can complete 60 percent of his passes and cut down on his turnovers, this team is going somewhere. If he throws an equal amount of touchdowns to interceptions, the squad will find itself at 8-8 or below. It really is that simple.

Is Smith the accurate, confident passer fans saw at the end of last season against Seattle and Denver, or is he just a 23-year-old kid who needs more time to mature?

Quarterbacks are kings of the NFL. If Smith can step up when others are faltering, pull out a few wins when things look bad, and finally look like a former No. 1 overall draft pick, the people who jumped on the 49er bandwagon will be happy they did.

1. Can Frank Gore give an encore performance?

The man who made the 49ers what they were last year must rush for at least 1,300 yards for his team to have a chance. His smash-mouth running takes pressure off all of his teammates and allows the 49ers to control the ball.

If Gore runs well, Smith will have more freedom to pass, receivers will face fewer men in coverage, and the defense will be on the field less. If he has trouble gearing up for the season or breaks down as the year progresses, losses will come.

Can a man who has undergone major surgeries on both knees, a torn labrum in each shoulder and a broken hand carry the load for 16 games?

We will all learn the answers to these questions soon. Monday night will be the start.

Are you ready for some football, 49er fans?
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