But in another sense it's the best time to analyze, because they're playing right before my eyes, and how they play is indisputable. Forget the hype and the spin of the commentators, the pundits, and the sportswriters on the days leading up to or after the game. What we see is what it is, and it's what we get. Once in a while the current Niners team is capable of an offensive spurt, like the one they showed in the third quarter: a field goal, and then a touchdown after getting the ball deep in Eagle territory from an interception by Dre Bly. But these spurts are not consistent, not by a long shot. It's true that this is a relatively young team at the "skilled" positions, including quarterback and wide receivers. In this area it's reasonable to expect that the passing game will improve in the years ahead as Alex Smith, Crabtree and Morgan get experience working with each other. It's also true that the entire offense, not just Alex Smith, has had to try to execute the offensive schemes of seven different offensive coordinators over the past seven years. Not good at all. It's hard to judge whether this is the reason why their offensive line is mediocre, or whether they just aren't good enough. They do not appear to have the physicality to push people off the line and get a power running game going. But then, neither did the offensive lines during the decade that the Niners won five Super Bowls. These teams ran the ball adequately when they needed to, and they were able to do it because their passing game set up the run. The biggest factor though, was the fact that the O-Line played together as a group for many years, and the offensive system was consistent. This is something that our beloved Niners of today have not had the luxury of experiencing. So I'm going to cut them some slack, and anticipate that they will improve next year to 9-7 or 10-6 in my wildest dreams. For the first time in seven years, they'll have the same offensive coordinator for 2 years in a row, The O-Line will have had one year together under their belt--remember, this was Chilo Rachal's first full season as a starter, and Joe Staley missed several games with an injured knee. Where the Niners need to get better offensively is at fullback and special teams. The fullback position needs to be weaponized. They need someone who can catch the ball and is more of a running threat. They need someone who is more than a refrigerator with legs. The Niners also desperately need a punt/kick returner. It's been many years since they've had such a lack of talent at that position. Whoever was responsible for NOT drafting DeSean Jackson and picking Kentwan Balmer will have to live with that bonehead move for the rest of his life. Way to go, whoever you are. Can you imagine DeSean Jackson and Michael Crabtree ON THE SAME TEAM??? Oh, what might have been. Someone over at Niner management is biased against Cal: they copped an attitude against drafting Jackson, and they also passed over Cal QB Aaron Rogers, who has matured more quickly than Smith. Smith was the No. 1 pick in 2005, if you recall; Rodgers was No. 24. Ouch. While the defense has gotten more praise and recognition this year, I actually think they need more help than the offense. They need one player at each defensive layer to become great. They need to add one D-Line player, one backer, and one DB. The D-Line is probably their strength, but adding one guy to increase their depth would be great. With the linebackers, Manny Lawson is the weakest link. They need someone who is more stout, less lanky, a more powerful motor to put on the heat on passing downs. Yeah, I know that's what they're trying to do with Ahmad Brooks, but until they're able to improve the outside LB position good offenses will always be able to move the ball against the Niners, and we'll always lose close games because of this. Same is true of the DBs. With Shawntae and Dashon are solid. Michael Lewis is adequate. But we're at least one, probably two, players short of a great DB lineup. We need another corner, and we need an upgrade at the strong safety position. Nate Clements is on the backside of his career and good passing teams attack him. He would be good in a nickel- or six-pack formation, but for the starting four DBs, we need to upgrade one corner and the strong safety. Singletary knows defense, and he knows what it takes to make a great defensive team. I think he knows that personnel-wise, he's actually more deficient on defense than on offense. The offense actually has the talent but hasn't had any continuity with coaching, vision, and strategy. Now they do, and because of this they'll only get better. With the defense, it's been the opposite. The Niner's D has been good because of Singletary's expertise and his ability to pull his players together. But the defense needs more talent--at least three more players-- to become the dominant defense we think they're on the brink of becoming. Until they get those players, they'll always look like they're on the brink, but they'll drive us nuts because they'll be undermanned. So for the upcoming draft, I'm gonna look for the Niners to be on the lookout for 1) a DB, 2) either a defensive lineman and or a linebacker, and 3) a fullback. Remember, you heard it here first. |