Camp countdown: 49ers hope stability can carry them to NFC West title
Article By Unknown on 14th July, 2010
Matt Barrows, Sporting News correspondent
While the rest of the NFC West has made a sea change this offseason, the buzzword around San Francisco 49ers headquarters has been continuity. For the first time in eight seasons, the team will have the same offensive coordinator and head coach two years running, and that relative stability makes San Francisco the favorites to win the division for the first time since 2002.
Frank Gore will have a hand in what the Niners hope is Alex Smith's breakout season.
Whether the 49ers can pull it off depends largely on quarterback Alex Smith and offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye. The team is banking on Smith finally breaking through in his sixth season. With Frank Gore, Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree, Smith has the most talented supporting cast he has ever had. But there are questions whether Raye has the imagination to turn those ingredients into a playoff-caliber offense.
What's new
Offense: The 49ers were a schizophrenic bunch in 2009, veering from a staid, straight-ahead running attack early in the season to one that opted for plenty of shotgun formations and a spread attack at midseason. Raye is aiming for more balance this season, but look for Gore to continue to be the bell cow. Gore and the rest of San Francisco's skill players should benefit from an improved line led by new coach Mike Solari.
No team has allowed more sacks (150) the last three seasons than the 49ers. The running game was supposed to be a strength in 2009, but the 49ers failed there, too, finishing 25th in average yards per game. Both statistics point to problems along the line. Right tackle has been a problem spot for two seasons, and first-round pick Anthony Davis likely will replace Adam Snyder.
Guard play also has been inconsistent. Right guard Chilo Rachal has perhaps more talent than any 49ers blocker, but he needs to be more steady. Rookie Mike Iupat...
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