SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Singletary's 49ers Primed to Win NFC West

By Christopher Scheer

Mike Singletary

Coach Singletary — henceforth to be known as "Preacher Mike" — has the congregation listening, and the result is the best 49ers team in recent history. One quarter of the way through the 2009 season the 49ers have bested all three of their division opponents and but for the last-minute heroics of the indomitable Brett Favre would be an unbeaten 4-0. Even with the heartbreaking 27-24 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in week three, the Niners, with few personnel changes from last year's edition, have attracted the league's attention with a stifling defense and efficient offense.

A team coached by one of the best linebackers in NFL history should have a quick, hard-hitting, never quit defense, and the 49ers do. Led by Singletary prototype Patrick Willis, defensive rookie of the year in 2007 and Pro Bowl selection in 2008, the Niners' linebackers are among the league's best. Willis is joined on the inside by Takeo Spikes, a tough veteran enjoying a renaissance in his second year for San Francisco. The outside backers are Manny Lawson, a speedy and rangy playmaker who seems to have fully recovered from the injury that ruined his second season in 2007, and Parys Haralson, a sturdy tackler and one of the team's stable of developing pass rushers, with eight sacks last season.

The strong bench of backup backers includes rookie Scott McKillop, a keeper already making his mark on special teams; 10-year veteran Jeff Ulbrich; Ahmad Brooks, a fourth-year player looking to demonstrate that he belongs in the league after missing all of last season; and Marques Harris, a free-agent signee and special-teams playmaker.

The defensive line is much improved over last year. Seventh-year pro Aubrayo Franklin, who came to the Niners in 2007, has grown into a 317-pound monster who occupies two offensive linemen trying to keep him out of the opponent's backfield, creating opportunities for his mates to get to the quarterback. Franklin, who had one sack last year, got to Favre in the Minnesota game. Defensive end Justin Smith, who joined the Niners in 2008, is an explosive and relentless player who exemplifies Singletary's defensive approach. The other end is Isaac Sopoaga, an athletic 330-pounder who had a break-out year in 2008 and seems even better in 2009. Coaches believe that Kentwan Balmer, the team's first-round draft choice in 2008, will continue to grow into a standout defensive lineman. Ray McDonald, now in his third year, is a versatile lineman with the ability to block field goal attempts, including one run back for a touchdown against Minnesota.

The defensive backfield is a still-improving mix of savvy veterans and talented younger players. Cornerback Nate Clements, a former first-round draft pick and All Pro, takes on the opposition's best pass receiver and usually wins the battle. Shawntae Spencer, who lost the last two seasons to injury, won the other starting corner position, beating out the talented Dre' Bly. Bly, a two-time Pro Bowl selection in his first season with San Francisco after 10 years with St. Louis, Detroit and Denver, is the nickel back. Tarell Brown, another hard-hitting, rangy player, continues to develop in his third year. He sees plenty of action in the Niners' mix of defensive schemes.

The starting safeties are Michael Lewis and Dashon Goldson, backed up by Mark Roman and Reggie Smith. Strong safety Lewis is an imposing tackler who matches up well against the league's best running backs, while Goldson, in his third year, is now the starter at free safety with a promising career in front of him. Roman, a starter last year, plays both safety positions and provides veteran leadership, while second-year player Smith is making the transition from cornerback and trying to overcome injuries.

The 49ers defense is beginning to exemplify what it takes to win in the NFL — speed, sure tackling and relentless pursuit. If the unit is able to develop a consistent pass rush, it will become one of the five or 10 best in the league.

The offense is still a work in progress. The drafting of the unsigned wide receiver Michael Crabtree and the failure to sign a standout right tackle continue to hamper the team's offensive development. Early in the season the team seems limited by the talent on the offensive line and at wide receiver and worries about star running back Frank Gore's ankle injury.

Quarterback Shaun Hill demonstrates cool leadership under fire and a better passing arm than many anticipated. Most important, he rarely makes mistakes leading to drive-killing turnovers. Few were surprised that Hill won the starting quarterback competition after his success in 2007 and 2008, when he led the Niners to six wins in relief of Alex Smith and J.T. O'Sullivan. Smith remains an enigma who may still excel as a starting NFL quarterback, either in San Francisco or elsewhere. After starting as a rookie and demonstrating great improvement in his second year, he lost ground in 2007 when he played through a serious shoulder problem and sat out hurt in 2008. Smith was rusty and clearly behind Hill in the training-camp competition. But he is still young at 25 and has an excellent arm, foot speed and football smarts. Meanwhile, fifth-round draft pick Nate Davis is an intriguing, physically talented prospect whose play in the exhibition season suggests that he may be the team's quarterback of the future.

No NFL team can succeed without a strong offensive line. The middle of the 49ers line is strong and well-stocked. Center Eric Heitmann is worthy of All Pro consideration. He is flanked by guards David Baas and Chilo Rachal, a starter in his second year. The threesome weighs in just short of half a ton and provides powerful run blocking and pass protection. Tony Wragge and Cody Wallace are talented backups at the guard and center positions.

Left tackle Joe Staley, a third-year player who has started every game since he was drafted in 2007, is a team leader and emerging star at his position. But right tackle continues to be the problem it has been for several years. Kwame Harris never quite lived up to his expected potential. Jonas Jennings was injury prone and retired. The Niners hoped they had solved the problem when they signed Marvel Smith in the off-season, but his back injuries led to his retirement before the season began. Adam Snyder, a versatile backup at every line position but center, has not demonstrated the consistent play required of a starter. Barry Sims, discarded by the Raiders when they signed Harris a year ago, is no longer an NFL-caliber starter. San Francisco signed Tony Pashos after he was waived by the Jacksonville Jaguars and will platoon him and Snyder until a better alternative comes along. Maybe that first-round draft pick should have been used on a tackle!

The Niners' run-first philosophy has taken a hit with the injury to Frank Gore in the second game against Seattle. After demonstrating that he belongs among the league's elite runners with two 80-yard runs against the Seahawks, Gore hopes to come back in top physical form. In Gore's absence rookie Glen Coffee will try to repeat his exhibition-season success, while veteran Michael Robinson adds versatility as a blocker, runner and pass receiver. The return of fullback Moran Norris creates lanes for Niner ball carriers while forcing opponents to worry about an occasional throw to the hard-to-tackle 250-pounder.

Tight end Vernon Davis has bought into Singletary's program and is having a breakout year as a pass receiver who runs well after the catch and throws excellent blocks all over the field. The fourth-year player's maturity led to his designation as a team captain and an apparent end to his showboating. Delanie Walker may be the only 49er faster than Davis, and his pass-catching ability gives the team an extra dimension, especially in the two-tight-end sets.

The wide-receiver position continues to be a problem. First-round draft pick Michael Crabtree's refusal to sign a contract is a major disappointment to fans and to the front-office execs who never imagined that he would be insulted by the team's $20 million offer. What he and his agent are thinking is beyond comprehension.

Without an explosive downfield threat, the best of the team's wideouts is Isaac Bruce, the future Hall of Famer, in his 16th season. Bruce is the consummate professional who makes plays all over the field and mentors his younger teammates. Arnaz Battle is a reliable possession receiver, while youngsters Josh Morgan, Jason Hill, Micheal Spurlock and former Tennessee Titan Brandon Jones compete for playing time and the chance to prove that the Niners do not miss Crabtree.

The special teams remain solid. Kicker Joe Nedney, punter Andy Lee and return man Allen Rossum lead units that score points and maintain good field position for the team.

Look for Singletary's Niners to win the NFC West with 10 or 11 victories and begin a new playoff tradition in San Francisco.