TEAM: San Francisco 49ers
OFFENSE D
DEFENSE D
SPEC. TEAMS D
COACHING D
FRONT OFFICE C
SCOUTING B
OVERALL D
STRENGTH RB, LB, TE,
WEAKNESS WR, DL, FS, OG, OT, QB,
OFF. MVP Frank Gore
DEF. MVP Patrick Willis
TOP ROOKIE Josh Morgan
Comments: I sometimes wonder if the retired film star and absolute greatest of all 49ers super-fan Bradford Dillman, has ever seen the irony in the current plight of his beloved football club and the title of one of his most memorable film role; “The Way We Were?” Well probably not, but I thought it was somewhat ironic.
The 2008 version of this once proud franchise is a far cry from what the fans have been subjected to today. Head coach Mike Nolan, a class act and a good football coach, was unceremoniously dismissed and replaced by Mike Singletary, a passionate but inexperienced defensive assistant. I personally would have selected Mike Martz for the job, but the York family did not seek my input on this particular matter.
The 49ers are under manned offensively. Fifteen year veteran Isaac Bruce, long since passed his prime and rookie receiver Josh Morgan are the primary outside receiving options while the quarterback trio of JT O’Sullivan, Jamie Martin and current starter Shaun Hill are not to worry too many defensive coordinators within the league. The offensive front has been rather pedestrian through the mid-point of the season. Running back Frank Gore has performed far better than I had anticipated when evaluating him at the University of Miami.
Defensively I like the Justin Smith’s play speed and the enormous talents of Patrick Willis, but overall I was disappointed in the overall play of the defensive unit and in particular high priced free agent Nate Clements.
I really like Scot McCloughan a great deal and believe he is one of the brightest young individuals in the game, but it���s going to be a very long time before most 49ers fans let him forget his first selection as vice president of player personnel, and the top selection in the 2005 draft, Alex Smith. Pro director Tommy Gamble is one of the very best personnel people in the game and the scouting staff overall is overall an impressive group.