49ers Preview

This is a make or break year for Smith

The 2010 NFL regular season is nearly underway. Here are my predictions for the 2010 San Francisco 49ers, a team looking to get to the postseason for the first time since 2002. Coming of an 8-8 year in Mike Singletary's first full season as the head coach, the 49ers are the favorites to win the NFC West.

The Offense
QB Alex Smith has been given another chance to prove he deserved to be a number 1 overall pick in the draft. However, he hasn't looked too sharp in camp or their 1st preseason game. Despite these struggles, Alex Smith has been given some continuity in the coaching staff and his teammates. For the first time in his career, he doesn't have to learn a brand new offense. The offensive line is much improved despite the injury to C Eric Heittman. 1st round draft picks Mike Iupati and Anthony Davis will give Alex Smith more time to throw the ball. QB David Carr is a better backup than Shaun Hill, and QB Nate Davis can be a starter in future years if Alex Smith disappoints. Also, WR Michael Crabtree and TE Vernon Davis are huge threats on the offensive side. Ted Ginn Jr. can is also a good option as a third receiver.

Despite RB Glen Coffee's abrupt retirement at the age of 23, the Niners running game remains strong. The acquisition of Brian Westbrook as a backup running back is probably an upgrade over the young Coffee, and talented RB Anthony Dixon, picked in the 6th Round of this year's draft, has shown he can take over in the future.

The Defense
The defense remains the 49ers strongest part of the team, and they will continue to improve over the course of the season. The 3-4 defensive scheme suits the team well because of their strong linebacking unit. Patrick Willis is the best linebacker in the NFL and Manny Lawson, Takeo Spikes, and Parys Haralson are good complements. Though Justin Smith is getting old he is still a great pass rusher, and Aubrayo Franklin is one of the top NT in the NFL. Ricky Jean-Francois is also a good backup. AWOL linebacker Kentawn Balmer was just traded and this takes a huge burden off the team.

The secondary is still a solid group despite the aging of Nate Clements. Michael Lewis and Dashon Goldson are very good at safety, and Taylor Mays has enough talent to take over in case of an injury. Shawntae Spencer has solidified his position over the last couple of years Tarell Brown is also a viable option.

Special Teams
The acquisition of Ted Ginn Jr. is a huge help for a struggling kick return group. P Andy Lee is still a pro bowl caliber player. However, K Joe Nedney is not getting any younger and K Shane Andrus has not shown he can fill Nedney's shoes.

The 49ers are the favorites out west this year as St. Louis is playing with a rookie QB, Seattle is still declining, and Arizona lost much of their core players.

This is their schedule and how I think they will fare this season
@ SEA (W), vs NO (L), @ KC (W), @ ATL (L), vs PHI (L), vs OAK (W), @ CAR (W), vs DEN (W), BYE, vs STL (W), vs TB (W), @ ARI (W), @ GB (L), vs SEA (W), @ SD (L), @ STL (W), vs ARI (W)

Projected Record: 11-5, 1st in NFC West