Post 161: This Week in Ninerville

The Good News

San Francisco is scoring now. In fact, we have the 5th best offense OVERALL in the NFL. Alex Smith is the 10th best QB in the league right now. Impressive for a 2nd year rookie - maybe not as impressive as Roethlisberger's rookie year but Smith is arguably developing at a better rate than Big Ben. Too quick to success could mean a short career.

Frank Gore is impressing everyone. He has a long way to go still when it comes to RB dominance, however, he stands now tied for 7th place in the league. He is only averaging 88.6 yards a game; that's good but not good enough for a team wanting to return to the play offs. He needs to be a 100 yd/game RB. He can get there but he has to be patient, smart and determined.

Antonio Bryant is a good WR - but his attitude reminds me of TO. I'm praying to the good Lord that he does not become TO reincarnate.

Vernon Davis is so promising but I'm a little sick to my stomach that he's already hurt. His desire to play and do everything he can to get us to the playoffs again is appreciated and honorable. However, it doesn't help that he has a fractured fibula. We need him healthy if we're going to compete this year. Still, his productivity is a good sign to the Niners offensive future. Just get well soon, big guy.

The Bad News

We're 1-2. This is in large part because of our defense. It's 25th OVERALL in the NFL. We aren't ranked in Defensive Leaders but we do have 8.5 sacks between 4 lineman. However, it doesn't bode well that we give up, on average, 349 yds/game and 28 points/game. Not good at all - there is no explaining away that.

We have some good, solid players (Bryant Young, most notable) but we give up 117 rushing yards/game and 232 passing yds/game - that isn't good. Do we have a secondary at all? Hmmm...I tend to think that we don't.

It isn't the defenses fault completely, though. We make other mistakes - like fumbling too much and penalties that are really elementary.

Conclusion

Our defense needs to improve. Our offense needs to keep getting better. Overall, this Faithful Fan, is encouraged. We have the right coaches, staff and are picking the right players to get us back to the NFL elite. But like a spoiled child, I just wish it would get here quicker. :-)