The 49ers have made some serious progress since last year, especially on their offensive attack. The team has doing extremely well, and the defense is looking more the capable as per usual. This article will give a position by position look at what’s going on with the 49ers as they head into the final pre-season game and then the season opener. However I will touch on the front office now. Carmen Policy’s abrupt stepping aside had many 49ers fans in shock. Paranoid as usual the fans were wondering just what would happen to their beloved 49ers. In steps Larry Thainkill, a former lawyer of the Eddie Debartlo Company, who is in support of the new stadium for the 49ers. At the moment, he is only a temporary replacement, however is he shines he may stick around for a while. There should be no significant change in the way business is managed and players are signed, which is exactly what they were looking for. Providing he knows how to juggle the cap, the 49ers may not want him to leave.
On the offensive side of the ball, the line is looking good. Dave Fiore stepping in for Jamie Brown has done an excellent job, Brown may have a tough time winning his job back, and therefore could be moved to the right side to take over for Derrick Deese. If the line remains strong and healthy the offense will fall into place. At quarterback Steve Young is ready for another marvelous season. He has been quite accurate and efficient throughout the pre-season. Behind him, it appears that the 49ers are grooming to second string quarterback with Ty Detmer and Jim Drukenmiller. Both are doing a good job, and are fitting into the system quite nicely. Detmer’s experience could be giving him the edge. In the back field, Hearst is doing a good job, and will hopefully have another great season. Pepe Pearson, an undrafted rookie free-agent has impressed me thus far. He could win the back up position over Levy. At wide receiver, Terrell Owens is off to a great start as is JJ Stokes. Both are looking for an outstanding season. Mark Harris, Uwaezoke and Ryan Thewell are doing a commendable job. The addition of Jerry Rice could make this one of the best wide receiver groups in the game. In the backfield, Hearst is doing a good job. However Edwards has been injured, and may not even play in the Miami game. As for Beasely, well he is still learning the offense, and is a little to small for what the 49ers would really like. At tight end both Greg Clark and Irv Smith are playing well enough that Brent Jones shouldn’t be missed.
On the defensive side of the ball, the line is looking great. Junior Bryant has been doing a great job, and Gabe Wilkins is on his return. However there is very little depth once you pass that point as Shane Bonohan is out for a long while. The linebackers have been holding their own, and back up Zack Bronson is doing excelently. As for safties Hanks finally made his return, and played really well, McDonald is hitting hard as per usual. Pope and Langham as a defensive back tandem work wonder. Over all the defense is playing remarkably, and has forced lots of turnover and has scored several times. The defense as a whole is a incredible unit. They play incredibly well as a team, hats of to John Marshall the defensive coordinator.
The team is operating really well as a whole, they are putting quite a few points on the board, and when Rice comes back they will hopefully be unstoppable. With a fairly easy schedule the 49ers are hoping to dance their way into and through the playoffs hopefully to victory in the Super Bowl. If the 49ers are healthy you can bet on the dream becoming reality. Here’s to number 6! Good luck!