Gore will be great

So what should we expect from the 49ers in 2009? Clearly, the hiring of Raye means the 49ers are going to focus more on a ball-possession, grind-it-out attack with a huge emphasis on keeping the rock in the hands of Frank Gore. Further proof of this de-emphasis of the high-flying attack favored by Martz was the drafting of running back Glen Coffee out of Alabama, as well as the re-signing of fullback Moran Norris, who had been a solid lead blocker for Gore in the past.

That's not to say the 49ers are going to forget the pass altogether. However, Isaac Bruce is no spring chicken. At 36, he's more than a decade older than fellow wide receivers Josh Morgan, Josh Hill and first-round draft pick Michael Crabtree. Brandon Jones was brought in from Tennessee to add a little bit more experience to the young group, just in case Bruce has nothing left in the tank. While this unit may well shine several years down the line, we're not sure 2009 is going to be all that bright, especially with the leadership under center being so unclear going into camp.

Because of the division they play in, the 49ers could well finish 8-8 and still possibly end up in first place. However, any success at all hinges on the play of Frank Gore. If he can return to his 2006 form, rushing for more than 5 yards per carry and avoiding the fumble-itis that plagued him last season, this team might well be able to find its way back to the playoffs for the first time since 2002. The fear is, though, that the team could get off to a slow start with three divisional matchups in the first four weeks and we would be treated to more tirades on the sidelines and hear tell of zany locker room "antics" from a coach who just might not have the patience to wait a few seasons for his team to improve and become a consistent contender.



(espn.com)