TroyAikman

Why? Because it happens to every team every year. They sign some big time free agent(s) and it is time for them to take that big step into the postseason and the completely blow it! Happened to the Vikings, Redskins, etc etc.

Alex Smith was gonna make a big stride with Jackson then tanked, Gore had an awesome year and was gonna follow up and got injured. It is nothing personal, just happens to that one team each year. Always has.

Blaze_1UP

Smith only played 6 games.

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Your gonna take a pound'n if you ride bulls for a liv'n, thats juss the way it is.

Eaglesfan20

I dont think they are ready to win the division just yet. The rams had alot of injurys last year thats why they were so bad. I think they will bounce back and have a decent season. And the seahawks will probably still win the division.

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EEXCESS

Willis = beast. Dat's all you need to know.

Gore Machine

Niner's defense is pretty good. They were 3rd in the league for Run Defense Average Per Play. It's just that the offense was ranked dead last and couldn't stay on the field to give the defense some rest. That's why Martz was hired and hopefully with a healthy Alex Smith, we can produce some results.

JCD

Martz is a defenses worst nightmare. His pass-crazy attack gives defense virtually no time to rest between series. Prepare to lead the league in 3-and-outs.

Look at the Lions. Their defense ranked much better before Martz took over.

Hoow Martz got tabbed as some offensive guru is beyond me. I guess some people are dazzled by big passing numbers.

Fact of the matter is that Martz offenses have been consistently underwhelming for years. He fields a predictable and easily stopped offensive game plan that leads to massive amounts of turn-overs and all but guarentees losing the TOP battle.

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Blaze_1UP

You never see a coach stick with the same game plan year in and year out, there will be changes. Just look here click on the link to see what some of his changes are, I'm just hopping it works out maybe or maybe not only time will tell.

Ask a Coach with Mike Martz

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Your gonna take a pound'n if you ride bulls for a liv'n, thats juss the way it is.

Jay

I still think they need a seam stretcher for that pass heavy attack to work in San Fran. Issac Bruce is on his last legs, Bryant Johnson is a decent receiver but nothing to be enamored by. Arnaz Battle is an injury waiting to happen and will Ashlie Lelie continue to underachieve? Maybe Jason Hill can emerge as a playmaker, who knows.

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The Tyler

Blaze_1UP

Yeah it's too bad they never went after one in the draft or FA but theres still time.

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Your gonna take a pound'n if you ride bulls for a liv'n, thats juss the way it is.

Canadian Speed

... and who knows... If they don't do it this year, there's always next year, or the year after that, or the year after that... Repeat as needed, then one day you can all say "Told you so..." Just like the Leafs fans out there. Don't get me wrong, I like the team, but look at the tilte of your thread... How about something like "49ers Looking Good Enough Not To Repeat Last Year's Performance". I mean really, what have they done to the team this year to make em SOOOOO much better that they win the division. Smith is still a question mark. Gore was lack luster last year and in my opinion still and injury prone back. They didn't add anything to the receiver corp that will make things easier for the offence. They signed a decent DE, but there still are several other issues which must be addressed before it all takes shape for this team this season...

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I'm Canadian, but even I can't endorse a sport that allows fighting as a way to resolve disputes or lists an unrelated behaviour such as fighting as an asset. That's why I don't watch hockey!