After finishing the 2006 season on a hot streak, many league officials thought that the 2007 version of the San Francisco 49ers could compete for the NFC West title. Unfortunately, this was before offensive coordinator Norv Turner bolted to take the San Diego Chargers head coaching job and the 49ers were stuck with unproven Jim Hostler calling the plays on offense. The offense was supposed to flourish under the breakout season of running back Frank Gore and third year quarterback Alex Smith showed signs of promise towards the end of the '06 campaign. Instantly, the 49ers got off to a hot start, winning their first two games, but after the quick start it all went downhill. The 49ers proceeded to drop eight straight games en route to finishing the season with a 5-11 record and another disappointing season for the once proud franchise.
When it was all said and done, statistically the 49ers had one of the worst seasons in NFL history. The offense finished 32nd in the NFL in Points Per Game (13.7), Total Yards Per Game (237.3) and Passing Yards Per Game (145.0). If that wasn't bad enough, the defense ranked 25th in the NFL in Total Yards Allowed Per Game (346.2) and suffered a week two injury from key contributer Manny Lawson.
If the 49ers can match all the pieces to the puzzle and put together a complete season, the future is bright in San Francisco.
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Key Departures
Darrell Jackson (WR) - After the 49ers dealt a 4th round pick in the 2007 draft to acquire Jackson, everyone thought the San Francisco 49ers had pulled off the trade that will get the offense over the top. Unfortunately, the Jackson era didn't last long in San Francisco, as the veteran receiver lasted just one season, and was almost non-existent throughout the season. In 15 games, Jackson could only muster 46 receptions for 497 receiving yards and just 3 touchdowns. On top of that, he had nine games in which he scored 3 points or less. If it wasn't for his two touchdown receptions over the seasons final two weeks, Jackson would have gone the whole season without scoring double digit fantasy football points in a single game.
Bryant Young (DE) - With the way free agency works today, you just don't see many superstars playing their whole career with one franchise. Often times, they are lured by the big contract and sign elsewhere, unless you are Bryant Young. After being a staple in the San Francisco 49ers defense since 1994, Young decided that it was time to take the high rode, and he called it quits after the 2008 season. With this departure, the 49ers lose their defensive captain, leader and still at the age of 36 a pretty good player. Young finished his career with 620 tackles and an impressive 89.5 sacks. It is going to be more than difficult for the 49ers to replace the 14 years of greatness he provided in San Francisco.
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Key Additions
Issac Bruce (WR) - Despite getting up there in age (35), Bruce still has performed at a high enough level that will benefit the 49ers. The true definition of a professional, Bruce hauled in 55 receptions for 733 receiving yards and four touchdowns last season, despite playing in an offense that had to battle with a severe case of injury problems all season. Heading to San Francisco, Bruce will step in as the veteran leader the 49ers offense has been lacking for years. Plus, with the hiring of offensive coordinator Mike Martz in the off season, the 49ers are rekindling bits and pieces of the "Greatest Show on Turf" that Bruce was a part of for many years. With this signing Bruce is slated to be the primary target in San Francisco, and if anyone can turn around an offense that finished deal last in the league last year, it's Martz. look for Bruce to see an increase in all three major categories this year, receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns.
Bryant Johnson (WR) - After spending his first five seasons in Arizona stuck behind superstar receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, Johnson will finally get his chance to show his worth in San Francisco. With training camp approaching, Johnson has the upper hand on Arnaz Battle and Jason Hill for the second receiver spot, as he is the most proven of the bunch. However, we are unsure if his style of play is a good fit for Martz's high powered offense, as Johnson is far from known for his route running skills. In fact, a lot of teams stayed away from him this off season because all he can do is run vertically down the field, as evident by his 2.2 yard after catch total in 2007. Still, we have seen Martz turn cornerbacks (Mike Furrey) into 100-reception receivers, so when given the chance, Johnson should see his fair share of targets.
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2008 Bruno Boys Crystal Ball
Alex Smith (QB) - After making great strides in '06 (16 TD's and 16 INT's), Smith was far from productive in 2007. Despite the 49ers getting off to an 2-0 start, Smith was never able to find his groove from week 1, as he finished the season with 914 passing yards and two touchdown passes in 7 games. Part of his digression came from a shoulder injury that forced him to miss the 9 games and ended his season in week 10. Excuses aside, Smith completed an NFL worst 48.7 percent of his passes (94 for 193) and averaged just 4.7 yards per completion. Poor play aside, the Bruno Boys feel the future is bright for Smith in 2008 and beyond, reason being the addition of offensive genius Mike Martz. Known for turning his quarterback into a fantasy impact player, Martz helped groom the likes of Trent Green, Kurt Warner, Marc Bulger and recently turned Jon Kitna into a top 10 fantasy football option as a member of the Detroit Lions coaching staff. Look for Martz to hand Smith the keys to the drivers seat, and put alot of emphasis on him moving the football down field through the air.
Frank Gore (RB) - Drafted as high as number 3 overall in 2007 fantasy football drafts, Gore failed to meet the expectations that many of us experts projected of him. Despite the drop in production, Gore still totaled 1,538 total yards to go along with six touchdowns. Part of the reason for his decline statistically can be blamed on the inconsistent play of the offense, as the 49ers ranked last in the NFL in Points Per Game (13.7) and Total Yards Per Game (237.3). Because of this, Gore had 60 less touches than he had in '06 and he averaged just 4.2 yards per carry, as opposed to 5.4 yards per carry in '06. As we have stated above, the addition of Martz should make this offense light years better and despite Martz being a pass happy coach, he will take full advantage of Gore's soft hands. Look for Gore to hover around 250-270 carries, but you can expect him to set a career high in receptions this season and once again be considered a top 10 fantasy football option.
Arnaz Battle (WR) - Through all the rough times in San Francisco the past few years, Battle has been the most consistent receiver the 49ers have had to offer. He isn't going to blow you away with big time fantasy numbers, in fact he isn't even worth drafting in most leagues, but his sure hands and drive to succeed have made him a fan favorite. In 2007, Battle set a career high in touchdown receptions with five, and he often made the big play that kept the 49ers offense driving. In fact, it was Battle who hauled in a game saving catch with less than a minute left to beat the Arizona Cardinals on Monday Night Football in week 1. Heading into 2008, we feel that Battle could be an under the radar receiver that thrives in Martz's style of play. He runs perfect routes, has some of the best hands in football and will see alot of time in the slot, which usually leads to a plenty of receptions in Martz's offense. Still, we don't suggest grabbing him unless your league goes six deep at wide receiver.
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Other Team Capsules
NFC WEST - ARI I STL I SF I SEA
NFC SOUTH - ATL I CAR I NO I TB
NFC NORTH - CHI I DET I GB I MIN
NFC EAST - DAL I NYG I PHI I WAS
AFC WEST - DEN I KC I OAK I SD
AFC SOUTH - HOU I IND I JAX I TEN
AFC NORTH - BAL I CIN I CLE I PIT
AFC EAST - BUF I MIA I NE I NYJ