2006 49ers preview
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Mike Nolan knew this wasn't going to be easy. Former 49ers general manager Terry Donahue didn't stagger the contracts of most of his best players, so Nolan had to say goodbye to linebacker Julian Peterson and defensive end Andre Carter. Nolan has tried to rebuild the offense. Quarterback Alex Smith has a better chance this season than he did a year ago because he has a better surrounding cast. He can throw to Antonio Bryant, Arnaz Battle, Eric Johnson and rookie tight end Vernon Davis. Smith should also be helped by a more-settled offensive line and the sharp play calling of new offensive coordinator Norv Turner.
The bad news? The cupboard is bare on defense. Nolan has been weeding out a lot of failed No. 1 draft choices. He enters the season uncertain whether he can run a 3-4 defense because of concerns at linebacker and an undersized defensive line. Coverage problems in the secondary will make it tough, too.
The team is in good hands with Nolan. He's a bright coach and seems to have a good plan in trying to rebuild the team. The only problem is the level of talent following the Donahue years. Nolan is finding out he hasn't struck gold by going to San Francisco.
The 49ers have to fill huge voids left by the departures of CB Mike Rumph, LB Julian Peterson, DE Andre Carter and RB Kevan Barlow. Not only were these former high draft choices and valuable contributors on the field, they had a voice in the locker room.
All-Pro guard Larry Allen, who is still regarded by many as the best offensive lineman in football, was a huge signing for the 49ers. He brings instant leadership and credibility to an offensive line that just lost center and leader Jeremy Newberry for the season. Look for RB Frank Gore to step up and carry the load, and QB Alex Smith will be much more effective in 2006 with the arrival of offensive coordinator Norv Turner.
Without the threat of a dominant pass rusher, the 49ers may once again struggle to keep opponents out of the end zone unless they can find a way to be creative with their blitzes and coverage schemes. Mike Nolan is considered by some as a defensive genius, so he should have plenty of wrinkles to keep the division on its toes, but lacks the manpower and depth to challenge in the NFC West.
Prediction: Fourth place in NFC West.
Believe it or not, the 49ers have a very good group of starters on their offensive line. Three of their starters had run-blocking success percentages of over 80 percent last year (80 percent being the sign of a good blocker). Eric Heitmann's metrics were so good that he ranked in the top five among centers in both success percentage and yards per attempt. Larry Allen ranked in the top 30 in success percentage for guards and Kwame Harris placed just outside of the top 30 among tackles.
There are still some possible holes in this group. Justin Smiley's metrics were mediocre and Jonas Jennings is rebounding from a season-ending injury in 2005. Nonetheless, if it can stay healthy, the 49ers' offensive line could be the anchor for a strong running game in 2006.
It's tough to get excited about a team whose best assets are tight ends, but that's the story here. Eric Johnson (left) missed all of last season with a foot injury, but caught 82 balls the year before. Eventually, he'll be a dangerous backup to first-round pick Vernon Davis (6-foot-3, 253 pounds). With Johnson settling in underneath and Davis stretching the field with his speed, they'll give Alex Smith some of the relief he lacked last season.
| Team Preview Centers |
| Key Stretch: Weeks 1-4 |
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Sept. 10: at Arizona Sept. 17: St. Louis Sept. 24: Philadelphia Oct. 1: at Kansas City |
| Comings & Goings |
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Key Acquisitions: OG Larry Allen; WR Antonio Bryant; CB Walt Harris; CB Sammy Davis. Key Departures: |
| Offensive Starters (as of 8/30) |
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RB Frank Gore FB Chris Hetherington QB Alex Smith WR Antonio Bryant RT Kwame Harris RG Justin Smiley C Eric Heitmann LG Larry Allen LT Jonas Jennings TE Eric Johnson WR Arnaz Battle |
| Defensive Starters (as of 8/30) |
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LDE Bryant Young NT Anthony Adams RDE Marques Douglas LOLB Brandon Moore LILB Derek Smith RILB Jeff Ulbrich ROLB Manny Lawson LCB Shawntae Spencer FS Mike Adams SS Tony Parrish RCB Walt Harris • Complete roster |
