It's fitting that the Men in Black hired hard-knocks coach Art Shell, as this is a shell of a team. They have some offensive forces at RB and WR, but Aaron Brooks is one of the league's worst starting QBs.
Impact Players: LaMont Jordan (RB), Randy Moss (WR), Jerry Porter (WR), Derrick Burgess (RE) Strength: Tall, fast wide receivers. Play to the strength: One thing QB Brooks does have is mobility. Move him out of the pocket so the receivers can get deep, then chuck it up. Weakness: Paper-thin defense. Overcoming the Weakness: Help is on the way with FS Michael Huff, but he's a year away from making an impact. Try to play possession offense and work the clock, running with Zack Crockett as much as you can.
Try This Offense: Weak I Normal--PA FB Flat
Zack Crockett can absolutely hammer through the line. Perfect reason to use him as a decoy so that you can loft the ball up to the team's lone superstar: Randy Moss.
Defense: Nickel 3-3-5--Under 7 Slice
The Raiders' defense has problems (which is why they drafted safety Michael Huff instead of taking a franchise QB). Use this play to add some Belichick-like confusion and maybe even make a stop.
Franchise Players
If you're committed to franchise mode, build up these young guns above all else:
Robert Gallery, LT
Nnamdi Asomugha, CB
Michael Huff, FS
If you're taking the 49ers, the NFL's worst team, it's for one of three reasons: 1) you're from the Bay Area, 2) you're trying to give a terrible player a chance to win, or 3) you're so good, you want to see how good you are. They're awful.
Impact Players: Vernon Davis (TE), Larry Allen (LG), Bryant Young (LE), Derek Smith (MLB) Strength: The short passing game. Play to the strength: Find TE Vernon Davis as often as you can. Weakness: They're average or weak at 17 of 22 positions.
Overcoming the weakness: Play a franchise, go through a pair of three-win seasons, and find the next Brian Urlacher to anchor the team's laughable defense.
Try This Offense: I Form Twin WR--PA TE Leak
Vernon Davis is, it appears, the next coming of Antonio Gates. Which means you need to use him early, often, and then some. Aim for him on this play.
Defense: 3-4 Over--Cross Fire Chuck
With very little in the way of defensive standouts, the 49ers need to either improvise or plain go for it. The latter works better.
Franchise Players
If you're committed to franchise mode, build up these young guns above all else:
Alex Smith, QB
Frank Gore, RB
Vernon Davis, TE
