2008 San Francisco 49ers NFL Predictions

Many experts thought that the 49ers could contend for the NFC West title and make some noise in the playoffs in 2007, but all that talk came crashing down with a 5-11 season. One thing is for sure, if the 49ers want to win some more games, they are going to have to find ways to put the ball in the end zone. That's where hiring offensive coordinator Mike Martz comes into play. Find out if Martz will be the answer to jumpstarting San Fran's offense in this 2008 San Francisco 49ers predictions and season preview article.
 

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Offense

The 49ers offense averaged just 13.7 points per game last season and started the year with nine straight games with fewer than 200 yards passing. Much of the offensive misery can likely be attributed to the loss of starting QB Alex Smith to a separated right shoulder. The number one overall pick in 2005 will be on the hot seat as the 49ers try to speed up the rebuilding process and he will be joined there by offensive coordinator Mike Martz. There's no doubt that Martz has a great offensive mind, but he is the 49ers sixth offensive coordinator in six seasons so the leash is very short.

Frank Gore is a keeper at tailback and he has a chance to become the first player in franchise history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in each of his first three seasons. Yards were not easy to come by last season as teams stacked the line of scrimmage, but the talented runner was still able to finish sixth in the NFL with 1,538 yards from scrimmage. Martz has said that he will make Gore the focal point of the offense the way he did with Marshall Faulk in St. Louis.

The 49ers needed some reliable receivers so they brought in veteran free agents Isaac Bruce and Bryant Johnson. Talented tight end Vernon Davis is also expected to excel in Martz' system. Arnaz Battle has been the team's top receiver each of the past two season's but he will likely take a back seat to Johnson who will have a shot to be a number one wideout for the first time in his NFL career after sitting number three in Arizona behind Fitzgerald and Boldin.

The 49ers gave up this year's seventh overall selection in the draft for the right to pick Joe Staley last year. He had a solid rookie campaign and now the 49ers will move him from right to left tackle to protect Smith's blind side. Jonas Jennings will then play right tackle. Experienced and heady center Eric Heitmann will lead this unit with Adam Snyder and David Bass, Chilo Rachal will battling for guard spots.

Defense

Defensive end Justin Smith is now tying up a lot of the 49ers' money as the team spent big bucks to get the free agent pass rusher. They also drafted Kentwan Balmer in the first round. These two guys should make up for the losses of Bryant Young and Marques Douglas.

NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Patrick Willis returns to give the 49ers a linebacker with playmaking ability. Dontarrious Thomas will likely play along Willis on the inside and Manny Lawson will return on the outside. The 49ers will need one of more outside linebacker to fill in to provide them with a pass rush.

The secondary will benefit if the 49ers can put more pressure on the QB as they ranked in the bottom third of defenses against the pass. Corner Nate Clements had a solid first season with the Niners. Walt Harris will play the other corner and the Niners have five more capable cornerbacks to provide great depth. Michael Lewis was good at strong safety last season while free safety Mark Roman struggled.

Special Teams

If it weren't for the special teams, the 49ers may have put a goose egg on the board for wins. Punter Andy Lee was second in the NFL in gross and net punting and dropped a NFL-record 42 punts inside the 20. Joe Nedney was given only 19 field goal opportunities because of a poor offense and he made 17 of those.

Prediction- Tie for 2nd NFC West

The 49ers will finish neck and neck with the St. Louis Rams in this very tight NFC West division. I think Martz will find a home with the 49ers if he can use Gore the way he used Faulk in his days with the Rams. A consistent pass rush and a consisting passing game are the things still holding this team back.

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Check out the official site of the San Francisco 49ers and for more information.

June 22nd, 2008