2009 San Francisco 49ers Preview - Offense

Quarterbacks: Despite a less-than-stellar preseason, Shaun Hill ousted Alex Smith for the #1 quarterback spot in San Fran. Hill, a 29 year old journeyman, took over the reigns as starting QB midway through 2008 and led the 49ers to a winning record down the stretch. Despite starting just 8 games, Hill passed for over 2,000 yards and 13 touchdowns, and gave the 49ers passing attack an immediate boost. He looks to build upon this success now in his first full season as the starter.

Hill will be backed up by former first overall draft selection Alex Smith, who looks to rebound after consecutive injury-riddled seasons. After losing his starting job last preseason, Smith sustained a season-ending shoulder injury just days before the opening contest. Smith's 2007 campaign was ended prematurely by a shoulder injury as well, an injury that led to a public feud with former head coach Mike Nolan. Now under a new coach and seemingly healthy, Smith will look to regain the form from his promising 2006 season.

Lastly, the third string quarterback will be rookie signalcaller Nate Davis, whose preseason play impressed. This first-year player from Ball State displayed both a strong arm and knowledge of the playbook, the latter of which was in question due to his learning disability. As a result, despite his college success and impressive physical tools, Davis fell to the fifth-round. Davis may turn out to be a steal of the draft if he can develop into a starting quarterback within a few years. This season, however, he likely would only play in emergency situations.

Running Backs: Frank Gore has been called the centerpiece of Mike Singletary's offensive approach, and figures to be one of the NFL leaders in carries in 2009. Singletary and new offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye want to run the ball at least 60% of the time, and with Gore as the workhorse, he should easily surpass the 1,000 mark for the fourth consecutive season. Gore has seen his carries and rushing yards, as well as receptions and receiving yards all decline each of the last two seasons after a breakout 2006 sophomore campaign when he ran for nearly 1,700 yards and caught 60 passes. That trend should reverse this season, though, as the 49ers smash mouth running approach should make Gore one of the most productive backs in the league again.

For the few plays on offense that Gore is not on the field, rookie third-round pick Glen Coffee should be more than capable of filling in. The Alabama product was very impressive in preseason play, as he led the entire NFL in rushing yards. Adept at both catching and blocking, Coffee has reminded some of Frank Gore, who also was a third-round choice.

The third-string running back, primarily noted for his special teams ability, is Michael Robinson. The former Penn State quarterback rushed for only 50 yards last season, although he was more prominent in the passing game, collecting over 200 yards in that facet. Although he has yet to show the ability to succeed in short yardage situations, the versatile Robinson can also serve as a fullback if needed.

The primary fullback, however, will be the returning Moran Norris, who spent the 2008 season playing for the Detroit Lions. The tenth-year veteran is now reunited with good friend Frank Gore, for whom he blocked when Gore enjoyed a career year in 2006.

Wide Receivers: A weakness for the 49ers ever since the departure of Terrell Owens, the wide receivers corps looked to be its strongest in recent memory coming into the 2009 season, although much of that could depend on the decision of first-round pick Michael Crabtree. Crabtree, the Texas Tech product that was widely considered the best receiver in the draft, and possibly the best player in the draft, surprisingly fell to the 49ers with the tenth overall selection. Crabtree, however, is the only draft pick yet to sign with his team, as he has staged a holdout, putting his career with the 49ers in jeopardy. According to reports, Crabtree is seeking a contract much more lucrative than the average for the tenth pick slot, and is willing to sit out the entire season and re-enter the draft next year if his demands are not met. While the 49ers would receive a talent upgrade from Crabtree's abilities, even if he does sign at this point he likely would not be able to contribute for the early part of the season after having missed training camp and preseason action.

While Crabtree is an unproven rookie, the 49ers top receiver is a proven veteran and future Hall of Fame candidate Isaac Bruce. After 14 seasons with the Rams, Bruce came to the Bay area last season and proved to be the 49ers most productive and consistent receiver. Now at age 36, Bruce not only will be counted on to contribute on the field, but to also mentor the young receiving corps.

Perhaps the most talented of those young receivers is second year player Josh Morgan, who seems primed for a breakout season. Morgan caught 20 balls as a rookie, despite missing four games with a groin injury. He should be the primary target for Shaun Hill in 2009, however, as he earned a starting nod along Bruce thanks to a very impressive training camp.

Another young receiver who looks to improve upon his production from a season ago is Jason Hill, a speedster from Washington State. Despite making a number of timely catches and starting two games at the end of last season, however, Hill had to prove himself in the preseason simply to make the team.

One of the veterans ahead of Hill on the depth chart is veteran Arnaz Battle, the longest tenured receiver on the team. Battle collected over 600 yards in both 2006 and 2007, but saw his production nearly cut in half last year due to injuries and the emergence of younger players. Battle likely will serve as the #3 receiver this season, but his blocking abilities and knack of making big catches on third downs will ensure him a prominent role in the 49ers offense.

Free agent acquisition Brandon Jones joins the 49ers after four seasons with the Titans. Jones enjoyed his most productive season in 2008, catching 41 balls for 449 yards. Jones will start the season on the sidelines for San Francisco, however, as an injury will cost him the early portion of the season. Upon his return, though, he should contend for the #3 receiver spot and offer more big play ability than Battle.

Also earning a roster spot is Michael Spurlock, who has only four career receptions but is noted as a kick returner.

Tight Ends: Perhaps the most intriguing player on the 49ers going into 2009 is tight end Vernon Davis. After being selected sixth overall in 2006, Davis was expected to be one of the elite tight ends in the game due to his unparalleled combo of speed, strength, and athleticism. After a very promising 2007 campaign, Davis took a step backwards both on and off the field last season, compiling only 31 receptions and having a much publicized dispute with the head coach. Now he and Coach Singletary have reconciled, as evidenced by Singletary appointing Davis as one of the team's captains for this season. Already a devastating blocker at the tight end position, Davis appears poised to become a major factor in the passing game, a notion that has been emphasized by Offensive Coordinator Jimmy Raye.

Another weapon that may receive more opportunity this season is backup tight end Delanie Walker. Possessing many attributes of a wide receiver, Walker looks to increase his modest receiving totals from his first three seasons in San Fran.

Offensive Line: If Singletary wants the 49ers to establish a dominant running game, he will need improved performance from his offensive line. The man who will be counted on to anchor the line will be left tackle Joe Staley. Staley has played every offensive snap since being drafted out of Central Michigan in 2007, and the front office has so much faith in him, they signed him to a six-year extension this offeason. At right tackle will be Adam Snyder, who has started at every line position except for center during his 49ers career. Free-agent signee Marvel Smith was expected to earn a starting role at this position, but lingering back issues forced Smith to retire during training camp. Center Eric Heitmann is a mainstay on the offensive line, as the eight year pro has started 98 of the 103 games he has played in since being drafted in 03. David Baas, the Michigan product, will start at left guard, despite missing most of the preseason with an injury. The right guard position will be manned by Chilo Rachal, who started the final six contests of 2008 as a rookie. Veterans Barry Sims and Tony Pashos will serve as the backups at tackle, while Tony Wragge will fill in at both guard positions. Finally, second-year center Cody Wallace rounds out the offensive line.