Oh how I wish I were near the camp. I'd be a nuisance - but would obtain interesting information for 49er fans and The Faithful. However, I reside in MD. I'll have to glean the information posted by others, conduct an email campaign, and use alternative methods to inform the readers of this blog. What you can learn are my impressions and projections. That is today's topic - A Pre-Season Evalation:
The Coach - Jim Harbaugh transformed an under-achieving squad last year. 13-3 was only predicted by Homers that regardless of reality persist with their Hope. Coach used a formula that we will not know in detail. His methods did inspire players and exceeded expectations. I trust those methods. Coach once played at a high level in the NFL and he knows a players perspective. The Harbaugh Perspective includes: You will agree with Coach, do what he asks, or you will not remain on his team for long. Dashon Golden should pay attention. Ask for a release or sign your tender. I predict Coach will improve his coaching methods, expand the playbook and the 49ers will concordantly improve. 12-4 is my guesstimate for 2012.
The Defense: The Defense will be a year improved from 2011. The squad who ranked 1st in the most import areas - points scored, TDs allowed, and YFS. This group is more secure in their knowledge of their teammate's play and what coaches expect from them. Coaches too know what this group can achieve. They are prepped from last season to reach the Super Bowl. I expect a superior performance over last year and a SB birth.
Randy Moss: Moss is a legend for a couple reasons. He is a physical freak with Gifts that defy evaluation. I assert a year away from football aligned his thinking and perspective. Randy examined many teams. He could have chosen several NFL "contenders". He chose SF a reason(s). Moss is a veteran who can analyze teams needs and how he would satisfy those needs. Moss needs a SB ring to seal his place in Canton. Moss learned, perhaps for the first time, his mouth overloaded his ass. Moss' chances to remain in the league - and obtain that SB ring; required behavior modification and restraint on his part. To join the team Coach demanded it from him. To make the team he must continue acting as a player/coach; instructing younger players,setting an example for success; and providing Alex Smith a go-to guy in most any circumstance. Success is Moss' goal. What else explains his actions? Moss will draw attention and coverage on and off the field. I suspect he will ignore off the field requests and prove he remains one of the NFL's best receivers.
Mario Manningham: He adds a veteran influence that places pressure upon Mike Crabtree. Crabtree can lose his starting position. Manningham wants to start too. The best player will start. Manningham will prove he is qualified. Who starts remains a product of who wants it more and works to earn it.
AJ Jenkins: We will soon learn if he is or if he isn't. He is joining a team with much to prove and accomplish. If he becomes Moss' shadow he can develop into a very good player. The environment is ripe for a rookie WR to learn and thrive in SF.
LaMichael James: James can become the next Barry Sanders. I watched hours of video on him. He is special. The number of touches he gets will predicate his adjustment to the league. One large back and two elusive backs will comprise the backfield. Brandon Jacobs does not make the team unless a starter is injured. Jacobs has never impressed me. Any man as large as he, who can't gain 1 yard at clutch time, is useless and a waste of size.
Vernon Davis: I've followed him since he played at Maryland - I live there. He, like Moss, is a physical freak. Moss' appearance provides the offense flexibility and creates a coverage nightmare. Davis "arrived" last year. His 2012 stats improve in a meaningful way for the team. Davis loves the coach who made him. He is committed to Coach Harbaugh and will play to show it.
Offense: This group will create serious problems for opposing defenses. They will destroy teams. They will develop a continuity that wins games. Play calling will radically change from last year's "play it safe" philosophy. More passing will occur because the talent justifies that attack AND the players have a year of experience in the Harbaugh way. This group will give the other offensive powerhouses in the NFL a run for their money. Jamie Dukes will have to eat his defamatory - 1 TD each game dig he saves for Alex when he is on TV. Look Out! This team will be special.
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