San Francisco 49ers

Three Areas of Concern
1. Alex Smith: He has always struggled to complete a season with success. Whether it's getting injured or getting confused with the playbook; it might be due to the fact that he has had 4 offensive coordinators in 7 seasons. If Smith can't really get a hold of the offense, it could be a terrible season for the Niners. The success of the team rides on the shoulders of Smith.



2. Mike Iupati: The 17th overall draft choice in 2010 is a rookie guard from Idaho who the 49ers feel should be the starter in the 2010 season. Anytime I hear rookie and starter I get the feeling of concern.



3. Frank Gore: He's one of the top five best running backs in the entire NFL and for this the 49ers rely on him. When Gore gets hurt this team struggles to run or win. The only reason Gore is a concern for the 49ers in the 2010 season is if he gets injured there is really no one to replace him. Glen Coffee retired during training camp to spend more time with his faith and no one will complain about that. Then there's Anthony Dixon the rookie sixth round pick who is just too raw to be relied on to carry this team if Gore goes down. Last, there's Brian Westbrook who has struggled to stay healthy for the last few years.



Three Things You don't have to worry about.

1. Patrick Willis: He's the arguable the best linebacker in the NFL. He hits hard, he runs fast, he can pick off the pass when the moment is right, he can sack the QB, and last, he's got Mike Singletary coaching in his ear. I expect Willis to prove he hasn't hit the ceiling yet. Expect a destructive Pro-Bowl season that proves Willis is the best linebacker in the NFL.




2. Michael Crabtree: Last year, he was an area of concern, now he's something to not worry about. This year he's looking for a fantasy football breakout and I expect Crabtree will just add to his numbers of last year. In 2009 Crabtree amassed 48 catches, 625 yards and 2 touchdowns in just 11 games without training camp or practices up until week 5. Crabtree arguably picked up the game faster than any rookie last year.




3. Vernon Davis: It wasn't even 3 years ago when Vernon Davis was benched during a 49ers game by Mike Singletary. Everyone speculated the two wouldn't see eye to eye and that Davis would be traded before the next season. Times have changed and Davis and Singletary's relationship seems to be strong. I expect another big year from Davis similar to 2009 where he was the 49ers leading receiver with 965 yards on 78 receptions with an impressive 13 touchdowns. With these stats you would think Davis is a receiver, when in reality he's just Singletary's favorite weapon.



What to Expect in 2010: This team is making strides to success, so much so, they may rewarded with a new stadium in a few seasons. The 49ers are the team to keep an eye on. If not for a lucky Brett Favre slingshot last season they might have had a chance to claim the NFC West title, but they didn't. 2010 is a new season, but I expect the old gritty defense with a strong running game from Frank Gore to create a team that will compete with the Arizona Cardinals to win the NFC West with either 8 or 9 wins during the season.