San Francisco 49ers 2008 NFL Projection:
Coming into last season the 49ers were the dark horse pick of many experts to make the playoffs.
At the risk of upsetting 49ers’ fans, we predicted a record of (5-11) as you recall. And that’s exactly how the 49ers finished in 2007.
Coming into 2008 Mike Nolan in on the hot seat. His Niners allowed 145 more points than they scored in 07– worsting 06’s
114 point gap.
While the 49ers were nearly in the bottom third of the league surrendering 364 points in 2007, it was their offense that was the most problematic.
Netting just 200 yards in a game became a weekly challenge for the unit.
To change their fortunes, San Francisco hired Mike Martz as offensive coordinator in hopes of turning
the ship around.
As of this posting JT O’Sullivan holds the starting quarterback job.
He’ll be throwing the ball to ex-Ram Isaac Bruce– signed in the off-season.
However, it’s questionable whether the 49ers’ offensive line (in a rebuilding mode) can
block adequately for the long developing routes typical in the Martz scheme.
At running back the Niners are in great shape with Frank Gore and DeShaun Foster.
But they’ll either need holes to run through– or a passing game that takes pressure
away from defenses keying of them.
We’re not convinced the offensive line will provide for either in 2008.
On the defensive side of the ball last season’s sack leader Young retired.
The Niners signed Justin Smith from Cincinnati to take his place. It’s hard to expect
he can fill those shoes. And the defensive line looks to be the weakness of the
defense.
Linebacker Patrick Willis and cornerback Nate Clements are the keys to San Francisco’s defense.
Their health is imperative if the unit is to show year over year improvement.
Schedule Analysis:
San Francisco will play 6 games versus teams that made the playoffs in ’07.
Furthermore, the Niners have to play
@New Orleans in week 4.
You probably don’t want to remember last season’s
game versus the Saints.
There is a week 6 duel with
Philadelphia
(a solid team in a tough division).
Additionally in week 13 the Niners will play @Buffalo
(a long trip and a tough environment).
And we can’t leave out the week 14 home contest with the
Jets,
projected to be playoff caliber this year.
Record Projection:
Looking up and down the 49ers’ schedule it’s a bit of a chore to find
many potential wins.
Overall we now predict a (2-14) campaign from the Niners in 2008– a slight upgrade before the season kicks off.
It appears fans will have to put their hopes into a brighter future that’s likely to be under the direction of a new head coach.
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Free 2008 NFL Predictions Note:
Remember
these now archived 2008 NFL forecasts were made
during the 2008 preseason.
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football campaign which may have affected
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