Despite playing in relative anonymity for the early portion of this season, the San Francisco 49ers are quietly becoming one of the top teams in the NFL. After the lockout, most new coaching staffs figured to struggle to implement their systems and get a true feel for what their players can and cannot do. Not Jim Harbaugh. When he agreed to become the 49ers head coach, Harbaugh decided to keep several of the coaches that served under previous head coach Mike Singletary, including offensive line coach Mike Solari.
Immediately after the lockout, Harbaugh and his new staff went in on changing the culture in the locker room, which was full of distrust and resentment following Mike Singletary's divisive and demeaning coaching style. Harbaugh is a players coach; a man who wears his emotions on his sleeve and clearly has a passion for the game. He also does a great job of creating a playbook and gameplan that suits the talent of his team.
Alex Smith was drafted #1 overall in the 2005 NFL Draft, and was immediately thrust into the lineup too soon, posting just 1 touchdown and 11 interceptions in his rookie season. Smith has never had the same offensive coordinator for two consecutive years, so its been hard to tell if he will ever be a starting-caliber NFL quarterback. What Jim Harbaugh has done is try to make this team similar to his Stanford-coached teams, frequently using either a "Jumbo" package or double-tight end sets, trying to establish a solid running game. Alex Smith has been able to become more of a game manager this year, a role for which he's much better suited. Coming into their week ten game against the Giants, Smith has been very efficient, completing 64.1 percent of his passes for 1.467 yards, 10 touchdowns and only two interceptions.
The defense has been stellar, as they are currently #8 in total defense, but where they are truly excelling is against the run, as they entered this week the #1 rush defense in the league, surrendering a paltry 70.8 yards per game. Just about everyone is familiar with Patrick Willis, but there are several underrated players in their front seven that deserve recognition. Justin Smith is an experienced vet who is solid both against the run, as well as rushing the passer (4.5 sacks). NaVorro Bowman is a tackling machine, and Isaac Sopoaga is a space eater in the middle of the 49ers 3-4 defense. Rookie Aldon Smith (6.5 sacks) and veteran Ray McDonald (3 sacks) are also contributing, along with veteran free-agent acquisitions in the secondary (Whitner, Rogers).
Today, the 49ers moved to 8-1 following their 27-20 home win over the New York Giants, and in the process, put the rest of the league on notice that the Packers aren't the only team to fear come playoff-time.
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