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NFC playoffs within reach? | Santa Rosa Press Democrat // News for California's North Bay and Redwood Empire

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The 49ers made progress in the first two seasons of the Mike Nolan-Scot McCloughan regime. Another improvement is expected this year, as the 49ers head into training camp believing an NFC playoff appearance is within reach.

"This year I feel it's really going to come together," veteran defensive lineman Bryant Young said.

The 49ers implemented an aggressive approach in the offseason. The team invested approximately $40 million guaranteed on five possible starters in free agency -- cornerback Nate Clements, safety Michael Lewis, nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin, linebacker Tully Banta-Cain and receiver Ashley Lelie. They added veteran receiver Darrell Jackson in a trade, and they selected linebacker Patrick Willis and offensive tackle Joe Staley in the first round of the draft.

Here are the top 10 questions surrounding the team as it embarks on a new season, beginning with the first training camp practice on Sunday in Santa Clara:

1. Is Alex Smith ready to take the next step?

Smith showed dramatic improvement in his second NFL season. He has his third offensive coordinator (Jim Hostler) in three seasons, but he should be able to improve on his 74.8 passer rating of last season.

Smith has an improved supporting cast. Teams that face the 49ers will be geared to stop the running game, which means Smith should have some opportunities to strike in the passing game. At 23, he still might be the youngest starting quarterback in the NFL when the season begins.

2. Is Clements worth the money?

Hey, if you have the money, spend it. Owner John York had the money, so he allowed the football folk to invest in one of the game's top cornerbacks. Clements went to the Pro Bowl one season while playing in the obscurity of Buffalo, and he appeared to fit in immediately with his teammates in the offseason.

Clements teams with returning Pro Bowler Walt Harris and Shawntae Spencer to give the 49ers their strongest threesome of corners the team has enjoyed in a long time.

3. Will the 49ers miss Norv Turner?

Turner did some good things with the 49ers' offense before bolting to become head coach of the Chargers. Hostler is the new offensive coordinator. He will try to install an offense that is a combination of the West Coast scheme and the vertical system Turner implemented last year.

Where Turner might be missed most is on game day. He was adept at play-calling. Hostler does not have much experience in that area. His only stint as an offensive coordinator was in 1999 at Indiana (Pa.), an NCAA Division II school.

4. Will Mike Nolan be less involved with the defense?

Because Nolan lacked confidence in former defensive coordinator Billy Davis, he took over most of those duties. The down-to-down involvement in the defense might have affected Nolan's game-management responsibilities.

This season, Nolan plans to hand the defense over to first-year coordinator Greg Manusky. Still, as the 49ers transition full time to a 3-4 defense, Nolan will continue to keep a close eye on that side of the ball before he gives Manusky autonomy.

5. Does Frank Gore have a chance to break the NFL rushing record?

Gore rushed for 1,695 yards last season, and he declared his goal for this season was 2,200 yards. But with Gore's history of injuries, the 49ers would be ill-advised to give him as many carries as it would take to break Eric Dickerson's single-season rushing record, 2105 yards.

The 49ers' focus needs to be on developing a reliable backup. Michael Robinson, Maurice Hicks and rookie Thomas Clayton will compete for the No. 2 job. The 49ers need to find someone to take some of the workload from Gore so that he doesn't need to gain 2,200 yards.

6. Did the 49ers do enough to upgrade their pass rush?

The club went hard after free agent outside linebacker Adalius Thomas. But when Thomas signed with the Patriots, the 49ers gobbled up Banta-Cain.

Banta-Cain, who had a career-high 5.5 sacks last season with the Patriots, is likely to be the team's top pass-rush threat. Also, second-year linebacker Manny Lawson will be expected to apply more pressure on the quarterback this season. It might take some creativity with their scheme to generate a consistent pass rush.

7. Who will emerge

as the 49ers' go-to

receiver?

Neither Jackson nor Lelie worked much in the offseason with their teammates, because of injuries. Flanker Arnaz Battle had a solid season last year, but he might never be a star in this league.

The team's top receiver could be second-year tight end Vernon Davis. Hostler has made it a point of emphasis to get the ball in his hands. Davis caught the ball very well in the offseason program and looks to be ready to emerge as a big-time option in the passing game.

8. Will Willis win a starting job?

He was the No. 11 overall selection, but it will not be easy for Willis to unseat veteran Derek Smith for the every-down job. Willis is already penciled in for a role in the team's nickel defense.

Smith is returning after playing with the discomfort of a left eye strain last season that clearly affected his play. If Smith plays like he did in 2005, he'll likely hold onto his starting job. If he plays like last season, Willis will get his chance sooner than later.

9. Is the offensive line set?

The best competition will be at right tackle, where Staley has a strong chance to unseat incumbent Kwame Harris. Another battle worth watching is at right guard, where Justin Smiley is expected to get a run for the starting job from David Baas.

Harris and Smiley are scheduled for free agency at the end of the season. Right now, it's looking doubtful either will return to the club in 2008. The 49ers would not mind seeing Staley and/or Baas earn starting jobs this season to ease in the transition.

Also, Adam Snyder could be worked into the mix at left guard. Future Hall of Famer Larry Allen is not likely to play beyond this season, and it might be difficult for him to remain on the field for all 16 games this season.

10. Are the 49ers

legitimate playoff

contenders?......................Read the rest at the site

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