San Francisco (+8) at Arizona

Tommy · 09-10-06, 10:51 AM

San Francisco finished last season at 4-12, but one of those wins was the last week of the season when Houston basically threw the game. This year, we all know the caliber of the 49ers, and I don’t see them being much better.

Quarterback, Alex Smith may be a future star, but this Sunday will be filled with the same-old, same-old for the 49ers. I will give the 49ers a clap of the hands for drafting tight end, Vernon Davis, but Smith to Davis will not be reminiscent of Montana to Rice, at least this year.

The 49ers’ running back situation has changed for the better with Kevan Barlow sent packing to the Jets. Frank Gore, a former University of Miami star, has had extensive knee surgeries in the past, but he is ready to carry the load.

To say that San Francisco struggled defensively last year would be an understatement. They allowed an NFL worst, 391.2 yards per game, and have lost two of the best players from that unit, Julian Peterson and Andre Carter.

Arizona finished last season at 5-11, but expectations are high this year for Coach Dennis Green’s team. The Arizona passing offense was ranked third in the NFC last year. Their running game though, was at best an after-thought, and at worst an unmitigated disaster.

To help rectify that situation, the team signed free agent, Edgerrin James from Indianapolis. Just his presence alone in the backfield will keep opposing defenses on their toes. The Cardinals’ defense was 5th in the NFC in yards allowed last year, but gave up way too many points. If the “D” can be more effective in the red-zone, they can be a dangerous group.

Summary and Outlook

Overall, I just can’t see the 49ers’ defense stopping the likes of Kurt Warner, Edgerrin James, Larry Fitzgerald, and Anquan Boldin. That is just too many weapons even with an offensive line that is well below average on paper.

In my opinion, this can get ugly real quick for the 49ers. The Cardinals open up at home for the first time in their new stadium, and the crowd will be going wild. It would not shock me if Arizona had this covered and locked up by the half.

Pick: Arizona

For all NFL betting lines, visit VIP.com

Written by Michael Licalsi
http://sportsedge.vip.com/

09-10-06, 10:51 AM	#1 (permalink)
Tommy Now go get your shinebox Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sportscapper Island Posts: 15,068	San Francisco (+8) at Arizona San Francisco finished last season at 4-12, but one of those wins was the last week of the season when Houston basically threw the game. This year, we all know the caliber of the 49ers, and I don’t see them being much better. Quarterback, Alex Smith may be a future star, but this Sunday will be filled with the same-old, same-old for the 49ers. I will give the 49ers a clap of the hands for drafting tight end, Vernon Davis, but Smith to Davis will not be reminiscent of Montana to Rice, at least this year. The 49ers’ running back situation has changed for the better with Kevan Barlow sent packing to the Jets. Frank Gore, a former University of Miami star, has had extensive knee surgeries in the past, but he is ready to carry the load. To say that San Francisco struggled defensively last year would be an understatement. They allowed an NFL worst, 391.2 yards per game, and have lost two of the best players from that unit, Julian Peterson and Andre Carter. Arizona finished last season at 5-11, but expectations are high this year for Coach Dennis Green’s team. The Arizona passing offense was ranked third in the NFC last year. Their running game though, was at best an after-thought, and at worst an unmitigated disaster. To help rectify that situation, the team signed free agent, Edgerrin James from Indianapolis. Just his presence alone in the backfield will keep opposing defenses on their toes. The Cardinals’ defense was 5th in the NFC in yards allowed last year, but gave up way too many points. If the “D” can be more effective in the red-zone, they can be a dangerous group. Summary and Outlook Overall, I just can’t see the 49ers’ defense stopping the likes of Kurt Warner, Edgerrin James, Larry Fitzgerald, and Anquan Boldin. That is just too many weapons even with an offensive line that is well below average on paper. In my opinion, this can get ugly real quick for the 49ers. The Cardinals open up at home for the first time in their new stadium, and the crowd will be going wild. It would not shock me if Arizona had this covered and locked up by the half. Pick: Arizona For all NFL betting lines, visit VIP.com Written by Michael Licalsi http://sportsedge.vip.com/
Status: Online