2006 San Francisco 49ers Preview

2006 season preview of the San Francisco 49ers NFL football team from MadduxSports.com. Once the preseason gets underway be sure to purchase Maddux's Winning NFL Picks. We have also setup a live NFL lines feed so all visitors can compare multiple odds from the best sportsbooks on the net.

Coach Mike Nolan, now in his second year, is working to improve what may be the worst team in the NFL. Last year, they were 4-12. Expect the same or worse this season.

Rookie QB Alex Smith (165 ATT, 84 COMP, 875 YDS, 1 TD, 11 INT) spent his first year in a dither. But it’s tough to judge him since the line was like Swiss cheese, allowing 48 sacks. However, the unit’s improved due to the return of injured tackle Jonas Jennings, the signing of guard Larry Allen (Dallas) and the maturing of some talented young players. Smith will also have a mentor this year—veteran QB Trent Dilfer (Cleveland)

Running back is up for grabs. Veteran Kevin Barlow (176 ATT, 581 YDS, 3.3 AVG, 3 TDs) and sophomore Frank Gore (127 ATT, 608 YDS, 4.8 AVG, 3 TDs) will battle it out in camp.

Smith will be throwing to rookie tight end Vernon Davis (Maryland), 4-year man Antonio Bryant (Cleveland-69 REC, 1,009 YDS, 14.6 AVG, 4 TDs) and WR Arnaz Battle (32 REC, 363 YDS, 11.3 AVG, 3 TDs). Davis and Bryant definitely upgrade this group.

The San Francisco defense was the worst in the league, ranked 32nd in total yards and against the run. The team had 28 sacks. For the most part the line remains the same. Last season’s weak linebacking squad looks to two rookies—Manny Lawson (N.C. State) and Parys Haralson (Tennessee)—for more resistance and better blitzing. The secondary shows little improvement at the corners, where the team is very vulnerable. Shawntae Spencer and Tony Parrish work fine at the safety positions.

It’s hard to get excited over a team that gave us such amazing talents as Joe Montana, Jerry Rice and Steve Young and now-- nothing. Jerry Rice may have had more fans on Dancing with the Stars last year than the 49ers had during their season. He was certainly more successful in that competition, finishing second.

2006 San Francisco 49ers Predictions

Despite their light schedule, it’s hard to imagine more than 2 wins in 2006. The 49ers have a chance against Oakland and Detroit. Beating anyone else is hard to imagine but this is the league of parity and they should be able to shock another team or two and snag 3 wins.

For more info on the 49ers NFC West division rivals check out the Rams, Seahawks, and Cardinals team previews that Maddux Sports has completed for the NFL sports fan and bettor.

For more info and news on the 2006 San Francisco 49ers football team visit the San Francisco NFL.com page.