2007 was one of the most disappointing seasons in recent memory for the 49ers, but it is now over and I’m putting it behind us. The sad thing is that they had talent all over the field and just didn’t produce. The two biggest problems I consistently saw over the year was poor play along the O-line and a lack of a consistent pass rush. Frank Gore often had nowhere to go except into a huge pile at the line of scrimmage, and whatever quarterback was in didn’t have enough time to look down the field. And while the secondary was much improved and impressive at times, opposing QBs had all day to eventually find someone breaking open. This is where the loss of Manny Lawson hurt the most.
There are several areas that must be improved upon for the 49ers to return to respectability next year. Fortunately, I think this year everything that could go wrong did, and the niners are closer to being good than other teams with similar records.
First, find a good Offensive Coordinator to develop Alex Smith and properly utilize the talent the 49ers have on offense, especially Frank Gore and Vernon Davis. I really think that a good part of the trouble the offense had was due to the loss of Norv Turner, and because he left relatively late in the offseason and there was no one else available to hire except for Hostler. Now there are plenty of options, like Cam Cameron. He would be the perfect fit with our personnel. It would be a huge mistake not to hire him.
The biggest positions of need are wide receiver, offensive lineman, and defensive end/pass rushing linebacker. I’ve heard the 49ers have almost $30 million in cap space, so hopefully at least two of those could be addressed through proven free agents. I’d love to see them sign Alan Faneca. Think of the difference Steve Hutchinson made both by joining the Vikings and leaving the Seahawks. I think he’ll have a similar impact. Then maybe someone like Javon Walker if he is let go, which is sounding very possible. He’d would have to sign for less than he normally would since he is coming of a big injury. And in the draft, grab a pass rusher or another receiver. I still have faith in the 49ers, and expect them to make the significant strides we all expected this year next season.