2011 NFC East Preview

Finally onto the NFC. No offense Raider fans, but we all know this blog caters to the 49ers and isn't a 49ers only blog because I want the freedom to talk about other happenings in the sports world. But, on with the show, as pound through our NFC Previews and finish off with the award and playoff predictions.

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Philladelphia Eagles, 1st Place

Offense: QB Michael Vick, RB LeShawn McCoy, RB Ronnie Brown, WR DeSean Jackson, WR Jeremy Maclin, LT Jason Peters

Defense: DE Trent Cole, LB Casey Mathews (R), CB Asante Samuel, CB Nhamdi Asomugha, SS Nate Allen, DE Juqua Parker

The Eagles do have some chinks in their armor and are a very fragile bunch, but if all stay realitively healthy, they could have a tremendous season and should be Super Bowl contenders. It's a tough NFC East though this year, and they need Vick to keep it up and McCoy to step it up in order for that offense to be elite. You know your good when you have a guy like Brown as a backup/goal line guy! Defensively, you'll have to beat them with the run, cause their ends will pressure you and they have the best secondary in the NFC (maybe NFL), after adding the big guy this summer, then Rogers-Cromartie through the Kolb deal with Arizona. You just won't be able to pass on them and they'll be too tough to stop offensively.
Record: 13-3

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2nd Place, Dallas Cowboys *Wild Card*

Offense: QB Tony Romo, RB Felix Jones, WR Miles Austin, WR Dez Bryant, TE Jason Whitten, LT Doug Free

Defense: LB Anthony Spencer, LB Bradie James, LB Keith Brooking, LB DeMarcus Ware, CB Terrence Newman, FS Gerald Sensabaugh

If it weren't for the Cowboys young and un-polished O-line, they'd be an elite team, but if that line gels, lookout. They have talented youngsters, but some journerman as well, but as long as Tony Romo does his thing and Felix Jones takes off, the Cowboys offense will be at full strength. The defense, especially the front-7, is as good as it's been in a while, as they sport the 2nd best LB crew in all the NFL to only Pittsburgh. They also have a healthy Newman at CB, but other than that, their secondary is hit or miss.
Record: 10-6

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3rd Place, New York Giants

Offense: QB Eli Manning, RB Ahmad Bradshaw, RB Brandon Jacobs, WR Hakeem Nicks, WR Mario Manningham, RT Kareem McKenzie, LT Will Beaty

Defense: DE Justin Tuck, DE Osi Umenyiora, LB Mathias Kiwanuka, CB Corey Webster, FS Antrel Rolle

The Giants have a power-built rushing attach, but for some reason want Manning to throw the ball 50 times a week, and he makes too many mistakes to do that. He's a very good QB when he can work off the run, but to ask him to throw 75% of the time is too much. They say they'll mix Jacobs in a lot more this year and he looks good, plus that line is as tough as ever. I think the Giants are in for a nice year on offense, defensively is another story though. They need some guys to step up and play well and rebound from off-years.
Record: 9-7

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Washington Redskins, 4th Place
Offense: QB Jon Beck, RB Tim Hightower, WR Santana Moss, TE Chris Cooley, RT Jamall Brown

Defense: LB Ryan Kerrigan (R), LB London Fletcher, LB Rocky Mcintosh, LB Brian Orakpo, CB DeAngelo Hall, SS LaWan LaRon Landry, CB Josh Wilson (R)

The 'Skins D is defnitely on the up-and-up. They too are stocked with their 3-4 set with top linebackers built for the scheme and have some play-makers in their secondary, although they also give up the big play too often. Overall, you put their D with a good offense and I think you'd have something. I know Hall gets the wrap for his antics, but he makes plays and I expect huge things out of rookie Josh Wilson. Still a ways away though with their overturn at QB and RB.
Record: 4-12

Six QB's the 49ers Should Look At

With the 49ers in dire need of a QB, the time is now for them to strike if they are going to add anyone before the start of the regular season, being that teams just simplified their rosters to 53 today.

Now, don't get me wrong, the list of potential names of guys who got axed certainly aren't exciting and some aren't even proven NFL QB's, but given the 49ers situation, I think any of the following guys would not only be worth a shot, but could succeed with Frank Gore, Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree and Braylon Edwards.

Of course, everyone has heard the Josh Johnson rumor, so there's no need to mention his name, and we've also mentioned the Raiders backups, Trent Edwards and Kyle Boller, who each would likely pose better options than Alex Smith right now. Guess what, Edwards was the odd man out after the Raiders took Pryor, and he should be atop the 49ers list after Josh McCown failed miserably to do anything. They also still need their O-Line to take shape, but I'm not nearly as worried about that as I am the am the QB situation. The NFC West is pretty thin and the 49ers really are just one decent QB away from really becoming a player in the race. Here are some other team's back-ups that could be out of a roster spot in a week or so, or may be plucked away with a late round draft choice and provide a starter, a challenger, or insurance for Alex Smith and actually give this team a chance to win:

Trent Edwards, FA - He has to become the 49ers immediate #1 target. He's an ideal fit for the west coast offense, plus he's a Stanford guy and knows Harbough. I just see this as too good a fit. If Smith doesn't cut it after 1/4 of the season, you go to Edwards and see what he can do with the 49ers offensive talent. He's a smart guy, and doesn't make too many bad decisions back there like Alex does, but he doesn't quite have the athletic ability and mobility Alex does. Looked to be getting better as starter in Buffalo before they tore the team out from around him and the line went to garbage. I honestly think the 49ers would be a better team with Edwards and knows the WC offense.

Brodie Croyle, FA - He's nowhere near as exciting or as good as Edwards, but he posses a plausible backup and one that would give the team someone better than Colin Kaepernick after Smith. Croyle's never really gotten a shot, but has played well in spurts, and could be one opportunity away from making it big.

Seneca Wallace, Cleveland - Onto possible trade targets, Wallce would be #1. He's always been frowned upon because his sub-6 foot height, but he more than makes up for that with athleticism and play-making ability. All respect to Matt Hasselbeck, I though Wallace was their better QB the last few years he was in Seattle. He's a career backup with an 64 rating and 29/16 TD/INT ratio, who can throw on the move. I'd love to see him be a starter somewhere, but it's doubtful Cleveland lets him go as he's their insurance for McCoy.

Brady Quinn, Denver - Quinn's another guy who's never had any talent around him. He got thrown into the fire in Cleveland with a horrid team and was bad, then never got another look since. He's looked good in training camps and preseason games, but didn't throw a pass last season. With Orton and Tebow in Denver, he could be expendable, but likely has a ceiling as a backup QB.

Josh Johnson, Tampa Bay - OK, everyone has heard his name mentioned this summer, problem is, the Bucs won't get rid of him. Even though Josh Freeman is a potential pro-bowl talent about to enter his prime, the Bucs want Johnson as insurance. Know, if the 49ers saw Johnson as a potential QB of the future and don't believe in Kap, which I do not, they may be willing to give up a 3rd rounder and a young player to get the young QB.

Drew Stanton, Det - Stanton is the wild card, possessing all the talent in the world, a lot like Smith, just never putting it all together. Unlike Smith though, he hasn't had chance after chance fall onto his lap. I was hoping he'd get chopped at the deadline, but even with Shaun Hill entrenched as the #2, Detroit cannot trust Matt Stafford to stay on the field so Stanton wouldn't be cheap.

2011 AFC West Preview

San Diego Chargers, 1st Place

Offense: QB Phil Rivers, RB Ryan Mathews, RB Mitch Tolbert, WR Vincent Jackson, TE Antonio Gates, G Kris Dielman

Defense: NT Antonio Garay, LB Shaun Phillips, LB Takeo Spikes, CB Quentin Jammer, SS Bob Sanders, FS Eric Weddle

The Chargers once again have the most well-rounded team in the AFC West, and it would be a huge dissapointment if they failed to win the division. Rivers is an elite QB, and has both of his favorite targets, Jackson and Gates, back full-time this year. A big key to their success rests on the shoulders of running back Ryan Mathews, who could make the Chargers Super Bowl contenders if he ascends like everyone expects and becomes that 1,100 yard, 8-10 TD back. With Mike Tolbert though too, they can spread the load and keep Mathews fresh. Defensively, the Chargers have a top-notch secondary, but I'm a little worried about their young front-7.
Record: 12-4

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Kansas City Chiefs, 2nd Place

Offense: QB Matt Cassell, RB Jamal Charles, RB Thomas Jones, WR Dwayne Bowe, G Jon Asamoah

Defense: LB Derek Johnson, LB Tamba Hali, NT Kelly Gregg, CB Brandon Flowers, FS Eric Berry

I liked the Chiefs at the start of camp, but Cassell has had a less than stellar preseason as he's failed to synch up with WR's Steve Breaston and Jonthan Baldwin, and the O-Line has underperformed. They have the talent on both sides of the ball to actually overtake the Chargers, but they need their guys to mature into the players they can be. If their young, highly talented ends, Tyson Jackson and Glenn Dorsey, can get to the QB, their defense could be a force with those 'backers and DB's.
Record: 9-7

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Oakland Raiders, 3rd Place

Offense: QB Jason Campbell, RB Darren McFadden, RB Michael Bush, WR Jacoby Ford, C Stefen Wisniewski (R)

Defense: DT Richard Seymour, DT Tommy Kelly, LB Kamerion Wimbley, SS Tyvon Branch, FS Michael Huff, CB Stanford Routt

I really expect the Raiders and Broncos to finish with near identical records, they're that alike. Now that Campbell has had a year in Oakland to get acclimated, I expect better results, as long as he can stay on the field that is. I expect him to use Jacoby Ford like he did Santana Moss in Washington and Ford to be Oakland's #1 WR. Denarious Moore has also gained headlines this summer, and I expect him to take the #2 spot with Heyward-Bey in the slot in 3-WR sets. This is likely it for Bey (probably cut if Chaz and Murphy were healthy), who could be axed in-season if he doesn't show results. McFadden and Bush are the best two-man combo in the NFL in my opinion, so hopefully the improved aerial game opens up some more holes for them. Also, this defense is improving, despite the loss of Asomugha. Routt and Branch are Pro-Bowl caliber players in the secondary still and Huff is still a ball-hawk. Their D-Line pressures the QB well, and they have the sack machine in Wimbley at OLB. The Raiders are still a ways away; they need an offensive line that will hold up all season, and a wideout or two to really step up this year without Zach Miller gone. If those two things happen, this squad could be right on KC's heels.
Record: 7-9

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Denver Broncos, 3rd Place

Offense: QB Kyle Orton, RB Knowshon Moreno, RB Willis McGahee, WR Brandon Loyd, LT Ryan Clady

Defense: DE Elvis Dumervil, LB D.J. Williams, LB Von Miller (R), CB Champ Baily, FS Brian Dawkins

The Broncos do have a lot of talent themselves, though they've got some issues going on inside their organization and are likely longing for the days of Mike Shanahon right about now. They picked the right guy as their starting QB, and should stick with him. Tebow is a nice wildcat option, but I don't see him as an NFL starter, and I think Denver is just now realizing it. Moreno is an average NFL running back, and Brandon Loyd will have a very hard time repeating last seasons breakout and needs Eddie Royal to help take some coverage off him. Where the Broncos are looking better and moving forward is on the defensive side. They have sack master Dumervil back and have teamed D.J. Williams with #2 overall pick Von Miller at linebacker. They also still have Champ Baily shutting down wideouts, though he has lost a step. If the defense grows together and the offensive line plays well and gets Moreno going, they could overtake the Raiders easy.
Record: 6-10
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And that concludes the AFC Preview portion. Wild Card teams are marked, and (R) stands for rookie if you didn't notice. We'll jump right into the NFC next, but we also have a 49ers post to mix in before we do so check out for that Sunday!

AFC South Preview

Houston Texans, 1st Place

Offense: QB Matt Schaub, RB Arian Foster, WR Andre Johnson, TE Owen Daniels, RT Eric Winston

Defense: LB/DE Mario Williams, LB Brian Cushing, NT Shaun Cody, DE J.J. Watt (R), CB Jonathan Joseph, FS Daniel Manning

The 3rd ranked offense from a year ago remains in-tact and even more cohesive. Andre Johnson and Matt Schaub are becoming a pair for the ages and Arian Foster has emerged as a top-3 NFL rusher. Their offense shouldn't have any problems so long as their O-Line holds up. Defensively, they added a few pieces to help them contain the Colts. Jon Joseph is a premiere cornerback and Watt and Williams could combine for 20 sacks. Again though, this team has a terrific 1st team on both sides, but depth is very much an issue. I also would like to see the explosive Jacoby Jones overtake the #2 WR spot from Kevin Walter.
Record: 11-5

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Indianapolis Colts, 2nd Place

Offense: QB Peyton Manning*, RB Joseph Addai, WR Reggie Wayne, WR Austin Collie, TE Dallas Clark, C Jeff Saturday

Defense: DE Robert Mathis, DE Dwight Freeney, DT Tommie Harris, FS Antoine Bethea, LB Gary Brackett

The Colts are a team heading in the opposite direction as the Texans right now. They're getting older and breaking down a bit. Manning could miss up to 2-3 games, and probably won't be 100% for quite sometime. I've never been a big fan of their running game, and Dallas Clark, Mannings #2 target is having injury issues of his own after missing the majority of '10. The defense will get after the passer, but will struggle again against the run and in pass coverage.
*Manning will miss at least the first half of the year.
Record: 9-7

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Tennessee Titans, 3rd Place

Offense: QB Matt Hasselbeck, RB Chris Johnson, WR Kenny Britt, TE Jared Cook, RG Jake Scott

Defense: LB Will Witherspoon, LB Barrett Rudd, LB Akeem Ayers (R), SS Chris Hope, CB Cortland Finnegan

I like Tennessee a lot more than many football experts. I think Hasselbeck will be a fine veteran leader there to hold them over until Jake Locker's ready (and Locker looks like the real deal). He's got some decent weapons in Britt and Cook and a QB's best friend in a horse like Chris Johnson. So long as their O-Line doesn't crumble in front of them, they should have an average to above average offense. Their defense could also go either way. They have a star linebacking crew and nice secondary, but their front four are a little weak.
Record: 7-9

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Jacksonville Jaguars, 4th Place

Offense: QB David Garrard, RB Maurice Jones-Drew, WR Mike Thomas, TE Mercedes Lewis

Defense: DE Aaron Kampman, LB Paul Posluszny, FS Dawan Landry, CB Derek Cox

The Jags really should just let Blaine Gabbart take over QB for them cause they're just prolonging the inevitable by trotting Garrard back there. They aren't winning anything with David Garrard and Could be building a nice little offensive unit if they could find a QB and a tall receiver. Of all the teams that could use one of the free agent diva WR's Moss or Owens, it would be Jacksonville.
Record: 5-11

AFC North Preview

Pittsburgh Steelers, 1st Place

Offensive Players: QB Ben Roethlisberger, RB Rashard Mendenhall, WR Mike Wallace, WR Heinz Ward, C Maurkice Pouncey, T Jonathan Scott

Defensive Players: LB LaMarr Woodley, LB James Farrior, LB Lawrence Timmons, LB James Harrison, CB Bryant McFadden, S Troy Polamalu

The Steelers are becoming like the Yankees of the NFL, there going to be there every year, it's just a matter of will they win the whole thing or not. This year, they have as good a shot as anyone I think, with a hungry, healthy Big Ben ready to go off for 4500 yards with his never ending weapons (now Antonio Brown is standing out too). They have as good a workhourse RB as there is in the game, even though he won't catch passes, Mendenhall will hold onto the ball and pound forward for consistent yardage. They have a great defense, solid lines on both sides and a healthy secondary. Look out AFC!
Record: 14-2

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Baltimore Ravens, 2nd Place *(Wild Card)*

Offense: QB Joe Flacco, RB Ray Rice, WR Anquan Boldin, T Michael Oher
Defense: NT Haloti Ngata, LB Ray Lewis, LB Terrell Suggs, CB Dominque Foxworth, CB Jimmy Smith (R), S Ed Reed

The Ravens again have a stout defense, but like the Steelers, they're starting to age a bit on that side of the ball. Ngata is a brilliant DT and Lewis and Suggs can still move around well and hit you hard. I expect a huge year out of Suggs. Offensively, this team is driven by Rice and Flacco, and Rice is primed for a huge year. A 2000 total yard season is just about what's in store for Rice if all things go well (I'm hoping they are for my fantasy teams' sake). The problem with the offense right now is that Flacco's having a hard time learning the new look receiving corps minus two of his favorite targets in Todd Heap and Derrick Mason.
Record: 10-6

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Cincinatti Bengals, 3rd Place

Offense: QB Andy Dalton, RB Cedric Benson, WR A.J. Green, TE Jermaine Gresham, T Andre Smith

Defense: DE Carlos Dunlap, LB Manny Lawson, LB Ray Maualuga, CB Nate Clements, CB Leon Hall

This is were a lot of people have the Browns finishing, but even with rookie Andy Dalton and a sketch O-Line, I really like Green and Gresham and think Benson will be running for a big contract. Defensively, they have some very nice pieces, though they're still a work in progress. Dunlap is coming off a 10-sack season and Lawson and Clements are each hoping on improving on below-par years with San Francisco. I think this team could surprise a bit though for sure.
Record: 5-11

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Cleveland Browns, 4th Place

Offense: QB Colt McCoy, RB Peyton Hillis, TE Kellen Winslow, LT Joe Thomas

Defense: LB D'Qwell Jackson, DT Ahtyba Rubin, S T.J. Ward, CB Joe Haden (R), CB Sheldon Brown

I like the Browns young secondary, and there's no questioning their running game led by the bulldozing Peyton Hillis. My questions with this team lie squarely on their passing attach, which I don't believe they have. I've yet to be impressed by Colt McCoy, granted he's still got a year or 2 before I consider him a bust. He'll be OK and won't really lose a game for you, but he's not a guy who's going to lead a team deep into the playoffs. He doesn't have many receiving options either, outside of Winslow. Masaquoi is labeled the #1 wideout, but has been ridiculously inconsistent, and Brian Robiskie has never lived up to his hype coming out of Ohio State. If McCoy does catch fire, and one of their wideouts steps up to support Winslow and Hillis, they'll be looking a lot better.
Record: 4-12

NFL Previews: AFC East Preview

With the calendar turning September, and the 2011 NFL season getting set to kick-off, I figured now would be a good time to start our NFL Divisional Previews/Predictions. Since we don't have time to go through and list off each starting position player and what not, we'll just name order in which we think the teams will finish, why they'll do so, as well as the key players on each respective team.

We'll be starting in the AFC East and finishing in the NFC West, so here we go:

AFC East

New England Patriots - 1st Place

Key Starters: QB Tom Brady, RB Benjarvus Green-Ellis, WR Chad Ochocinco, WR Wes Welker, TE Aaron Hernandez, G Logan Mankins, WR/RB Danny Woodard

Defensive: DE Shaun Ellis, NT Vince Wilfork, DE Albert Haynesworth, LB Jerod Mayo, CB Devin McCourty, SS Brandon Merriweather, CB Leigh Bodden

Offensively, I actually am expecting more out of the Pats than a lot of people. I think #85 will find his niche like Randy Moss did and just make guys like Welker and Deon Branch that much better. If they gave Hernandez starter's minutes, the guy would be a top-5 tight end, not doubt. The running game is a little questionable, but bowling ball Ellis and utility man Woodward are nice compliments to each other. The Pas have put together a very nice defense (I'm hoping so for my fantasy team's sake as well), as they have a tough front with Ellis, Wilfork and Haynesworth and interception machines McCourty and Bodden at corner. The big question for their secondary will be the health of Bodden who had 5 picks and 60 tackles in '09, but missed last season.
Prediction: 13-3

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New York Jets - 2nd Place *Wild Card*

Key Starters: QB Mark Sanchez, RB Shonn Green, RB LaDanian Tomlinson, LT D'Brickshaw Ferguson, C Nick Mangold, WR Santonio Holmes, WR Plaxico Burress.

Defense: Darrelle Revis CB, Antonion Cromartie CB, Calvin Pace LB, David Harris LB, Bart Scott

The Jets lost a big part of their defensive front when they let Shaun Ellis slip into the hands of the Patriots, but Rex Ryan believes in rookie Muhhamed Wilkerson. Still though, this team revolves around that defense and it hurts them to loose a key cog like Ellis. What they have done, however, is improve the passing game by bringing in the mercurial, talented Plaxico Burress to give Sanchez a nice big red-zone target. They also still have LT sharing the load with Green running behind a brick wall of an offensive line, so they'll be just fine, even if they are just an ordinary passing team again.
Prediction: 11-5.

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Miami Dolphins - 3rd Place

Key Offensive Players: QB Chad Henne, RB Reggie Bush, RB Daniel Thomas, WR Brandon Marshall, WR Davone Bess, C Mike Pouncey (R)

Defense: LB Kevin Barnett, LB Karlos Dansby, LB Cameron Wake, CB Vontae Davis, SS Yeremiah Bell, S Chris Clemmons

Miami really will rise or fall with the play of quarterback Chad Henne. They tried to get Kolb, they shot for Kyle Orton, a few different times, and missed, and figured they'd be better off with Henne again for a year. They've surrounded him with the same cast of characters from a year ago, but the running game should be more dynamic. Reggie Bush will give the young QB an outlet when he's under pressure and both Bush and rookie Thomas should be upgrades to their predecessors. The real question for Miami lies up front on both sides of the line, where they really could go either way. They should be a fun team to watch with all their different sorts of weapons though. On defense, Cameron Wake is a force and should carry the front 7.
Prediction: 7-9

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Buffalo Bills - 4th Place

Key Offensive Players: QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, WR Stevie Johnson, RB Fred Jackson, RB C.J. Spiller, WR Roscoe Parish

Defensive Players: DE Marcell Dareus (R), NT Kyle Williams, LB Shawn Merriman, CB Terrence McGee, FS Jarius Byrd

A lot of football insiders like the Dolphins to improve in this division and finish 3rd, but I really like the direction Buffalo is headed. If they could move to LA and get some fan support and actually attract some talent, but for now, they have to stick with who they draft and they're making out great. Stevie Johnson developed into one of the top receivers in the game last year, and Spiller looks just itching to bust out himself. Fitzpatrick isn't the prototypical QB, but is effeceint, accurate and has a big strong arm. Defensively, Byrd fell off a bit after his 9 interception season in '09, but I expect him to be a big-time playmaker. I also think Merriman is ready for a career re-juvenation in Buffalo. He's only 27 and certianly isn't washed up. Look for a monster year from the dude. Weeks of
Prediction: 5-11

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NEWS: FRANK GORE SIGNS NEW DEAL W/49ERS- details below!

Gore Gets 3 Years/$21 Million, Finally!

Weeks of contract negotiation and figure trading between Trent Baalke and the agent for Frank Gore finally closed session Wednesday. The 49ers inked their star back to a very reasonable 3-year, $21 million deal with $13.5 guaranteed, finally paying the lead back top dollar.

The deal is roughly half (total wise) of what DeAngelo Willams got from Carolina, which was said to be Gore's sticking point, but gives Gore a little more annually though lacks the years. After looking at Williams' deal and now Chris Johnson's $53.5 Million deal for 4 years and Frank Gore is starting to look like a steal. I'm a bit surprised he settled for what he did, luckily for Baalke, it came the day before Johnson's $13M/Season deal was announced. This is such a win for the 49ers and also for Gore as he can now focus on football. Players always say their contract situation doesn't effect their play, but that's hardly the case, especially in Gore's position where he was being grossly underpaid by league standards for his production at running back. After the huge deal the media was making of it, I was sure Gore was seeking $40-50 million, so again, what a huge win for SF. Even though both DeAngelo and Johnson are probably worth every penny they'll get (though Williams was overpaid, flat out), and are star players, the difference between them, and Gore is very slim.With Frank's new deal, the 49ers get him for his prime years right through the time he turns 30 which is supposedly the dreaded age for highly used rushers like Gore. This also is the final cog in locking up the 49ers core offensive skill players as now Vernon Davis Michael Crabtree and Gore are all locked up until 2014. Now if only they can find that quarterback!

Speaking of which, in their preseason finale, which I normally chalk up to just a scrimmage of 3rd teamers with, Alex Smith got some time in there to start the game and did well, granted he was going up against mostly 2nd team Texan defenders. Smith was a conservative 8-10 with 45 yards but led the 49ers on a scoring drive in which Anthony Dixon punched it in from a yard out. After Smith departed though, Colin Kaepernick has looked as bad as he has since he's arrived in San Francisco. He went 3 of 7 with 2 interceptions and a sack and just looked flat out dreadful out there. Still not sure what exactly Jim Harbough and Co. saw in this kid but he was coming out of a funky system, has a funky delivery, and looks way too rushed out there. I've heard many of football people and insiders say they see something in this kid, but from my point of view, the kid doesn't even look like he belongs on the depth chart. I haven't seen him practice a lick, but I've seen him in games vs. other teams back ups and 3rd teamers and he's yet to impress me the slightest. I would give you the "he's young and he's still going up against NFL guys for the first time" speal, but again, he's facing rookies and guys in the same boat as him tonight and he's stinking the place up! Josh McCown has immediately stepped in and had success, completing his first 3 throws for 55 yards.

Next: Speaking of the 49ers Quarterback situation, we'll have a 49ers QB special along with final preseason thoughts mixed in with our upcoming AFC/NFC divisional previews, so stay tuned here at BASJ as we get you prepped and ready for Kickoff '11 which takes place just 1 week from today as we should have at least one or 2 posts up per day!