I've been hearing reports of how the 49ers are sure to struggle on offense without the services of Charlie Garner and the great Jerry Rice. I totally disagree with this analysis. In addition to returning Pro-Bowlers Jeff Garcia and Terrell Owens, the entire offensive line is back, intact and healthy.

The Niners have outstanding talent at running back, including former Pro-Bowler Garrison Hearst who is making an astounding comeback. Not only has Garrison shown good speed and decisiveness in his cuts, he appears to be seeking out defensive backs to run over. Jonas Lewis has shown bursts of great speed in performing his assignments and Terry Jackson has once again shown his talent and versatility at fullback and running back as well as consistent contributions to special teams.

We have yet to get a good pre-season glimpse of either promising second-year running back Paul Smith or 2001 third-round draft pick Kevan Barlow. Barlow may become the running back of the future for the Niners and has unusual size (6'1" - 235lbs.) and speed. As many have already heard, Kevan will be trying to live up to the standard created by Denver (and former 49er) coach Mike Shanahan who called Barlow the best running back in the 2001 college draft.

During the Raider game, Jasen Esom, an undrafted free agent fullback, was impressive and demonstrated good hands and running ability and, like Hearst, seemed as though he were anxious to run over tacklers. Saladin McCullough, a former XFL star, has also shown promise and toughness during his debut at running back and kick returner.

Terrell Owens will likely continue his success with another Pro Bowl year in 2001. Terrell is certainly amongst the top five receivers in the NFL and continues to get better. Although wide receivers J.J. Stokes and Tai Streets have not played the first two games (due to minor injuries), their past history with the team has given the coaching staff cause to believe that both will be productive and see extensive playing time during the upcoming season. I have especially enjoyed the performance of wide receiver Cedric Wilson against the Raiders and Grant Heard showed he has exceptional hands against the San Diego Chargers in the first pre-season game. Tight end, Greg Clark, who is returning from off season surgery, should again provide leadership at his position for youngsters Justin Swift and Eric Johnson.

The 2000 season uncovered some glaring problems on defense for the 49ers. During the first ten games of the season, the young defensive backfield was ranked nearly last in the NFL in passing points allowed. The final six games of last year, however, the youngsters started getting the hang of things and this pre-season the pass coverage has continued to show marked improvement. Pro-Bowler Lance Schulters and Zack Bronson provide experienced leadership for the youngsters who are still learning their assignments. Safeties Pierson Prioleau, Al Blades, John Keith and Ronnie Heard and corners Ahmed Plummer, Jason Webster, Anthony Parker and Rashad Holman will all benefit from their example. It should come as no surprise to 49er fans that there are six first-round picks on the defensive side of the ball for this 2001 team.

The linebacking corps, led by Y2K first-round pick Julian Peterson, has greatly improved speed. Year 2001 second-round draftee Jamie Winborn is especially quick and, along with off season acquisitions Derek Smith (from the Redskins) and Terry Killens (from the Titans) and second year middle linebacker Jeff Ulbrich will eventually be reason for opposing backs and receivers to say lots of prayers before game time. Killens is also a special teams standout and can play all three linebacker positions.

The defensive line is gaining confidence by the day and they're playing like they intend to single-handedly win a spot for the Niners in the playoffs. The D-line has also shown marked improvement, not only because of the return of Dana Stubblefield (back from Redskin purgatory) and the ever-present talent of Bryant Young, but noticeable contributions by 1999 first-round pick Reggie McGrew, Cedric Killings, Daniel Greer and newcomer Jerome Davis. I predict that opposing quarterbacks will be spending restless nights worrying about pass pressure coming from these guys as well as defensive ends Andre Carter, Chike Okeafor, John Engleberger, John Milem and Menson Holloway. With his 6'4"-255 pound frame, Andre Carter displays blazing quickness and strength off the ball and may prove to be a leading candidate for the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Major pressure by the defensive front seven in passing situations is something the Niners have sorely missed for the past three or four seasons and it will most certainly make pass coverage easier for the young defensive backs.