It’s a question of how much the flaws show, really: the high end talent here is quite impressive, especially at linebacker. But a strong offensive line could be sabotaged by weakness at C, and there is not much depth in the backfield. My guess is a very up-and-down year by the bay.
OFFENSE
3WR1RB – I Formation
The talent and the formation are aimed at allowing Drew Brees to shine. And, with Michael Crabtree, Anquan Boldin, Terrell Owens, and Jimmy Graham to pick from, he should. Add in Frank Gore and a strong line (with a massive hole in the middle), and the team shoud be able to put some points on the board.
DEFENSE
3-4; 5-4; 2-4
There is some pass rush (anytime you have Charles Haley, you’ll have some pass rush), and the secondary is solid, but, at the end of the day, it’s all about the linebackers: this defense will go as far as Sam Mills, Patrick Willis, Rickey Jackson, and Ken Norton can carry them (Julian Peterson can’t even get on the field with this group).
COACHING TENDENCIES
Strong Pass.