Sports: 49ers training camp is underway

I have always wanted to be doing something involving sports. I always hoped I would be doing it for my living but that hasn't quite happened yet and maybe never will so here is my chance to start my own sports column. Not a bad job actually, since I have no deadlines and can never be fired. Well, here we go.

49ers training camp is underway

The 49ers on paper are much improved from a year ago when they weren't that far from the playoffs (on paper). They have upgraded their defense with the additions of Nate Clements (Buffalo), Aubrayo Franklin (Baltimore), Michael Lewis (Philly), Tully Banta-Cain (NE), and Patrick Willis (Rookie). They definitely needed the upgrades after watching them get rolled quite a few games last year. They also got a new d-coordinator, Greg Manusky, who is taking his first job calling the defensive plays in the NFL. You would think they have to be better than last year, right. The question will continue to be the pass rush. Will Banta-Cain be the man? It is hard to know since he was a backup till late in the season last year, and although he came on strong and appeared to be a good pass rushing linebacker, he needs to do it for a complete season. Will Manny Lawson begin to show some of his sack expertise he displayed in college? If there were no expectations surrounding him last year, I would say he had a real nice year for a rookie, however, being a fan who was looking at him helping the pass rush right away, I am trying not to be disappointed just yet. I am hoping he shows some flashes this year and picks up at least 7-8 sacks or so that don't come on broken plays. We will get to see Brandon Moore starting for a full year also a year removed from leading the team in tackles. The bottom line is that "on paper", I get real excited about this defense, and I am hoping Greg Manusky can have the confidence of the head coach, so that Nolan won't be distracted by trying to second guess or call plays for the defense on gameday.

There isn't quite as much excitement about the improvements on offense and there are some questions but there is still some optimism. There is another first year, unproven coordinator. There is a new, hopefully not disgruntled(Antonio Bryant) #1 receiver in Darrell Jackson. There is a 3rd year quarterback who we hope will continue to progress and at least be a top 10 quarterback in the league. You got the stud in Frank Gore, and then who knows what else after that at running back (although I am rooting for Michael Robinson to have a breakout year). We hopefully have a stud in Vernon Davis at tight end and I also get excited about seeing Delanie Walker get out there and catch some passes. All in all, there is some young talent and I can't wait to see some production.

I feel like this is the first year to be excited, not just to see new players, but to actually see some wins. Go NINERS!