San Francisco –3.5
Don’t like going with a road favorite to start off the year, but these teams are going in opposite directions. High expectations are anticipated in San Francisco and this could be the year they make a move up in the division to the top. With Seattle and Arizona in their new division, it looks like a 2 team race with them and St. Louis. The offense looks great as Jeff Garcia keeps improving, Terrell Owens is in the best shape he’s ever been in and Hearst and Barlow make a great one-two punch in the backfield. They shored up the OL with the addition of veteran Ron Stone. The key to the 49ers success should be the defense. They were ranked 29th in total defense in 2000 but moved up to 13th in 2001 and there is no reason they can’t improve on that in 2002.
The Giants lost a lot in the off-season and didn’t do much to replace them. Gone from the defense are LB Armstead, CB Thomas and S Garnes but most important, defensive coordinator John Fox is gone. Sehorn is still hurt and Dhani Jones will replace Armstead at weakside linebacker, a position he has never played. On offense, the line is in shambles. Ron Stone, who signed with the 49ers, Lomas Brown and Glenn Parker need to be replaced. Luke Petitgout was moved to LT and C Dusty Zeigler hasn’t practiced and is doubtful on Thursday. In essence, all 5 positions need to be replaced. Not a good sign for Kerry Collins, who needs help holding onto the ball anyways, let alone without any protection. This will disrupt both the rushing and passing attacks of the Giants.
The Giants are rebuilding while the 49ers are continuing to improve. With a schedule that includes St. Louis twice, Denver, Washington, Oakland, Philadelphia and Green Bay, the 49ers need to win the games like this in order to try and catch the Rams. Look for them to control the line of scrimmage on defense and move the ball with ease on offense.
GLTA!!