NFL (part 2): Saints and winners

September 05, 2007 - Christopher Smith QB Alex Smith is now entering his pivotal third season, and never before has the landscape in front of him looked so good. The 49ers have overhauled and upgraded their receiver corps for the second consecutive season, and Smith also has talented second-year tight end Vernon Davis emerging as a potential top target.
  
The 49ers also added veteran free agent Ashley Lelie and third-round draft pick Jason Hill to the mix at receiver to go along with holdover starter Arnaz Battle. Lelie led the NFL in average yards per catch with 20.1 in 2004 and 18.3 in 2005. Battle led all San Francisco wideouts with a career-high 59 catches last year.
 
The rushing attack doesn't look too shabby either with Frank Gore at the helm. Gore led the NFC with a franchise-record 1,695 yards on the ground last season as the 49ers ranked sixth in the NFL in rushing offense.
 
On the other side of the ball, fans need to hope the defense can work out its kinks. The unit gave up almost 27 points per game on average last season, surrendering at least 30 in three contests and over 40 in four others. Coach Mike Nolan overhauled the San Francisco 49ers' defense in the off-season, tweaking the team scheme and adding a wealth of new talent.
 
Plenty has to go right for the 49ers, not least keeping Gore and Jackson healthy, while the defense has simply got to improve dramatically. These aren't impossible hopes so the 50/1 on offer does hold some decent value.

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