Items by

Bringing The Swaggar Back to The Stick: The 49ers Are Opening Eyes

Published: September 21, 2009

commentNo Comments

Though the 2009-2010 season is just two games deep, 49ers fans have a lot to be happy about these days. It has been a long time since the Red and Gold have started the season 2-0, and against NFC West division rivals at that. 

This season’s rendition of the 49ers team has renewed focus and discipline and is starting to see themselves as legitimate. While this writer may get a little flack for this coming statement, I believe the Bay Area thanks Coach Singletary and owner Jed York for the team they have assembled this year.

Key players and decisions have also made sportswriters take a renewed look at this former deflated organization that was once the kings of the NFL gridiron. 

Vernon Davis has finally come into his own as a tight end and as a player and was blessed with the moniker of Captain by Coach Singletary. He has embraced the role of leading the team morale and setting the example of what a 49er is supposed to be. This is a concept that had long been forgotten by many players and fans. 

While he was, for the most part, quiet during the first game against the Cardinals last week, running back stud Frank Gore and the offensive line exploded on Sunday, bringing back the form Gore once established a few seasons ago and now re-legitimizing the running game. He rushed for a career high 246 yards on Sunday and had two touchdown runs of more than 75 yards each in a single game, a feat preceded only by Barry Sanders.

The defense, however, has become to show a little swagger. Led by All-Pro Linebacker Patrick Willis, they demoralized the Cardinals offense last week, quashing the highly effective trio of Warner, Boldin and Fitzgerald.

During Sunday’s game, the defense held their division rival to 283 total yards including 1 interception compared to their 379. 

Patrick Willis has mentioned that he does not want to just be a hall of famer, he wants to be considered the best in his position. Quite frankly, not only is he on his way, he’s probably got the best coach to take him there in Singletary who was enviable one of the best in the position himself during his playing days.

Coach Singletary has also now quieted the preseason quarterback controversy by choosing Shaun Hill over Alex Smith. With two wins under his belt, Hill is proving to be the right choice having completed 37 of 57 passes over the last two games with no interceptions. A far cry from what 49ers quarterbacks have produced over the past few seasons opening two games. 

The fans of the Niners have a lot to be happy about these days. With two games deep, the team is winning. While they are probably far from contending for the championship, the team and the fans see what is being built and they are all happy. As far as this past Sunday goes…Crabtree who? 

They have the Vikings to contend with next week, but as Coach Singletary said today, “This week was ugly, but I loved it.” 

The fans love it too.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com