Line of Scrimmage: Is Hill the answer?

In this week's Line of Scrimmage, JR and Ben debate the long-term
viability of Shaun Hill.Is he a one-game wonder, or could he be a
solid backup for Alex Smith for the next few years?

Ben: You have to love Shaun Hill right now. He energized the team, he energized the fan base and he led the 49ers to a win, something I wasn't so sure we'd see for the rest of my lifetime. A win over the lifeless Bengals doesn't mean much for the rest of the teams in the league but for the 49ers, it's definitely a big deal.

That said, expectations shouldn't be heaped on this guy like he's the next Kurt Warner. He's a backup, and an unproven one at that. If, and this is a big if, he can play the rest of this year, show people he's a solid quarterback on a game-by-game basis and make some plays then he deserves a shot at the No. 2 spot next year.

If he can't do that, it behooves the 49ers to go get a proven backup. No, I'm not talking about bringing good ole' Trent back. They need someone who can continue to mentor Alex Smith while also staying ready for the inevitable happening: Smith getting banged up. We've talked several times this year about how putrid the offensive line has been and if the 49ers are committed to getting another immobile backup quarterback, then they'll also be committed to losing when Smith goes down.

What I really hope doesn't happen is what happened in St. Louis a few
years ago when Ryan Fitzpatrick became the second coming after a few good games. Starters are starters in the NFL for a reason, it's not like Mike Nolan made Hill the third-string quarterback because he doesn't like the guy. I don't want to hear talk about him being the next starting quarterback for the 49ers because that would be unfair to Hill and unfair to the team.

Lets let Hill prove himself for the rest of the year and then revisit this topic. Maybe he'll go Cody Pickett and the 49ers will make him hand off on every play. Or, maybe he'll go Tony Romo, ascend from the third-string and start dating Jessica Simpson. Hey, every guy has to have a dream.

JR: Ok, my esteemed colleague didn't really pick a definitive stance on Hill. Basically, what he's saying is "maybe, maybe not" and there's really no arguing with that. Shaun Hill played a hell of a game against a statistically awful defense and got the win, but we shouldn't be anointing him just yet.

We as fans, desperately needed something like this to happen. Otherwise, it would be just one more week of gloom and doom and that nonsense gets awfully tiresome after a while. But even though it may be a small victory during a disappointing season, I think in the big picture, his performance is quite significant.

So if the primary question we're asking here is whether or not Hill has warranted consideration as the 49ers' No. 2 quarterback, I think he absolutely does, and I'll take it a step further in saying that I think based on just the five or six full quarters of play and from what we saw in the preseason, he should be signed as soon as possible and seriously compete for the starting role next year.

Superstars can come from anywhere in this league and his story isn't so far out there that it isn't possible. Were the 49ers to stick with Alex Smith and some "proven veteran" ahead of Hill for no other reason than because he's an unknown quantity, then that's purely dogmatic and wrong.

I'll give Smith the inside track on the job come training camp, he's earned it given the circumstances, but I think Hill should be given the same position on the backup job and a fair amount of exposure to the first team offense as well. They're somewhat similar players in terms of their abilities, both athletic players that have good command of short throws for the most part, so the offensive gameplan would change little between the two. Defenses would have to fear that dual threat no matter
who is in the game.

To me, this makes the comparison much easier to make under equal conditions. Give Smith and Hill equal time with the starting unit during camp, and see how they perform in game situations during the preseason. Whoever moves the ball wins.

I realize that some may perceive this as jumping to conclusions on him, but I don't think it's that at all. He's proven one thing and one thing only; Shaun Hill can compete and play in this league. To what degree can he be consistently successful remains to be seen, but I know this for sure, he can play ball and for a team with four wins, that's good enough. Read more on this article...

Kneejerk Knotes: The Shaun Hill Edition

This is Nick, and I'm guest-writing Kneejerk Kotes this week. I usually write a rather informative and funny column called HIT LIST for this beautiful web site, but tonight I'm taking over the Knotes because James is busy or something.

So I think Shaun Hill just changed everything we thought we knew about the 2007 San Francisco 49ers.

Before tonight's game against the Bengals, both fans and press alike thought they knew what was wrong with this year's team. Whether the blame was to be placed on Mike Nolan, Jim Hostler, Alex Smith/Trent Dilfer, the offensive line, or the receiving corp, everyone thought they knew what THE problem was with the 2007 San Francisco 49ers.

Then Shaun Hill came out of no where and smacked everyone in the face with a tight spiral of badassery.

Against the Bengals, Hill delivered what can easily be described as the best performance this season by a quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers. He was poised, accurate, and incredibly decisive with the football. He was able to make the 49ers offensive game plan against Cincinnati work in spades (throw early and often in order to open up the running game), so much that Frank Gore rushed for a season high of 138 yards. And for literally the first time this season, the 2007 San Francisco 49ers looked like the team that was supposed to be playoff worthy before the whole thing went terribly wrong back in September.

Now before everyone gets too excited about the beginning of the Shaun Hill Era, one has to remember that tonight's win came against the Bengals, a team long removed from its former playoff glory of the 2005 NFL season. It's becoming more and more apparent in Cincinnati that a couple of flashy wide receivers and a Pro Bowl quarterback do not make an NFL team. The Bengals defense is without a doubt pretty damn awful all around, and tonight's win was ample evidence of such.

Yet still, you have to wonder if a healthy Trent Dilfer or even a healthy Alex Smith could have matched Hill's performance tonight. It's a rare sight to see the 49ers offense clicking like a real NFL team in 2007, and it was without a doubt directly because of Shaun Hill's efforts under center. When Vernon Davis and Darrell Jackson finish a game leading the team in receiving yards instead of Arnaz Battle, it means the 49ers' offense is working like it is designed to. Shaun Hill was merely the catalyst that triggered their high level of production.

Yet, such successes on the field bring more questions about The Suited One, otherwise known as Mike Nolan. Judging by last week's adequate performance against the Vikings along with tonight's win, I think everyone can safely say Shaun Hill is not too bad as a starting quarterback... not great by any means (at least at this point), but not too bad either. Thus, one has to wonder why Hill wasn't given the consideration to start earlier this season after it was obvious that Trent Dilfer wasn't going to be putting up too many W's in 2007. Is Nolan and his staff that oblivious when it comes to evaluating talent? It's situations like these (and the Ashley Lelie debacle) that really scare me about Mike Nolan as coach of the 49ers.  The dude misses the obvious way too often.

And with that, I leave you kind readers to bask in the glow of the Shaun Hill Era. Enjoy it while it lasts, because it could be gone by next Sunday when the Buccaneers come to town.

Here are some random notes I jotted down while watching the game tonight.  Enjoy.

• The NFL Network's Adam Schefter has reported that Mike Singletary has hired an agent in regards to him looking for a head coaching job next season. Consider Singletary as good as gone.

• I miss Steve Mariucci.

• Even in HD, Monster Park looks like a dump... especially when half the seats are empty.

• The 49ers burned two timeouts during the first quarter of play, including one on 4th down while on defense preceding a PUNT RETURN. What other NFL team (or head coach) burns a timeout before a friggin' PUNT RETURN?

• Patrick Willis is flat-out awesome. Derek Smith is flat-out the opposite of such things.

• Walt Harris continues to be a liability on defense, but I'm not sure if replacing him this off-season is a true priority for this year's team. Rookie Tarrell Brown definitely deserves a look.

Read more on this article...

Win the West: Week 15 picks

At long last, we're nearing the end of this pathetic excuse for a season. There's not much (on-field) drama left for Niner fans, but at least the "Win the West" standings are heating up ... for what that's worth.

Nick took first place back with a perfect 3-0 record last week. With three weeks to play, Nick is one game ahead of Chris and Ben. I don't think I'm mathematically eliminated yet, but I'm also not going to do the math and figure it out. Let's just say it's a long shot. Here are this week's picks:

Nick (25-13, 3-0 last week)
Cincinnati 31, San Francisco 17
Seattle 31, Carolina 13
New Orleans 26, Arizona 21
Green Bay 27, St. Louis 16

Chris (24-14, 2-1 last week)
No picks yet

Ben (24-14, 3-0 last week)
Cincinnati 34, San Francisco 14
Seattle 21, Carolina 17
Arizona 31, New Orleans 28
Green Bay 28, St. Louis 14

James (20-18, 2-1 last week)
Cincinnati 24, San Francisco 14
Seattle 27, Carolina 20
Arizona 20, New Orleans 14
Green Bay 37, St. Louis 10

JR (17-21, 1-2 last week)
Cincinnati 31, San Francisco 14
Seattle 31, Carolina 13
New Orleans 35, Arizona 17
Green Bay 38, St. Louis 14

Eddie (15-23, 0-3 last week)
No picks yet Read more on this article...

Line of Scrimmage: Nolan-Smith in steel cage match

So it's finally happened. The first public rift between player and coach during an abysmal season. It's not that uncommon for players to question their coaches when things aren't going well and vice versa. But who would have thought 6 months ago that the first guy to speak up would be choir-boy QB Alex Smith? Well, it's a reality and fans are sure to start taking sides. Case in point, Ben and JR argue who's really in the wrong, Coach Nolan or Alex Smith.

JR: I know this isn't going to be a popular opinion, but I'm going to have to side with the coach on this one. Not because I don't see any harm in what he allegedly said to his team in regards to their starting quarterback — I think that's entirely uncalled for and immature behavior for a coach. But rather I'm siding with Nolan because up to this point, he's at least been feigning a unified front to the fans and media as not to turn this whole team upside down for the foreseeable future.

Alex went and set the whole world on fire with his latest remarks. I definitely don't doubt their validity. Alex doesn't seem like the type of man to go seek media attention nor does he seem like the type to instinctively buck authority. However, he felt attacked by Nolan's public remarks regarding his toughness, and as any young man knows, sometimes there's a nagging voice in your head that tells you to protect your pride, and to do so by any means necessary.

It's a stupid voice.

There's a saying about not airing out one's dirty laundry that I think holds a lot of water. Alex never should have gone to the media with this before talking to his coach about his concerns, and if he did indeed go to Nolan beforehand and didn't get the understanding he wanted, he should have pushed harder to make himself clear.

He should have stated to his coach that if they didn't get to some kind of common ground over this issue and get to a point where Alex didn't feel like his respect was threatened, then he would go public with his feelings. I'm sure that would have rang loudly in Nolan's ears and at the very least, forced him to compromise.

Now, not only this season is blown, but a huge black cloud hangs over 2008. The likelihood of both men returning to the organization next year appears seriously in doubt, and we don't have to look far, only across the bay at the Oakland Raiders, to know that it's rare for a team with a new starting quarterback and/or coach to win in this league. Not that Nolan and Smith were blowing shit up to begin with, but now they're really behind the eight-ball.

What a difference a few months makes, eh?

Ben: This is cool. Finally a sign of life from this dreadful team! Yes, I know, it's needless drama but the world needs these things. It's like following Britney Spears or Lindsay Lohan. At least it gives poor shmucks like us something to talk about. Who knows, maybe Brit or Lindsay could play quarterback better than Alex?

Alright, my record on Coach Nolan is pretty clear and there shouldn't be any surprise when I tell you that he's completely out of line. What's more is I think Alex Smith did the only thing he could do. Nolan is in John York's pocket. York is beating disgruntled season-ticket holders off of Nolan with a pitchfork these days. Can you imagine what York would have said to Smith if he went in and said look, this guy hates me? I'm imagining a trade to the New York Jets, where the team is not only bad but it's really cold, too.

I've been calling all year long for someone to stir the pot. I was behind Frank Gore when he started calling people out in the media. There's a positive to this kind of grumbling. No, it's not because the media is the way to solve problems. It's the fact that Nolan is constantly fronting for this awful team. Yes, I know it's all a ploy to save his job but at what point should he say "Look, we're awful, I know it and we need to blow this thing up and start over"?

There was a black cloud hanging over this team for next year already. The same personnel was set to come back and Nolan was coming back to run the rudderless ship. I will agree on the point that this is going to get worse before it gets better. No media-driven feud has ever ended well for a sports franchise. Maybe one day, though, it will get so absurd that it will get both Nolan and Smith booted out of San Francisco. Then we'd be rid of a bad quarterback and a dull coach.

On a positive note, if Shaun Hill gets hurt this week we all get to see Piedmont native Drew Olson! Woo hoo! Read more on this article...

Kneejerk Knotes: No Hill bandwagon here

I always thought it was a little hard to believe how popular Shaun Hill has been lately. Somehow people think a guy who had never thrown a pass in six NFL seasons and who looked awful against third-string defenses in the preseason could be better than Trent Dilfer or Alex Smith.

Hill finally got his chance today, and regardless of what his numbers were, he was not good. He's jumpy in the pocket, and he looks like my 3-year-old son when he tries to throw. The only thing Hill proved today is that he can complete a lot of dump-offs to tight ends and running backs when the defense brings no pressure and plays deep coverage. Wow. I could have gone 22-for-28 against a lackluster defense like that.

And the bottom line, really, is that despite decent stats, Hill generated only seven points against a defense that was more than happy to give him all the underneath yards he wanted. Hopefully everyone else realizes this and I'm just telling you something you already know. But in case you really think there's some potential in Hill, just remember: He's nothing more than a poor man's Tim Rattay.

Sadly, there was nothing much else that was interesting about this game. It used to be that I couldn't wait all week for the 49er game to start. Today I couldn't wait for the game to end.

In closing, Patrick Willis and Nate Clements are great. Mike Nolan and all of his quarterbacks are awful. Now let's go get Mario Manningham and/or Bernard Berrian. Read more on this article...

Win the West: Week 14 predictions

It's official, though it's been apparent for a couple of months now: The 49ers no longer have any chance of winning the NFC West. And Eddie has no chance of winning Win the West. OK, so Eddie's chances might be better than San Francisco's, but not by much.

The top of the standings got a little tighter last week thanks to a 1-3 performance by Nick. Chris has now tied Nick for first and Ben is just one game back. I'm lingering around .500, just like the 49ers should be.

Here are this week's picks:

Chris (22-13, 2-2 last week)
No picks yet

Nick (22-13, 1-3 last week)
Minnesota 31, San Francisco 13
Cincinnati 28, St. Louis 17
Seattle 27, Arizona 20

Ben (21-14, 2-2 last week)
Minnesota 28, San Francisco 17
Cincinnati 31, St. Louis 21
Seattle 28, Arizona 24

James (18-17, 1-3 last week)
Minnesota 21, San Francisco 10
Cincinnati 28, St. Louis 17
Arizona 24, Seattle 21

JR (16-19, 0-4 last week)
Minnesota 24, San Francisco 6
St. Louis 38, Cincinnati 28
Arizona 34, Seattle 24

Eddie (15-20, 1-3 last week)
No picks yet Read more on this article...

In the Tunnel: Minnesota Vikings

To give all of you some insight into my relationship with the Minnesota Vikings and the preview you're about to read, let me just state these two facts.

1) I grew up in a rural western Wisconsin town that got its network TV from Duluth, Minn. (Yes, I've been to Duluth), so the Vikes were prominently shoved down my throat, even more so than the Green Bay Packers. Thus, a frothy hate was born. 2) My best friend from college who followed me out here to Hawaii is from Minnesota and is also a strong Vikings fan. We watch a fair amount of football together, so needless to say, I enjoyed the victory over his beloved team all that much more so last season, even if it was a baseball score.

This upcoming matchup doesn't look to be quite so fun for me and my 49ers. The Vikings are clearly surging behind the efforts of a stellar running game and a stout defense. They just got back to .500 after a 3-6 start and are driving hard to lock up a wild card playoff birth. I'm seriously hoping the Niners can play spoiler this weekend.

VIKINGS OFFENSE

Offensive Line

Much like the Niners from a year ago, the Vikings' left side of the line is where they do the majority of their running. Between center Matt Birk, left guard Steve Hutchinson and left tackle Bryant McKinnie, you may have one of the most dominant and talented trio of lineman in the league. There's nothing these guys can't do well, be it run blocking or pass protecting, they can and do hold the point of attack extremely well.

Quarterback

The quarterback position has been the biggest question mark for the Vikings this season, and the early poor play and subsequent injury to second-year player Tarvaris Jackson contributed heavily to Minnesota's slow start. As a Wisconsin alum, I know that if you've got Brooks Bollinger starting games for your NFL franchise, you've got some serious issues to overcome. However, Jackson is back now, and his efficiency has dramatically improved in the past few weeks. He's a threat to run as well as pass, and this dual threat has done wonders for what once was a one-dimensional Viking offense.

Running Backs

The tandem of rookie sensation Adrian Peterson and veteran Chester Taylor creates the scariest part of the Vikings' offense. Peterson has absolutely shredded NFL defenses on a weekly basis, and even after missing two weeks with a knee injury, he still leads the NFL in rushing yards. In his absence, Taylor barely missed a beat and put up some gawdy numbers of his own. Fullback Tony Richardson is an established veteran and makes himself servicable in the offense as both a reciever and blocker.

Wide Recievers

From one extreme to another, none of the Vikings' wideouts strike fear into their opponents hearts but seem to be enough to keep defensive coordinators honest and not cheat up on the run to much. Leading wide reciever Bobby Wade and rookie Sidney Rice appear to be the starters this weekend as regular starter Troy Williamson is doubtful with a concussion.

Tight Ends

Possesing, in my opinion, the greatest name in the NFL, tight end Jim Kleinsasser is a valuable blocker and reciever. He was injured most of last year which led the Vikings to sign an insurance policy in the form of free agent Visanthe Shiancoe (one of the suckiest names in the NFL, in my opinion). Many said the Vikes overpaid to get the former Jet, but he's contributed nicely so far in the passing game. Still, Minnesota fans remain faithful to "The Sasser".

VIKINGS DEFENSE

Defensive Line

The Vikings were dealt a siginficant blow this past week when it was announced that starting defensive end Ray Edwards would miss the remainder of the regular season due to a steroid policy violation. He was benched in favor of veteran Erasmus James last week but no mention was made as to why. Edwards leads the Vikings in sacks, so his presence will be missed, and to make matters worse, James has been missing practice with a sore knee this week. Rookies Brian Robison and Jayme Mitchell will be asked to fill the void along with the aforementioned James should he be available. Kenechi Udeze mans the other defensive end position and has decent pass rush ability of his own.

The Vikings' run defense has been one of the league's best over the past couple of seasons and a big (and I mean BIG) reason for this is the play of defensive tackles Kevin and Pat Williams (no relation). These two monsters are very adept at plugging up the middle and forcing runs to the outside, where Minnesota's quick linebackers and ends can make plays. Kevin Williams has developed into a perenial Pro Bowler, and it would seem that this year has been no exception.

Linebackers

The Vikings have a solid unit of linebackers led by veteran EJ Henderson. Henderson leads the team in tackles but has been out of practice all week with a flu-like illness. The coaching staff seems confident that he'll be available for Sunday, but no word as to how much the illness will affect him. Second-year player Chad Greenway, the Vikes' first-round pick from a year ago, is playing extremely well after sitting out his rookie year with a season-ending knee injury.

Defensive backs

It would seem as though the Vikings would like the NFL to disallow the forward pass altogether, because it is their weakness on both offense and defense. With regular starter Antoine Winfield out with a hamstring injury, the Vikes are forced to turn to inexperienced players Cedric Griffin and Marcus McCauley. Griffin is second on the team in tackles and is in his second year. McCauley has started each of the past three weeks, all wins, in Winfield's absence. This is definitely the weakest link in the defense though, and it will be crucial that the Niners try to take advantage of some matchups in the secondary.

Compensating for the lack of experience at corner is safeties Darren Sharper and Dwight Smith. Acting as the last line of defense, these two have accounted for seven interceptions this year and have done a good job of keeping their younger teammates in sync.

Special Teams

Neither kicker Ryan Longwell nor punter Chris Kluwe saw much action last week against the Detroit Lions. Longwell only had to kick PATs and kickoffs, while Kluwe only was called to punt the ball once. I guess when you drub a team 42-10, it's pretty easy on the kicking staff.

Kick returner Aundrae Allison has established himself as a legitimate threat having returned one for a touchdown this season and taken the job outright.

SYNOPSIS

Once again, things don't look good for the Niners. I said the same thing about the Cardinals two weeks ago when they were riding high on a win streak of their own, and we know how that went. Then the 49ers turn around and end another streak, this time one of losses by the Carolina Panthers. So maybe that's the theme. If so, look out, Minnesota. Another streak of note is the Vikings' eight straight losses in Candlestick. It's been a long time since they've had success in the Bay Area, and boy would it be nice to extend that number this weekend. Read more on this article...

Line of Scrimmage: Next year's goal for Nolan

This week Ben and J.R. ponder what kind of improvement the 49ers need to show next year for Mike Nolan to save his job.

Ben: Well, I think my record on the issue of Coach Nolan's tenure is pretty clear. I'm not completely sure why John York feels the need to bring him back next season.

Here's what I think will happen though. Mike Singletary, sensing that John York is the owner nobody wants to work for, will leave the 49ers in the offseason for either a head coaching job or simply a defensive coordinator job where he gets more money. That will create a Norv Turner-sized hole in the coaching staff, making things just as bad as they are now.

As for what the team needs to do, well, I think it's pretty clear. It needs to win. And I'm not talking 8-8. The 49ers need to make the playoffs next year for Nolan to remain as coach. That's the only measurable progress that can be expected of a team that tanked so spectacularly this season. You have to figure there will be several holes to fill in the offseason (defensive line, cornerback, kick returner, etc.) and it remains to be seen whether they can get the right pieces to fit their puzzle.

Nolan should have one head next to his on the chopping block if the 49ers go belly-up again next season: Alex Smith. It's arguable that while Smith has been putrid, Nolan has done little to advance his quarterback's abilities since he joined the 49ers. The only demonstrable progress we saw Smith make was under Norv Turner, offensive guru extraordinaire. He's gone backwards this season. I know Nolan is a defensive guy but, to be the man in the NFL, you have to be able to help your whole team and when things regress so severly in one of your big name players, you have to shoulder the blame.

Maybe it's the fact that the 49ers are so bad right now that has me dreading another season under Nolan. Maybe he's not the problem. Who knows. All I do know is that another season like this should mean wholesale changes in both the front office and the coaching staff. Whoever thought Ted Tollner was the answer is dreaming. If you absolutely must, give Nolan one more year but it's got to be made crystal-clear to him that he is coaching for his job next season.

J.R.: Pretty tough to argue with what you've said, Ben. Without a doubt, Nolan has to get this team back into the postseason to save his job, but I'm going to take it one step further and say that he's got to get them there and show some kind of reason for belonging there. I think if he sneaks them in with a 9-7 record and immediately gets bounced by a large margin in the wild-card round, he's still going to have an uphill battle in justifying his salary.

That works both ways though. If the NFC has an upward swing and all of a sudden getting to the playoffs requires 11 wins or more, I think Nolan can miss them at 10-6 and still keep his job. It hinges purely on the progression of the product on the field. Clearly, the offense has been a problem, and it looks like the defense becomes undisciplined at times. But if he can find the tools to make the offense at least respectable and turn the defense into a top-flight unit, then he should get to stay on for a fifth season.

Simply put, I think if Nolan can bring some kind of harmony to this team, as opposed to the disjointed mess we're seeing now, and get them moving in an obviously positive direction, then the Yorks will let him play out his contract. The odds are against this the way things look right now, but in the roller-coaster ride that the NFL has become, you can go from rags to riches essentially overnight. The Saints last year and the Packers this year are perfect examples of this.

That being said, the Niners may be closer than we all think, and if a few chips fall in the right places, this nightmare season could be just one more dark stroke in what will become a really beautiful picture in the long run. Read more on this article...

Kneejerk Knotes: Another inspired performance

Loyal readers of this blog know that I made up my mind on Mike Nolan's worth as a head coach a couple of weeks ago. Some people made up their minds much earlier than that, and hopefully some more made up their minds today.

There are no excuses that can be made for Nolan's coach performance thus far with the 49ers. His teams have repeatedly shown an inability to capitalize on momentum, both from game to game and within a game. They have repeatedly shown an inability to handle adversity, both from game to game and within a game. And when a team continues to fail to both capitalize on momentum and overcome adversity, that falls on a head coach. This has been going on for three years. Enough is enough.

Mike Nolan might be a good head coach someday, but I doubt it. And he might coach the 49ers again next season, but he shouldn't. He doesn't deserve to. His occasional strong personnel moves are far outweighed by irrational gameday decisions and consistent inability to get his team prepared to play.

Today's game was a winnable one for the 49ers. They had the momentum of a strong showing last week against Arizona, and they were facing a mediocre team with no momentum whatsoever. The only saving grace for Nolan in this one is that his bonehead in-game decisions (like not challenging what should have been a Panthers fumble early in the game and incomprehensibly declining a running-into-the-punter penalty late in the game) didn't lead directly to the loss. They just helped a bit.

Add this loss to losses late last year against the Cardinals and Packers (when the 49ers were still in playoff contention) and to uninspired performances this year against the Falcons, Saints, Seahawks, etc., etc. Please, House of York, bring in a real head coach next year. And a real quarterback, while you're at it. Read more on this article...

Breaking the Huddle: Meaningless game or must win?

Where'd that come from?

Where did 37 points, big plays in the passing game, an offense that truly featured Frank Gore and a mistake-free Trent Dilfer come from? Where has that been all year?

Well, now isn't the time to regress. A win against the lowly Panthers could make things interesting. We're talking three of the last four games at home against very winnable teams (Vikings, Bengals and Buccaneers ... Oh My!) and a road matchup against the offensive juggernaut known as the Cleveland Browns (What year is it again?). But before we get ahead of ourselves, let's take a look at today's matchup.

QUARTERBACKS

Dilfer finally contributed something other than a shoulder for Alex Smith to cry on last week. He doesn't need to necessarily light the world on fire for the Niners to be successful, but he can't be the robotic, bad decision-making, gunslinger he was his first few starts of the season. Here's hoping last week's Dilfer sticks around.

The Panthers counter with Vinny Testaverde (seriously, what's the year?). If the Niners can get to a fragile Testaverde early, they get to open one of their Christmas gifts early ... David Carr at quarterback. This position is the beginning and the end of this team.

Advantage: Draw

RUNNING BACKS

Offensive assistant Ted Tollner's influence could be seen easily in the amount of times the Niners threw to Gore (he had a career-high 11 catches). This should continue. It got Dilfer into a rthymn and gave Gore a chance to make plays in open space (something he hasn't been able to do much of this season). I expect another big day from Gore. I've never been a big fan of DeShaun Foster, however. As a matter of fact, I have no clue why DeAngelo Williams isn't the starting halfback of this team. Foster doesn't worry me, but Williams has the ability to take it to the house from anywhere on the field.

Advantage: 49ers.

WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS

The only dynamic receiver in the bunch is the Panthers' Steve Smith. But he's almost negated because of Carolina's horrible quarterback play. The one thing that's been confirmed about the Niners wideouts this season is Arnaz Battle is a keeper. He has a knack for big plays and extremely solid hands. I wouldn't be surprised to see him in the endzone again this week. Vernon Davis must continue to be a focus point of the offense. With a dominating Gore, Davis will become that much more dangerous.

Advantage: Panthers.

OFFENSIVE LINE

The Niners offensive line had its best game against the Cardinals. Dilfer was only sacked three times, which isn't bad considering the Washington Monument is more mobile. Also, Gore found open gap after open gap to attack for the first time this season. The Panthers line was considered a strength coming into the season, but have underperformed.

Advantage: 49ers.

DEFENSIVE LINE

The Panthers have always had a solid D-line when they were healthy. Julius Peppers is a game changer, but only has 2.5 sacks this season after he recorded a career-high 13 last season. The Niners line stepped up huge in overtime last week, but have struggled to create pressure. The Panthers are a good team to help them snap out of their funk.

Advantage: Panthers.

LINEBACKERS

Patrick Willis versus Jon Beason. The future of the linebacking position face one another. I expect both tackling machines to make their presence known.

Advantage: 49ers.

SECONDARY

It was the best of time and worst of times for the Niners' secondary last week. Both Walt Harris and Nate Clements made huge plays, but they also gave up almost 500 yards passing and allowed Larry Fitzgerald to come down with a silly hail mary at the end of the first half. I respect the Panthers corners (Chris Gamble and Ken Lucas), but the safties can be taken advantage of.

Advantage: 49ers.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Andy Lee is my hero! No, really. His punt that pinned the Cardinals at the 3 in overtime should have cemented his trip to Honolulu. Plus, the coverage teams have been spectacular all year. Smith and Williams can be very dangerous returning kicks for the Panthers.

Advantage: 49ers.

COACHING

John Fox is coaching his last games for Carolina. He's underachieved with far more talent over the past three seasons and it's finally caught up with him. Hopefully, Tollner will continue to influence the offense for the Niners because he did more in five days then Jim Hostler did in six months.

Advantage: 49ers.

PREDICTION

49ers 27, Panthers 17 — The Niners defense should be able to capitalize on the Panthers shoddy quarterback play while the offense should copy the gameplan from last week. Read more on this article...

Win the West: Week 13 predictions

It's about time picking against the 49ers backfired on us. Nick holds onto a slim lead over Chris, with Ben two games back. Here are this week's picks:

Nick (21-10, 1-1 last week)
San Francisco 20, Carolina 16
St. Louis 24, Atlanta 20
Cleveland 27, Arizona 20
Philadelphia 30, Seattle 24

Chris (20-11, 1-1 last week)
San Francisco 20, Carolina 6
St. Louis 35, Atlanta 13
Arizona 33, Cleveland 31
Philadelphia 27, Seattle 20

Ben (19-12, 0-2 last week)
Carolina 24, San Francisco 21
St. Louis 28, Atlanta 21
Cleveland 34, Arizona 20
Philadelphia 28, Seattle 27

James (17-14, 0-2 last week)
San Francisco 24, Carolina 20
St. Louis 19, Atlanta 13
Cleveland 30, Arizona 17
Philadelphia 27, Seattle 24

JR (16-15, 1-1 last week)
No picks yet

Eddie (14-17, 1-1 last week)
San Francisco 27, Carolina 17
St. Louis 24, Atlanta 14
Cleveland 37, Arizona 31
Seattle 28, Philadelphia 21 Read more on this article...