Tomorrow we’ll officially get to watch some Saints football! I can imagine if you’re reading this you’re just as juiced about it as I am. The 49ers will play the Saints in the Superdome with kickoff slated for 7pm central. The game is on local television only, but you can re-watch the game nationally on NFL Network at 10:30pm (EST) on Saturday Night.
The 49ers lost some key players this offseason, including…
Nate Clements and Aubrayo Franklin on defense. Franklin is now a member of the New Orleans Saints. The biggest pickups this offseason for the 9ers are center Jonathan Goodwin of the Saints, and receiver Braylon Edwards. Hard to believe Goodwin’s first game with a new team will be in the Superdome. How crazy is that?
The 49ers still feature Alex Smith at quarterback and Frank Gore at halfback after all these years. Kind of suprising they have yet to move on. I personally think the 49ers are going to be really really bad this year but we’ll see. They still have superstar linebacker Patrick Willis, and there’s no denying he’s a stud. Behind Smith they really have no one (rookies Colin Kaepernick – 2nd rounder – and McLeod Bethel-Thompson – an undrafted rookie from Sacramento State). Kaepernick is a promising young passer but I can’t imagine he’s going to light the dome on fire when he’s had almost no reps all offseason, no time to study the playbook, and he’s got no pro experience.
Sean Payton hasn’t revealed how much we can expect to see the starters. If last year and history is any indication, the starters will play one quarter before yielding way to the backups. Payton may leave Brees and company in a bit longer if he doesn’t like what he sees, but if the offense looks sharp don’t expect to see them out there much longer than a quarter. Personally, I’m really curious about the 5 following things:
1. How do Shaun Rogers and Aubrayo Franklin handle the trenches?
2. Is Clint Ingram healthy, and if so, how does he look? Is he starting material?
3. Can Zach Strief handle starting at right tackle? I believe he can but I’m looking for a solid showing from him.
4. How many carries does Ingram get?
5. Do the Saints generate any kind of pass rush? If so, who does it best?
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