Three things to watch when the 49ers open their preseason tonight at the Stick

We are finally here folks.  The NFL is back for another season.  I've got to say it's great to start the season without the BS of a labor agreement in flux and having to see Roger Goodell's mug on the tube day in and day out.

The 49ers are currently 8/1 odds to win the Superbowl with only New England and Green Bay ahead of them.  Even though this is not important at all, if I were a betting man these odds look pretty nice right about now.

With that out of the way, let's focus on this week.  What story lines will emerge?  Who will move up on the depth charts?  Here are three things (In no particular order) to watch for tonight at the Stick.

1.) The battle for the back-up QB position.

As it stands right now, Colin Kaepernick is first in line behind Alex Smith.  Look for Johnson to make his mark to take over that spot starting tonight.  Both guys should get plenty of reps and with Johnson's knowledge of Harb's offense he should be able to jump right in and move the ball down the field.

Who do you think will win the spot?



2.) There's a  healthy stable of running backs on the squad... Who's going to shine the brightest (Gore not included)?

La Michael James (LMJ), drafted in the 2nd round of this year's draft has the potential to help his team out immediately.  As most of us know by now, LMJ is a freak of an athlete and his ability to make people miss along with his toughness makes him a leading candidate to become a break out star in his first year in the league.  That being said, the presence of LMJ as well as the addition of veteran Brandon Jacobs to the back field is going to get the best out of every running back on the team.  Along with Gore the Niners have Kendall Hunter and Anthony Dixon.  Look for Hunter and Dixon along with LMJ to get the bulk of the carries tonight.  Don't want to speak too early, but I feel LMJ is going to break a huge one tonight, but them again he's a Duck and now a Niner... What's not to love!?!?!


3.) So the biggest and baddest defense in the league last year return almost everyone... the question is, who are the new guys that are going to be fighting for playing time on the #1 D in the league?

Can't wait for tonight!  Should be fun to watch things unfold.  Harb's has a history to never show his cards in the preseason as well as barely play any starters until the final game, if that.  Have a great weekend!

Whooooo's got it better than us??!?!?!?!

Peace,

Mr. A