Smith, Offense Lucky, Need To Be Better To Get By Rams

While there were obvious congratulations and sighs of relief coming in Alex Smith's direction after his last minute heroics to lead the 49ers from behind, things aren't all sunshine for the offense. Frank Gore showed flashes of last year's success and of what may be this year, but wasn't able to break any big gainers, which has become his trademark thus far in his brief career. The receivers made the odd big play, but overall would rate a failing grade, particularily since this new group was to be considered such an upgrade on the talent from last year. Darrell Jackson had a couple big plays, but showed some of his "Seattle Drop-itis" as well. Ashley Lelie was non-existant, as was much hyped second year tight-end Vernon Davis. In the end, it was Arnaz Battle, one of the old guard that had the most impact in the passing attack, especially at the end.

The biggest area of concern has to be the offensive line. Rookie Joe Staley (left), looked overmatched, particularily against Bertran Berry on a couple of plays and the Cardinals blitzers had far too easy of a time getting into the 49er backfield and to Smith. Jonas Jennings, Larry Allen, Eric Heitmann and Justin Smiley all looked winded, especially later in the game, which is understandable for veterans after limited time in preseason, but they have to be able to do the job for 60 minutes. However, they were able to hold it together enough for the last 2 minutes for the win.

That drive, however, overshadowed what to that point had been a pitiful offensive display. The Niners, made only 25 percent of their third-down chances Monday. They were forced to punt six times by a Cardinals defense that finished 29th in total defense last season. Coach Mike Nolan on Tuesday in his press conference attributed the offensive woes to a lack of effectiveness and not on ultra conservative play-calling. On three of the team's nine failed third-down attempts, Smith either was sacked or had a Cardinals defender in his face as he was throwing. Most of that pressure came from up the middle. That blocking scheme has to be better.

On four others, Smith didn't get any help as his intended receiver either dropped the ball or short-armed the attempt, particularily in the case of Jackson who got "alligator arms" coming across the middle on what should have been a 49er T.D.. The final two failed third-down chances were a third-and-17 completion to Davis for only two yards and an incomplete pass to Battle on which the receiver was well-covered. Nolan said he didn't have any issues with the play calling and said that for now at least, Taylor Jacobs would continue to be the team's No. 3 receiver. Jacobs, who failed to make a splash during the exhibition season, dropped a third-down pass late in the third quarter. He did appear to be open in the end zone in the second quarter, but Smith threw to Jackson instead.

Against a more formidable Rams offense, points will need to come a bit easier to keep pace. The defense will hopefully do its part to contain Steven Jackson, Tory Holt and Isaac Bruce. Pressure on Marc Bulger will need to be as fierce as it was on Matt Leinart for the Niners to keep the Rams defense on the field, so that Frank Gore (right) can get his touches and they can play a solid ball control offense. That seems to have been the original plan against the Cardinals, but it only works if those drives net some points.

Otherwise, it could be a wide open Rams attack, with the 49ers struggling to keep up.