[simple simon]

The sign still hangs outside the 49ers' locker room at their practice facility in Santa Clara. The helmets of each of the 49ers' three NFC West opponents are displayed on the banner with red X's through them. On their way to the practice field every day, the 49ers' players see the words, "Win the West."

Scout.com: Nolan: Playoffs 'a reachable goal' for 49ers

obviously the NFL drug testing program isnt working

Nolan is on crack

[MJHMarc]

The 49ers have a chance of winning the Super Bowl. Just about as much as every other team does before the season kicks off!

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Vernon Davis?

[Lefty Noob]

Ha ha! The only shot the Niners have of winning the West is if they start playing in the WAC. And even then, its 50-50.

[candlejack]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

Ha ha! The only shot the Niners have of winning the West is if they start playing in the WAC. And even then, its 50-50.

Man, Lefty, that's kinda harsh. Possibly true, but kinda harsh. Can you blame a coach for setting a goal that is possibly feasible? I mean everyone in the West will have to drop dead, but it's possible. Also, I've been a fan for 25 years. I know it is time for them to pay "dues" again. Having been so good for so long, some of us fans got kinda spoiled. I'm willing to take some "lumps" for a while.

[simple simon]

youre right about the needed suffering Jack

even as much as i loathed the 49ers i think its time to turn it around

i could handle them going 8-8

[Lefty Noob]

Yeah, maybe its too harsh - but I hate seeing a coach make a prediction like that, when there's next to no shot of it coming true. Nolan's setting the bar too high and if he's not careful, he'll wind up a victim of his own expectations. He might as well just walk around wearing a "Fire Me" sign on his back, you know?