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ESPN.com - NFL - Clayton: NFC big questions

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Is one of the league's best offseasons good enough to make the 49ers a playoff team?
The 49ers' ultimate goal was finding seven new starters on defense. That might have been a little ambitious, but it was a great offseason for the defense. The additions of cornerback Nate Clements and safety Michael Lewis complete the secondary. Patrick Willis and Tully Banta-Cain, along with Manny Lawson and Derek Smith, form a good linebacking corps. Aubrayo Franklin will help at nose tackle. The key is for Alex Smith to develop at quarterback. That process took a hit with the departure of offensive coordinator Norv Turner to San Diego. Head coach Mike Nolan believes he has that covered with his staff. He helped Smith by adding WR Ashley Lelie and Darrell Jackson to the receiving corps.



Do the Bucs have the three-technique tackle to make their defense work?
Defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin must be in heaven. After years of neglecting the defense in drafts and free agency, Jon Gruden and Bruce Allen gave him defensive end Gaines Adams, safety Sabby Piscitelli and linebacker Quincy Black. The day after the draft, the Bucs traded for Ryan Sims of the Chiefs. Sims could be the most important acquisition. Kiffin has been missing a big piece of his defense since Warren Sapp left for the Raiders. The three-technique tackle creates havoc along the line of scrimmage. Kiffin did a nice job in resurrecting the career of Chris Hovan, a former Vikings No. 1 pick who came to the Bucs at the minimum salary. Hovan played his way into a nice contract. Sims will try to do the same under Kiffin.


Can another safety help the pass rush?
Joe Gibbs thought LaRon Landry was the best defensive player in the draft, so he made him the sixth pick after repeated efforts to trade down. Now the Redskins have two of the most talented safeties in the league -- Landry and Sean Taylor, who was the fifth pick in the 2004 draft. The problem is the Redskins passed over a pass-rusher, Jamaal Anderson, to take Landry. The Redskins are calling all around to see if a veteran pass-rusher is available. The Redskins had only 19 sacks last season. Without any pressure on the quarterback, opponents had a 97.8 quarterback rating against them. Unless the Redskins can find a way to get a pass rush, Landy and Taylor might get a lot of opportunities to get tackles downfield.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

I definitely like the direction the 49ers are going...Jackson and Lelie I think are going to help Smith develop...and Vernon Davis makes for a nice target...Gore had a break through year...

If not this year, then next year they will be a playoff contender...