ESPN NFL

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Randy from parts unknown writes: Hey Mike, We've heard some reports from you on the early stages of the 9er's offense while out in CA., but how does the defense look in your opinion? With even just an average offense, this D will be special.

Mike Sando: The defense looks very good. The 49ers think Manny Lawson has the potential to become an impact player and defensive leader. They know Patrick Willis is a dominant player right now. They know Justin Smith is relentless even when the play isn't coming his way. I don't know about becoming a "special" defense right away, but I agree with your basic premise. A little offense would go a long way for an emerging defense.

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John from Vancouver, Wash., writes: Hey Mike, As the 2008 season approaches, one subject that i haven't heard much coverage on is who will be the starting Fullback for the Seahawks come September? Leonard Weaver was a pleasant surprise last year as his pass catching skills and hard running proved to be very effective. Owen Schmitt on the other hand looks to be a solid blocking and third down back (aside to T.J. Duckett) because I don't believe I have ever seen anyone else who has so much passion for the game and their own performance. Who do you think will be getting the majority of the snaps? Thanks again, John

Mike Sando: Leonard Weaver looks like the clear-cut choice at fullback for Seattle. He can do it all if he follows through on recent signs that he's a willing blocker. He is a threat with the football, which makes him extra dangerous in some of their one-back packages on third down. Remember when they used to hand off to Mack Strong on third-and-6 after Matt Hasselbeck checked to a run against the blitz? Teams would have to pay attention to Weaver as a runner in those situations if Seattle could trust him in pass protection.

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Mike from Seattle writes: Sando, It seems to me that the NFC West is going to struggle controlling the line of scrimmage against the Hawks. With the addition of Wahle (and Solari) on the OL and added depth at DL, they only got better. How do other teams compete? Rams added Long on DL, Cards OL is improving, and the 49ers are just praying. What are your thoughts?

Mike Sando: The Rams' defensive line should be better with Adam Carriker in his second season and Chris Long on the outside. James Hall should be better as a rotation guy. If the Rams are right about Leonard Little possibly reemerging as a pass-rush threat, their defensive line should be OK. I wonder about the back seven a little bit, and how well the Rams can cover. The 49ers think they can become a top-half defense with a little help from the offense. They are essentially adding Manny Lawson (back from injury) and Justin Smith to a group that already has Patrick Willis. The Cardinals improved their depth on the defensive line. Darnell Dockett can be a problem when he's on. I don't think Seattle is going to cruise past these teams.

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Topgundb from Prosser, Wash., writes: Why doesn't Seattle try to get Brett Favre? Just sign for one year. plus he will fit in Seattle because of Mike Holmgren and Hasselback. If they get him, they might go all the way to the Super Bowl.

Mike Sando: The Seahawks don't need a quarterback controversy. Favre is a great player, but he also does his own thing out there more than most head coaches would like. Seattle feels good enough about its quarterback situation to sit this one out.

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Andy from Nashville, Tenn., writes: Hey Mike, Thanks for your in-depth analysis! Question about my beloved niners: Do you think Coach Nolan will stick to one defensive philosophy when the season starts? As for the offense, do you think Nolan/Martz would think twice benching Gore for Foster if he did not get off to a hot start the first few weeks? thanks for your time!

Mike Sando: The 49ers will probably morph between a 3-4 and 4-3. That was the feeling I got from Mike Nolan. I would see them sticking with whatever works best. Like a lot of 3-4 teams, they wind up running more of a 5-2, with the outside backers creeping up near the line of scrimmage as bookends to the three inside guys.