The San Francisco 49ers 2008 Schedule

The San Francisco 49ers scheduled has been released, and one has to wonder what the 49ers did to make the football gods angry. The schedule isn't very pretty, and with Alex Smith and Shaun Hill vying for the starting quarterback position, the overall outlook for the team is pretty bleak. The 49ers offense was unquestionably horrible last season, marked by bad quarterback play and dropped balls and sub-par blocking. Smith was out for most of the season with a shoulder injury, a 35 year old Trent Dilfer played worse than 45 year old Vinny Testaverde, and Shaun Hill looked like a decent backup. Smith's bonus was picked up in February, giving the 49ers the option of keeping him around until 2010. Shaun Hill resigned with the 49ers, and the team has since parted way with veteran Trent Dilfer. J.T. O'Sullivan, a quarterback that offensive coordinator Mike Martz coached in Detroit, was signed by the team. The 49ers also parted ways with wide receiver Darrell Jackson, and signed veteran receiver Issac Bruce, who also has a history with Martz.

My guess about the quarterback situation is that the 49ers aren't too serious about pressuring Alex Smith this off-season, there are still three free agent quarterbacks who could definitely push Alex Smith harder than Shaun Hill could - Byron Leftwich, Daunte Culpepper, and former 49er QB Tim Rattay. Rattay would come at a cheaper price, has a bigger arm than Hill (a big arm is a must in the Martz offense) and more accuracy than Smith. Smith is the favorite to win the job, and could become a good quarterback under Mike Martz. Issac Bruce is an upgrade, but at 35 he's on the downside of his career. The 49ers also signed former Arizona Cardinal WR Bryant Johnson, who will probably be the #3 receiver behind Arnaz Battle.

On to the schedule.

Week 1: Sept. 7, vs. Cardinals. 1:15 p.m.
In recent years, the 49ers vs Cardinals have become one of the most exciting matchups of the season. Even in 2004 when both teams were poor, both games went into overtime and ended the same with the 49ers winning. Will party boy Matt Leinart come through for the Cardinals this season? We shall see.