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Daily Madden: 49ers Will Be Challenged On Defense

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) - The 49ers open their season against the Cowboys in Dallas Sunday. John Madden told the KCBS Radio morning crew he expects San Francisco to win, but is concerned they'll be giving up more points this season.

"The defense is going to be hurting," Madden said. "They're going to miss too many guys there. I think they're still going to be a formidable defense, but not a great defense."

John said that will affect the strategy on offense.

"If you don't have that good defense or close to dominant defense, you're going to have to take more chances on offense, and (quarterback Colin Kaepernick) is going to have to do that this year."

Madden said the offense is up to the challenge.

"They looked kind of slow and not really sharp in the preseason, (but) they didn't use (running back) Frank Gore, and Kaepernick didn't run. So that put more pressure on the offensive line and pass protection... I think with the threat of Frank Gore running and Kaepernick being able to take off and run with the ball, I think it's going to help that offense." (6:30)

Daily Madden

Listen to the John Madden segment live weekday mornings at 8:15 on KCBS All News 740 AM/106.9 FM.

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