5 Things To Watch As The 49ers Kick Off Their Preseason Schedule Saturday On KPIX 5
As KPIX Prepares to broadcast the first game of the Jim Tomsula era for the San Francisco 49ers, Sports Anchor Dennis O'Donnell gives us 5 key things to look for during Saturday night's broadcast.
1. 49er fans will want to watch the clock when the 49ers have the football. The plan is for new offensive coordinator Geep Chryst to call the play in the booth, relayed down to quarterbacks coach Steve Logan on the sideline. Logan will send the play to Colin Kaepernick. The 49ers plan to have Kaepernick break the huddle with 20 seconds left on the clock. San Francisco hopes to break the cycle of delay-of-game penalties that has been going on for years. Looks great on paper, but fans will get to see if they can pull it off.
2. Blitzkrieg? Under former defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, the 49ers didn't rely very heavily on the blitz. In camp, so far, Eric Mangini has dialed it up early and often. This might be an exciting new weapon for 49er fans to salivate over, but it's risky, especially with the 49er cornerbacks who lack experienced depth. Keep an eye on Eli Harold.
3. Colin Kaepernick. Let's face it. This is perhaps the biggest question mark because so much weighs on the quarterback. It's time to shed the potential label and graduate to the next level. Kaepernick seemed destined for greatness just two years ago. He needs to regain the confidence, the swagger, and his running game to force defenses to respect such a dangerous weapon.
4. The offensive line. Joe Staley is the ONLY player returning to his position. That' s not good for stability, continuity, and familiarity. Staley is the left tackle, Alex Boone is the left guard, Joe Looney at center, Marcus Martin at right guard and Erik Pears at right tackle. Two years ago the 49ers had one of the best o-lines in football and went to the NFC Championship. It's not brain surgery. The success of the offensive line will determine the success of the team. Watch closely.
5. Busta Anderson. Rookie TE, USC. What can I say, I love the name.
Don't miss the 1st 49ers preseason game this Saturday, August 15th at 5 on KPIX 5. The game will be followed by Dennis O'Donnell hosting our latest Super Bowl preview special Countdown to Gold at 8:30 p.m.
