American Football Spectacular: Holding Down The Reset Button

Now, we know where some of the most immediate problems lay: the Niners have no pass rush, and the offensive line can't defend against the pass rush.

The 49ers have given up a league-leading 34 sacks so far this season, and have sacked opposing quarterbacks a 4th-worst 14 times. What's happening here? Is the issue the schemes? The personnel? Ehn; prob'ly some of both.

We know that part of the complete package that comes with installing offensive coordinator Mad Mike Martz's high-risk/high-reward style of play-calling features overwhelming defenses with multiple routes. Which takes time to develop. Which leaves fewer blockers back to protect the quarterback. Which means the QB is going to take a lot of hits.

With 3rd-string QB Shaun Hill starting against the Cards, the 49er offense must afford him as much time as possible to deliver the ball.

As for defense, semi-douchey born-again greybeard Niner nemesis QB Kurt Warner is the key to the high-scoring Cardinal attack. If the Niners can't disrupt him, the game will get out of hand quickly.

This season has been marked by games in which the Niner secondary has been picked apart by quarterbacks with enough time to make the read and make the pass. Will Singletary send more blitzes? Will DE/OLB Justin Smith be able to pressure Warner? Will first-round pick DE Kentwan Balmer make any impact?

We shall see. The results will show on the field tonight.

And if the 49ers can seize this chance to change, they can deliver the second loss that Arizona has received this week since America sent John McCain home hat-in-hand.

It's somewhat a new season for the Niners. It's somewhat a new dawn for this country. Each have an opportunity for change. Each have a mishandled past to learn from. And each must fight to make good on this opportunity's potential.