The 49ers have a simple goal: Forget about the Super Bowl. They'll be
satisfied not to have the draft's No. 1 pick again next April. New coach Mike Nolan has inherited a troubled franchise coming off a 2-14 season with far more questions about it than answers, and the biggest one is how soon will No. 1 draft choice Alex Smith take over at quarterback? Nolan has said he won't rush him, but he also admits Smith is an intelligent player who may prove to be the best available starter at some point this season.

It was Smith's job to lose early, and he managed to do it in two dismal exhibition games, turning the reins over to Tim Rattay not so much because Rattay beat him out but because he beat himself up with indecision followed by bad decisions. So it goes for a rookie quarterback but as things turned out, rookie coaches can make a mistake or two as well. Nolan told the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce the week before the season opener, that he believes the 49ers can win the NFC West. Does he believe in Santa's little elves, too?

The Niners will be lucky to score in the NFC West, let alone win it. They don't have a No. 2 receiver, let alone a No. 1, and their quarterback position is troubled to be kind now that Smith showed he's not ready to start. Defensively, they'll field 11 guys and a sound scheme. Too bad the guys won't be as sound as the scheme.

Much has been invested in Smith, and Nolan knows the success of his regime will center around the former Utah quarterback's ability to rapidly adapt to NFL life and NFL defenses. If he does it fast enough, he could be starting before this season is out.

Rattay, meanwhile, is not only battling Smith but also his own injury history. Last year he missed games with a bad foot, groin, shoulder and forearm. Considering the line he was standing behind, it was no wonder. To shore up the biggest leak, the 49ers gave free agent left tackle Jonas Jennings a $12 million signing bonus and a seven-year, $36 million contract to protect their quarterback, whoever he turns out to be. With an offensive line that allowed 52 sacks a year ago, his presence is welcomed.

So too will be the shift of Justin Smiley from right to left guard to pair with Jennings. That should improve the pass protection on Smith's blind side and provide a convoy of big bodies for Kevin Barlow and third-round draft choice Frank Gore to run behind. Barlow was a disappointment last year in his first full season as a starter. He'll get a second chance, but Nolan owes him nothing. A camp battle could ensue for playing time with Gore, a rookie who had his moments at Miami before two separate knee injuries laid him low. He's recovered and ready to run and will get the chance.

HOT SEAT: Rashaun Woods. Woods was a No. 1 selection a year ago, so it's too early to call him a bust, but he didn't show much that was encouraging last season on a team crying out for a lead receiver. The rest of the team wasn't very good, either, but much more explosiveness was expected from Woods. He did show what he's capable of though, averaging 22.9 yards per catch. Problem was he only made seven catches.

OVERHEARD: Defensive end Andre Carter, a former No. 1 pick himself, doesn't fit the physical mold for a linebacker or defensive end in Nolan's 3-4 alignment. Once a dangerous edge pass rusher, Carter will be used in a role similar to the one Charles Haley used to play in San Francisco, but he'll have to win a job as a rush specialist because he tends to get lost in space so he can't really do much in pass coverage. Carter is also trying to come back from back problems that slowed him the past two years. If he can't make himself useful this season he may not be back next season.

OUTLOOK: Dismal. Enough said.

PREDICTION: Fourth.

NFL TRAINING CAMP PREVIEWS Click for the latest on your favorite teams (teams listed in predicted order of finish) AFC EAST Patriots Bills Jets Dolphins NFC EAST Eagles Cowboys Giants Redskins AFC NORTH Steelers Bengals Ravens Browns NFC NORTH Vikings Lions Bears Packers AFC SOUTH Colts Jaguars Texans Titans NFC SOUTH Panthers Falcons Saints Bucs AFC WEST Chiefs Broncos Chargers Raiders NFC WEST Rams Seahawks Cardinals 49ers

MORE FROM NFL

NFL Section Front

‘D’, not Brady’s knee, top worry for Patriots   PFT: Shanahan wants to return to coaching PFT: Murderer provided gun in McNair death PFT: Battle looming over McNair estate? PFT: Reeves says Vick has ignored him PFT: NFL should act fast on Vick reinstatment request PFT: New video of Pacman ‘making it rain’ in strip club Dolphins add another celeb exec: Marc Anthony PFT: Plummer takes shots at Shanahan Curran: Cowboys’ camp focus? Ditch ‘me-first’ attitude NFL Section Front   Add NFL headlines to your news reader: