Helmets, Numbers and Hope

In the beginning of the season I proposed that “hope” rested on the progress of the team in the second half of the season. That we would have a better grip on the important questions about the organization’s overall progress.

From 2-14 to 4-12 is improvement, but it is a little difficult to get the words out of my mouth. It strains the face to speak with such forced acceptance, because it was such a painful season to watch. I’m still having nightmares about Chicago.

What do ya know? It appears the strength-of-schedule was quite high according to the NFL. Twice the Niners played Arizona and St. Louis and yet it was a very difficult schedule by NFL standards. I know it is all in the math, but jeez. Now the Niners bump to the top of the 4-12 teams in the draft ranking. We could have used the players and trade options a higher draft pick may have afforded. I like to watch winning, but it was a much more meaningful game if they lost in overtime against Houston.

I like Nolan. When you watch Niner players on the sideline this season all you see is helmets and numbers, no faces. The players aren’t looking around checking out what is happening in the stands. You couldn’t say that under the previous coach. Before Nolan, players were often distracted or not disciplined enough to stay focused on the game and you saw a lot of faces from the stands. That is how it used to be under Walsh. I think it says a lot about how Nolan is shaping this team and I like it. It gives me a little hope.

But, here is what I really hope for; a veteran NFL GM, a believable plan for a new stadium, that the Niners admit Barlow was a mistake (and waive him), a new running back, a secondary, less injuries next season and finally that Denise York fires her husband and sells the team.