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NFC West: San Francisco 49ers preview

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Predicted order of finish in the NFC West: Third

Coach: Dennis Erickson, second season (7-9), sixth season overall (38-42).

2003: 7-9 (third in NFC West). Lost four of their final six after climbing out of a 1-3 start.

Key additions: WR Curtis Conway, OG Justin Smiley, DE Brandon Whiting, WR Rashaun Woods.

Key losses: S Zack Bronson, OT Derrick Deese, QB Jeff Garcia, RB Garrison Hearst, WR Terrell Owens, WR Tai Streets, WR Ron Stone, CB Jason Webster.

Pre-snap read: The offense, which ranked fifth in the NFL last season, will have six new starters. QB Tim Rattay, who started three games in 2003, had groin surgery early in the offseason and struggled with a sore arm in camp. But he's the best the 49ers have. Fourth-year RB Kevan Barlow, who received a big contract in the offseason, has the No. 1 job after sharing with Hearst the past three seasons. Barlow bulked up in the offseason to handle the load. With Owens and Streets gone, the 49ers need to find playmakers at receiver. The candidates are youngsters Cedrick Wilson and Brandon Lloyd, who have a combined five career starts; 12-year veteran Conway; and first-round pick Woods. Franchise LB Julian Peterson, their best defender, returned late to camp and will be a key player in new coordinator Willy Robinson's 3-4 alignment.

What to expect: The 49ers are in a revamp mode for the second time in five seasons and won't be a playoff contender.

The line on the line: C Jeremy Newberry and RT Scott Gragg are the rocks of this unit, which produced one of the top five rushing attacks in 2003. Last year's No. 1 pick, Kwame Harris, takes over at LT. Grade: B

Offensive leaders
Pos.	Player	2003 statistics
QB	Tim Rattay	856 yds, 7 TD, 2 INT
RB	Kevan Barlow	1,024 yds, 5.1 avg, 6 TD
WR	Brandon Lloyd	14 rec, 212 yds, 2 TD
WR	Cedrick Wilson	35 rec, 396 yds, 2 TD
TE	Eric Johnson	Injured

Copyright © 2004 The Seattle Times Company

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