The Bay Area suffered through another disappointing year in 2007. For 2008, the Niners desperately need Alex Smith to live up to his breakthrough potential. Newcomers Isaac Bruce and Bryant Johnson promise to liven up the receiving corp, and Frank Gore hopes to return to the brilliance he showed in earlier seasons. Tough times may be ahead for the red and gold, as the 49ers figure to have another rebuilding season. However, there should be more excitement by the bay this year due to the offensive improvements under Mike Martz.

Some San Francisco 49ers history: Few NFL teams can boast the individual stars and strong teams that made the 49ers a dominant power in the 1980s and 1990s. While on their way to capturing five Super Bowl titles, the 49ers fielded such players as running back Roger Craig, wide receiver Jerry Rice, defensive end Fred Dean, and quarterbacks Joe Montana and Steve Young. Earlier stars include Hall of Fame members quarterback Y. A. Tittle, and running backs Joe "The Jet" Perry and Hugh McElhenny.