Ricky Sandoval, the Lions team’s director of security, died Thursday morning at Harper University Hospital in Detroit after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer that lasted more than three years. He turned 49 on June 30th and is survived by his loving wife, Gael. Shortly after Sandoval was diagnosed in May of 2006, he and Gael formed “Team Sandoval,” a support group consisting of family, the Lions organization and his many friends and associates throughout the National Football League who also knew Sandoval from his days working with the San Francisco 49ers and with Contemporary Services Corporation (CSC), a company that once provided security services at Super Bowls for the NFL.

<p>I wanted to pull out one of today’s Golden Nuggets for a little more discussion.&nbsp; Steve Young is joining the B crew of Monday Night Football, which includes Mike Golic and Mike Greenberg.&nbsp; The B crew is whipped out whenever there are two Monday Night Football games.&nbsp; The Mike &amp; Mike crew used to be Mike cubed and included <a href=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPP3aTB6nLo&feature=related” target=”_blank”>Mike Ditka</a>.&nbsp; Young has appeared on plenty of pre-game shows, and whatever you may think of the Mikes, I think Young is a good addition.</p> <p>Given that addition, I thought now was as good a time as any to open the floor to discussion about announcers throughout the NFL.&nbsp; Who are your favorites, who do you hate, who do you consider underrated, who do you consider overrated…that sort of thing.&nbsp; Madden has retired so we’ll take him off the discussion list at this point.</p> <p>So who do I like?&nbsp; Well, I have to admit I’m kind of excited for the 2009 Monday Night football crew.&nbsp; While I’m relatively indifferent to Mike Tirico, I’m a big Ron Jaworski fan and I think Jon Gruden could make for a very solid announcer.&nbsp; Jaws brings the type of analysis you really don’t see often enough anymore.&nbsp; Obviously there are plenty of color guys out there providing analysis.&nbsp; However, most of those guys are cookie-cutter announcers shooting out cliches.&nbsp; Combine that with Jon Gruden’s passion, which I think we saw quite well at the draft, and I think you’ve got a very solid MNF crew.</p> <p>In looking through the announcing crews, I’m a big fan of Gus Johnson.&nbsp; He’s better in college basketball, but the few times I get to hear him do NFL games, I’m usually sufficiently entertained.&nbsp; It’s interesting that, looking at the <a href=”http://awfulannouncing.blogspot.com/2008/08/foxs-2008-2009-nfl-announcer-pairings.html” target=”_blank”>Fox</a> and <a href=”http://awfulannouncing.blogspot.com/2008/08/cbs-releases-their-nfl-announcing-teams.html” target=”_blank”>CBS</a> pairings from last season, there are a lot of groupings I really never cared for.&nbsp; Two in particular come to mind: 1) Jim Nantz and Phil Simms (can’t stand Nantz) and 2) Joe Buck and Troy Aikman (although I certainly enjoy me some Pam Oliver).&nbsp; I realize they’re the #1 crews on each network, but Buck and Nantz just drive me crazy.&nbsp; Simms is usually ok, but nothing special for me, and Troy Aikman doesn’t really do it for me..maybe it’s the <a href=”http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/DAL” class=”sbn-auto-link”>Cowboys</a> thing…</p> <p>I have to say I’m rather excited for the Al Michaels, Chris Collinsworth grouping.&nbsp; I used to really not like Collinsworth, but he’s grown on me and I think I’ll be enjoying Sunday Night Football with those two.</p> <p>My biggest sleeper, who actually is not doing NFL games at this point, is Jesse Palmer.&nbsp; The former Bachelor star and NFL QB (yes I did them in that order!) made his debut as an NFL announcer at a <a href=”http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/SFX” class=”sbn-auto-link”>49ers</a> game and I was more than pleasantly surprised.&nbsp; The former players that move into the announcing booth often seem straight out of an assembly-line and really just aren’t any good.&nbsp; But Palmer was unique.&nbsp; He brought great insight and timely comments.&nbsp; Amazing to see given some of the crap out there.&nbsp; He’s doing college football announcing now, but I hope he makes it back to the NFL.</p> <p>So, who do you like and dislike in the NFL announcer crews?&nbsp; If you want to discuss the studio shows feel free to, but given the volume of people in each of those shows, that could go on forever.&nbsp; And it’s also possible you might find a crew solid that individually you don’t enjoy.&nbsp; Feel free to come at this any way you want.&nbsp; While there are certain things I look for in an announcer, everybody sees something different in certain announcers.</p> <p><a href=”http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/7O39krOlEpNBl-rG-B_g-v0Z8Gw/0/da”><img src=”http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/7O39krOlEpNBl-rG-B_g-v0Z8Gw/0/di” border=”0″ ismap=”true”></img></a><br/> <a href=”http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/7O39krOlEpNBl-rG-B_g-v0Z8Gw/1/da”><img src=”http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/7O39krOlEpNBl-rG-B_g-v0Z8Gw/1/di” border=”0″ ismap=”true”></img></a></p>

<p><img src=”http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/14593/goldennugget.jpg” align=”right” />Morning everyone, morning. James here, returning to do your Nuggets.

<p>The re-vote on the <a href=”http://www.ninersnation.com/2009/6/29/928803/nn-all-time-team-part-2-49ers-all” target=”_blank”>#2 wide receiver</a> has resulted in an even bigger percentage lead for John Taylor.&nbsp; The ballot will remain open, but I think we’ve reached a point where we can call it for JT.&nbsp; Today we move on to another offensive position, running back.&nbsp; <a href=”http://www.ninersnation.com/2008/7/18/573930/49ers-all-time-running-bac” target=”_blank”>Last go-around</a> Roger Craig ran away with the race, even over a Hall of Famer like Hugh McElhenny.&nbsp; Given the apparent age of many of our readers, it’s not too surprising that even <a href=”http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/2084/Frank_Gore” class=”sbn-auto-link”>Frank Gore</a> finished with more votes than McElhenny.</p> <p>When we had the first vote on running back I made a point to mention a couple of things: First, Joe Perry is in the fullback balloting, even though he is currently the franchise leader in career rushing yards.&nbsp; The offense ran a bit differently back in those days, but for simplicity’s sake, I went with him at fullback.&nbsp; Second, Frank Gore is still a youngster, but I felt he has done enough in is brief career to merit recognition on the ballot.&nbsp; I have to admit, I was heartbroken though that I held off <a href=”http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/2273/Kevan_Barlow” class=”sbn-auto-link”>Kevan Barlow</a>.&nbsp; I don’t know if I’ll ever forgive myself.</p> <p><a href=”http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CraiRo00.htm” target=”_blank”>Roger Craig</a> (1983-1990): Not a whole lot needs to be said about the man who is #2 in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns, #3 in receptions and #9 in receiving yards.&nbsp; Before <a href=”http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/3215/Marshall_Faulk” class=”sbn-auto-link”>Marshall Faulk</a>, there was Roger Craig.&nbsp; In 1985, Craig became the first running back to finished with 1,000 rushing AND receiving yards.&nbsp; The previous season he became the first player ever to score three touchdowns in a Super Bowl.&nbsp; Roger Craig went to 4 Pro Bowls and was the NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 1988 as he finished with 2,036 total yards.&nbsp; Craig still stands as the only running back to ever lead the NFL in receptions in a season.&nbsp; He finished his career with 13,143 total yards and 73 total touchdowns.</p> <p><a href=”http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/McElHu00.htm” target=”_blank”>Hugh McElhenny</a> (1952-1960): McElhenny was the <a href=”http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/SFX” class=”sbn-auto-link”>49ers</a> first round pick in 1952 and was immediately a hit on the field.&nbsp; He won Rookie of the Year, along with back to back Pro Bowl and 1st Team All Pro appearances his first two seasons.&nbsp; Over the course of his career, McElhenny went to six Pro Bowls and finished his 49ers career with 4,288 rushing yards, 2,666 receiving yards and 50 total touchdowns.</p> <p><a href=”http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HearGa00.htm” target=”_blank”>Garrison Hearst</a> (1997-2003): I don’t know of anybody who doesn’t like Garrison Hearst.&nbsp; One big reason is <a href=”http://youtube.com/watch?v=qkEJu1yQJlE” target=”_blank”>this short little run</a>.&nbsp; Hearst finished his time with the 49ers with 5,535 rushing yards.&nbsp; That number would have likely been quite a bit higher if not for the nasty broken ankle he suffered against Atlanta on the first play from scrimmage in the Divisional playoffs.&nbsp; He developed the necrosis condition that led to Bo Jackson’s retirement and seemed finished, although the 49ers kept him on the roster.&nbsp; Two years later, Hearst came back and rushed for 1,206 yards, winning his second Comeback Player of the Year award.&nbsp; The next two years saw him slowly phased out of the offense, replaced by the immortal Kevan Barlow.</p> <p><a href=”http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GoreFr00.htm” target=”_blank”>Frank Gore</a> (2005-present): Gore has only been a 49er for three years, a starting running back for two of them.&nbsp; In that time he has set the 49ers single season rushing record and twice led the team in receptions.&nbsp; Gore currently stands #10 in the 49ers all-time rushing list.&nbsp; Considering he’s 5,284 yards out of first place and signed for the next four seasons, Gore could definitely get within striking distance of the #1 spot.&nbsp; I’m guessing he won’t reach Roger Craig’s receptions by a running back number, but considering how active he is in the passing game (particularly now with the addition of Mike Martz), Gore could finish his career challenging Roger Craig as the best running back in team history.</p> <fieldset class=”poll-box”> <legend>Poll</legend> <h5 class=”poll-title”>Who should be our All-Time Running Back?</h5> <div id=”poll_container_44778_135844497″> <form action=”/polls/vote/44778?container_id=poll_container_44778_135844497″ method=”post” onsubmit=”new Ajax.Request(’/polls/vote/44778?container_id=poll_container_44778_135844497′, {asynchronous:true, evalScripts:true, parameters:Form.serialize(this)}); return false;”> <ul class=”poll-list clearfix”> <li class=”clearfix”><span class=”radio”><input id=”poll_option_211756″ name=”poll_option” type=”radio” value=”211756″ /></span> <label for=”poll_option_211756″><span class=”option”>Roger Craig</span></label></li> <li class=”clearfix”><span class=”radio”><input id=”poll_option_211757″ name=”poll_option” type=”radio” value=”211757″ /></span> <label for=”poll_option_211757″><span class=”option”>Hugh McElhenny</span></label></li> <li class=”clearfix”><span class=”radio”><input id=”poll_option_211758″ name=”poll_option” type=”radio” value=”211758″ /></span> <label for=”poll_option_211758″><span class=”option”>Garrison Hearst</span></label></li> <li class=”clearfix”><span class=”radio”><input id=”poll_option_211759″ name=”poll_option” type=”radio” value=”211759″ /></span> <label for=”poll_option_211759″><span class=”option”>Frank Gore</span></label></li> </ul> <p class=”poll-vote-submit”><input class=”button” name=”commit” type=”submit” value=”Vote!” /> &nbsp; 9 votes | <a href=”#” onclick=”new Ajax.Request(’/polls/results/44778?container_id=poll_container_44778_135844497′, {asynchronous:true, evalScripts:true}); return false;”>Results</a></p> </form> </div> </fieldset>

<p><img src=”http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/14593/goldennugget.jpg” align=”right” />Our man James is dealing with dentist issues so I’m whipping together a batch of Nuggets.&nbsp; I have to say, when I stumbled across the football camp info, I was rather intrigued.&nbsp; Any readers from around Parsons, Kansas out there?&nbsp; The camp is from July 13-15 and open to 1st through 8th graders.</p> <p><a href=”http://www.fstribune.com/story/1551014.html”>Shaun Hill Football Camp to be held in July</a> (Fort Scott Tribune)</p> <p><a href=”http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/49ers/archives/2009/07/patrick-willis.html?mi_rss=49ers20and26A”>Patrick Willis, the 49ers’ inside man</a> (Barrows)</p> <p><a href=”http://blog.pressdemocrat.com/49ers/2009/07/how-49ers-earn-income-in-offseason.html”>How 49ers earn income in offseason</a> (Maiocco)</p> <p><a href=”http://www.vindy.com/news/2009/jun/30/singletary-embraces-challenge-of-49ers/?newswatch”>Singletary embraces challenge of 49ers</a> (Youngstown Vindicator)</p> <p><a href=”http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/article/2009-06-29/11-new-nfl-head-coaches-means-11-different-predictions-for-09″>11 new NFL head coaches means 11 different predictions for ‘09</a> (Sporting News)</p> <p><a href=”http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/ninerinsider/detail?blogid=45&entry_id=42893″>Niner Insider : 49ers Rank 77th</a> (SFGate.com)</p> <p><a href=”http://www.examiner.com/x-2712-San-Francisco-49ers-Examiner”>2009 Opponent Breakdowns</a> (<a href=”http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/SFX” class=”sbn-auto-link”>49ers</a> Examiner)</p> <p><a href=”http://www.49erswebzone.com/content/commentary/view.php?id=731″>Make No Mistake: This QB Competition Should Terrify You</a> (49ers Webzone)</p> <p><a href=”http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/mxwXBpk5DK6m6_3zCrysed3Gbx4/0/da”><img src=”http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/mxwXBpk5DK6m6_3zCrysed3Gbx4/0/di” border=”0″ ismap=”true”></img></a><br/> <a href=”http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/mxwXBpk5DK6m6_3zCrysed3Gbx4/1/da”><img src=”http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/mxwXBpk5DK6m6_3zCrysed3Gbx4/1/di” border=”0″ ismap=”true”></img></a></p>

<p><img src=”http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/14593/goldennugget.jpg” align=”right” />Our man James is dealing with dentist issues so I’m whipping together a batch of Nuggets.&nbsp; I have to say, when I stumbled across the football camp info, I was rather intrigued.&nbsp; Any readers from around Parsons, Kansas out there?&nbsp; The camp is from July 13-15 and open to 1st through 8th graders.</p> <p><a href=”http://www.fstribune.com/story/1551014.html”>Shaun Hill Football Camp to be held in July</a> (Fort Scott Tribune)</p> <p><a href=”http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/49ers/archives/2009/07/patrick-willis.html?mi_rss=49ers20and26A”>Patrick Willis, the 49ers’ inside man</a> (Barrows)</p> <p><a href=”http://blog.pressdemocrat.com/49ers/2009/07/how-49ers-earn-income-in-offseason.html”>How 49ers earn income in offseason</a> (Maiocco)</p> <p><a href=”http://www.vindy.com/news/2009/jun/30/singletary-embraces-challenge-of-49ers/?newswatch”>Singletary embraces challenge of 49ers</a> (Youngstown Vindicator)</p> <p><a href=”http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/article/2009-06-29/11-new-nfl-head-coaches-means-11-different-predictions-for-09″>11 new NFL head coaches means 11 different predictions for ‘09</a> (Sporting News)</p> <p><a href=”http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/ninerinsider/detail?blogid=45&entry_id=42893″>Niner Insider : 49ers Rank 77th</a> (SFGate.com)</p> <p><a href=”http://www.examiner.com/x-2712-San-Francisco-49ers-Examiner”>2009 Opponent Breakdowns</a> (<a href=”http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/SFX” class=”sbn-auto-link”>49ers</a> Examiner)</p> <p><a href=”http://www.49erswebzone.com/content/commentary/view.php?id=731″>Make No Mistake: This QB Competition Should Terrify You</a> (49ers Webzone)</p> <p><a href=”http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/mxwXBpk5DK6m6_3zCrysed3Gbx4/0/da”><img src=”http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/mxwXBpk5DK6m6_3zCrysed3Gbx4/0/di” border=”0″ ismap=”true”></img></a><br/> <a href=”http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/mxwXBpk5DK6m6_3zCrysed3Gbx4/1/da”><img src=”http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/mxwXBpk5DK6m6_3zCrysed3Gbx4/1/di” border=”0″ ismap=”true”></img></a></p>

BRYAN PATRICK Bee file, 2008 Vernon Davis

Gore's Career Year Last season Frank Gore had his lowest rushing totals since he became the starting running back for the 49ers in 2006.  Gore rushed for 1036 yards with six rushing touchdowns last year.  Gore’s low rushing numbers can be attributed to an inept offense that was still trying to find some sort of identity like choosing a starting quarterback.  I have wondered how big Gore’s numbers would be if he was on a team that had a consistent explosive offense.  Gore reminds me of the Lakers Pau Gasol

<p><img src=”http://cdn3.sbnation.com/community_logos/2051/thefalcoholic.gif” align=”right” /></p> <p>I’ve decided that I’ll post these Know Thy Enemy posts each Wednesday.&nbsp; At that pace we’d wrap up the 11 non-divisional opponents the week of the final preseason game.&nbsp; I noticed we actually didn’t finish our list last summer, so I think that’s a reasonable goal this time around.&nbsp; I forgot to ask last time, but if you’d like certain additional bits of information in these posts let me know in the comments.&nbsp; These are meant as more broad overviews, but I’m certainly open to changes.</p> <p>This week we move on to the <a href=”http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/ATL” class=”sbn-auto-link”>Atlanta Falcons</a>.&nbsp; The <a href=”http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/MIN” class=”sbn-auto-link”>Vikings</a> are represented at SB Nation by Dave the Falconer over at <a href=”http://www.thefalcoholic.com/” target=”_blank”>The Falcoholic</a>.&nbsp; The Falcons have managed quite the on-field and PR turnaround in the wake of <a href=”http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/1188/Michael_Vick” class=”sbn-auto-link”>Michael Vick</a>’s departure from the team and I’d imagine Falcons fans are in quite the happy place at this point in time.</p> <p><u><b>Overview</b></u><br />The Falcons put together quite a turnaround last season.&nbsp; The additions of Matt Ryan and <a href=”http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/3034/Michael_Turner” class=”sbn-auto-link”>Michael Turner</a> completely turned the franchise around.&nbsp; They already had a potential franchise wide receiver in <a href=”http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/1192/Roddy_White” class=”sbn-auto-link”>Roddy White</a>, but the additions of Ryan and Turner turned this team from 4-12 to 12-4.&nbsp; <a href=”http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/1107/John_Abraham” class=”sbn-auto-link”>John Abraham</a>’s re-emergence as a sack machine definitely added to that and the Falcons had them rolling before running into an <a href=”http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/ARI” class=”sbn-auto-link”>Arizona Cardinals</a> team that was getting especially hot at the right time.&nbsp; The team will be looking to build on a monster 2008 and avoid a sophomore slump after an impressive Rookie of the Year campaign.</p> <p><u><b>Additions</b></u><br />After a season in which their rushing and passing offense showed impressive improvements, the Falcons used the draft to address a defense ranked <a href=”http://footballoutsiders.com/stats/teamdef” target=”_blank”>23rd in the league</a>.&nbsp; In fact, they used all 8 picks on their defense.&nbsp; If John Abraham can maintain last year’s monster performance, <a href=”http://www.thefalcoholic.com/2009/6/9/903295/the-atlanta-falcon-defensive-line” target=”_blank”>Falcons are hopeful</a> first round pick <a href=”http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/71257/Peria_Jerry” class=”sbn-auto-link”>Peria Jerry</a> will help turn their defensive linemen into the best in the NFC South.&nbsp; Another intriguing addition, at least in my mind, was the addition of Mizzou safety <a href=”http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/71259/William_Moore” class=”sbn-auto-link”>William Moore</a> in the second round.&nbsp; There was a fair amount of buzz around him and <a href=”http://www.thefalcoholic.com/2009/5/5/865135/atlanta-falcon-position-battles” target=”_blank”>Falcons fans seem convinced</a> he’ll be the starting strong safety this season.</p> <p>The team did not ignore the offense, even as it rolled to <a href=”http://footballoutsiders.com/stats/teamoff” target=”_blank”>8th in the league</a>.&nbsp; In fact, they went so far as to adding future Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez.&nbsp; Gonzalez is coming off yet another monster season in Kansas City, finishing with 96 receptions, 1,058 yards and touchdowns.&nbsp; Although he just turned 33, Gonzalez has not yet lost a step.&nbsp; If Gonzalez continues at his current level of play, that Falcons offense could be mighty impressive (cue the complaining for the <a href=”http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/SFX” class=”sbn-auto-link”>49ers</a> not acquiring him).</p> <p><u><b>Subtractions</b></u><br />The team saw important cogs like LBs <a href=”http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/1117/Keith_Brooking” class=”sbn-auto-link”>Keith Brooking</a> and <a href=”http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/1115/Michael_Boley” class=”sbn-auto-link”>Michael Boley</a> and CB <a href=”http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/2928/Domonique_Foxworth” class=”sbn-auto-link”>Domonique Foxworth</a> depart in free agency.&nbsp; Brooking was an older veteran who were replaced by the likes of Mike Peterson, also a veteran.&nbsp; A switch of veterans should not hurt them all that much.&nbsp; Boley and Foxworth were both still young.&nbsp; While they did make some secondary additions in the draft, it’ll be interesting to see how they replace Boley.&nbsp; Right now it appears as though <a href=”http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/1916/Coy_Wire” class=”sbn-auto-link”>Coy Wire</a> and <a href=”http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/1169/Stephen_Nicholas” class=”sbn-auto-link”>Stephen Nicholas</a> are <a href=”http://www.thefalcoholic.com/2009/5/2/862381/its-saturday-and-were-talking” target=”_blank”>competing for the job</a>.</p> <p><u><b>2009 Questions &amp; Answers</b></u><br />The big question is whether Matt Ryan will put together a sophomore campaign like or better than his rookie season, or if he’ll suffer the dreaded sophomore slump.&nbsp; I’d say the addition of Tony Gonzalez would likely help mitigate that given that he is awesome and all.&nbsp; While the team could certainly struggle in 2009, I really think this offense could be pretty filthy this season.</p> <p>One question that could get in the way is Michael Turner.&nbsp; Turner finished 2008 with 394 total carries between the regular season and postseason.&nbsp; That is a dangerous load to carry and the Falcons will likely need to figure out a way to get <a href=”http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/1170/Jerious_Norwood” class=”sbn-auto-link”>Jerious Norwood</a> more involved in the offense.&nbsp; He had 95 carries for 489 yards in 2008, but might need to add a decent chunk of carries to keep Turner fresh.</p> <p>On defense, John Abraham has been rather up and down throughout his career.&nbsp; If he can maintain last season’s pace that’d be great, but if not, the question becomes who picks up the slack.</p> <p><u><b>@ San Francisco</b></u><br />The 49ers last faced the Falcons in 2007, a much different time that saw the Falcons quarterbacked by <a href=”http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/1142/Joey_Harrington” class=”sbn-auto-link”>Joey Harrington</a>.&nbsp; Joey Heisman didn’t do much of anything in the game, but looked better than Alex Smith in a <a href=”http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=271104001″ target=”_blank”>20-16 Atlanta victory</a>.&nbsp; Much has changed and this game will come just after the the quarter-pole of the season, with much on the line for both teams.&nbsp; In our <a href=”http://www.ninersnation.com/2009/5/16/876525/the-2009-49ers-schedule-a-very” target=”_blank”>second discussion post</a>, ProfessorBigelow and I both saw this as a 49ers loss.&nbsp; If Matt Ryan doesn’t have a sophomore slump and the Falcons defense shows some gradual improvement, I see this as potentially one of the toughest games all season.&nbsp;</p> <p>Equally important, it will be a huge measuring stick.&nbsp; If the team is playing well the 49ers should be 2-2 at this point, and even then 3-2 is just so much better than 2-3.&nbsp; And, of course, heading into the bye week, the team has an opportunity at a 2-game winning streak given that they play the <a href=”http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/STL” class=”sbn-auto-link”>Rams</a> at home the week before.&nbsp; Either way, this is a huge game early in the season.</p> <p><a href=”http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/flmBTKy_2uiqjR4pKU7I68N1JNc/0/da”><img src=”http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/flmBTKy_2uiqjR4pKU7I68N1JNc/0/di” border=”0″ ismap=”true”></img></a><br/> <a href=”http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/flmBTKy_2uiqjR4pKU7I68N1JNc/1/da”><img src=”http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/flmBTKy_2uiqjR4pKU7I68N1JNc/1/di” border=”0″ ismap=”true”></img></a></p>

<p><img src=”http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/14593/goldennugget.jpg” align=”right” />Good morning again everyone, James here with your Nuggets. Truly into no mans land as far as news goes these days, I’m thinking its going to be like this for the next month or so, so bare with me, yeah?