Back to Basics: New-Look Niners Return to Run-First Philosophy

It’s a new year in San Francisco, one that comes with high expectations for Mike Singletary and the rest of the 49ers coaching staff and players. On offense, new coordinator Jimmy Raye’s infusion of a run-first philosophy has many predicting the 49ers will claim the NFC West crown for the first time in seven seasons. Greg Manusky’s defense remains mostly intact and the coordinator is primed to return his unit back into the aggressive, swarming squad it was in 2007. Frank Gore is expected to return to the form he displayed during a phenomenal 2006 campaign, and Patrick Willis, San Francisco’s All Pro linebacker, is expected to lead his defense to a Top 10 finish. While no one outside 49ers headquarters can say with any certainty just how different San Francisco’s 2009 playbook...

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