Martz Must Find Rebirth With 49ers

Mike Martz comes to San Francisco with two main objectives – reverse his tarnished reputation and save Mike Nolan’s job. 

There are a lot of mixed emotions among insiders with the 49ers about bringing Martz into the organization.  Nolan fought hard to hire Martz and will be directly accountable to push the 49ers into playoff contention in 2008. 

The biggest challenge Martz faces is reviving Alex Smith’s career.  At his best, Smith is an ideal fit within Martz’s complex passing game.  He’s smart and not afraid to take hits, but it will be interesting to see how he holds up physically considering the beating quarterbacks normally endure in Martz’s system.  That’s not a great sign for a quarterback coming off significant shoulder problems. 

Martz has a lot of work to do with Smith.  Smith will have to rebuild his confidence and re-establish his mechanics after his setback in 2007.  Smith will be pushed by Shaun Hill during training camp.  Hill has a lot of physical limitations, but is very decisive and accurate with the football – two traits Martz loves with his quarterbacks. 

Surprisingly, the offense won’t necessarily build the offense around either quarterback.  I believe Martz sees tremendous value with Frank Gore in the backfield.  I believe Martz will utilize Gore in a Marshall Faulk type role next season.  Gore is coming off a sluggish season, but is a tremendous runner who also can make plays in the passing game. 

With Martz in the fold, the 49ers will need to find help at wide receiver.  They lack a well-rounded playmaker.  Darrell Jackson had a terrible year and seemed to avoid getting hit often.  Arnaz Battle lacks consistency and Ashley Lelie is one-dimensional.  The organization is intrigued by Jason Hill.  Hill has good speed, but has a lot of development ahead after being slowed by injuries as a rookie.  But Hill is no more than a number three type at this stage. 

With questions at wide receiver – one of the primary objectives for next season will be the progress of Vernon Davis at tight end.  Martz never featured his tight ends much in the past, but it’s hard to ignore his athleticism.  Davis must mature and focus on becoming more consistent in his third season.  If Davis can mature and Martz decides to feature him – he can become a building block that provides a similar impact in the passing game like Antonio Gates in San Diego.

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