San Francisco 49ers Have Much to Prove If They Want To Be Super Bowl Contenders

If there is one thing we have learned this far into the NFL season, it is that Jim Harbaugh is a genius and all others are less than him.

Ok. Maybe that is too strong, but he has a strategy to coaching that could not be figured out in college and has yet to be figured out in the NFL.

He has taken a decent NFL team that has experienced several disappointing seasons as of late to a 6-1 start to the season and possibly one of the best teams in the NFC.

The win at Detroit proved that, as does the second half against the Eagles. Other than that, Harbaugh and the 49ers have gone about their business week-in and week-out. It has led them to that 6-1 record and a couple plays away from a 7-0 record.

Despite all those good things, there is still a ton for the 49ers to prove this season.

Currently, the 49ers are said to be one of the best teams in the NFC, but can we really say that San Francisco can hang with a team like the Green Bay Packers right now?

To extend that further, can the 49ers really have Super Bowl aspirations?

It is the ultimate goal, right?

It is a long season and the 49ers are just seven games into it, but there is still a lot to learn about Harbaugh's boys. They have all the potential to be a legitimate contender in the NFL this season, but we have yet to fully see it despite a 6-1 start.

We can all agree that Harbaugh has positioned Alex Smith every game to have success on the field, but he has yet to show that extra something to make us say "Yep, that is a Super Bowl winning quarterback."

And maybe he does not need to.

Rex Grossman did not have it and he made it to a Super Bowl, and there have been many more less than decent quarterbacks before him.

However, the more Smith flies under the radar, the more opposing teams will feel the need to expose him.

To the 49ers' credit, those opposing teams will have to get around the monstrosity that is the San Francisco offensive line to get to Smith.

This is not to say that the 49ers cannot create that extra something to make them realistic Super Bowl contenders, and if anyone can create it it is Harbaugh. But giving a game away to the Cowboys, as well as keeping the Browns around into the fourth quarter are things that need to be fixed.

Harbaugh is learning and the team is learning, and that combination has led them to an NFC elite 6-1.

Give them another seven games and maybe we will be talking about the 49ers having realistic Super Bowl aspirations. For now, we can sit back and watch this team learn and develop as a whole and continue to play playoff-bound football.

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San Francisco 49ers vs. Cleveland Browns Preview & Predictions

The Week 8 match-up of the 49ers (5-1) and Browns (3-3) has "comebacks" as a part of its storyline. Braylon Edwards is still questionable no matter how optimistic Jim Harbaugh is, and Peyton Hillis' possible return to the Cleveland backfield. Montario Hardesty has run rather well in Hillis' absence, but it will be good to have the Madden '12 cover boy on the field again.

However, the backfield is one part of the game this weekend that the 49ers will not have to worry about, particularly because the 49ers' rushing defense ranks among the best in football, Hardesty is a rather shallow runner and Hillis is coming back from injury. It stacks up for San Francisco to have another ho-hum day in the trenches.

What the 49ers do have to worry about is the feeling of a trap game.

San Francisco is 5-1 and in charge of the NFC West, as well as an elite team in the NFC. A team like the Browns have no shot at the win at Candlestick, right?

Unless you let them have that shot, which is what many are afraid of in Week 8.

The Browns' offense is mediocre and their defense one of the best in the AFC.

Pounding the ball, as Harbaugh would prefer, is the name of the game this weekend for the 49ers, but look for a low-scoring game where Gore and the defense stand out.


X-Factor

The Browns will be looking to run their way to a "W" this week, as such is there offensive strategy nearly every week.

Hardesty should get the bulk of the carries this week, but look for Hillis to get double-digit carries as well if he gets on the field.

With that said, the 49ers' rushing defense must continue good play, as rushing their way to a win may be the only way for the Browns to claim a victory at Candlestick on Sunday.

In all games played at Candlestick for the 49ers this season, each opposing running back has left the game with injury at some point in the game with less than mediocre numbers to show.

Both Hillis and Hardesty will need to watch their step on Sunday.


Prediction

Pretty simple here. The Browns will not win running the ball on Sunday, so Colt McCoy will have to have a career day for Cleveland to win. As long as the 49ers' secondary does not collapse, that will not happen.

Also, the San Francisco offensive line will need to continue to improve and create lanes for Gore to run for big gains. And i expect many of those this week.

Do not underestimate the Browns' defense, though. If the 49ers get into the passing game, the Cleveland secondary is one of the best in the AFC, which makes for another way the Browns can pull one out in San Francisco.

49ers win 24-13

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Comparing the San Jose Sharks, Minnesota Wild Trades Now

Hindsight is 20/20. I believe that is how the saying goes. However, when the San Jose Sharks and Minnesota Wild made their series of trades this past offseason, there was no turning back, and there really was no need to. Both teams walked away feeling better about their teams heading forward.

Fast forward to two weeks into the 2011-12 NHL season, and what is the consensus on how each of these teams did in those trades?

To re-cap, Dany Heatley and Devin Setoguchi were traded to the Wild for Brent Burns and Martin Havlat in two separate trades. Also, the Sharks acquired winger James Sheppard from the Wild for a third round pick.

We finally got to see all these players dressed in their new sweaters and out on the ice with their new team, giving us a great look at how these trades stack up.

Brent Burns for Devin Setoguchi, Charlie Coyle and 2011 1st Round Pick

The trade shocked the hockey world on Draft Day 2011.

A premiere defenseman in the prime of his career traded for a scoring winger with so much potential.

For now, this trade is a deadlock in terms of which team got the better of it.

Burns has done so much by just being a presence on the Sharks defense. His big body and pounding shot from the point is why San Jose wanted him and he has not disappointed one bit so far.

Setoguchi in Minnesota was another great fit for a team in dire need of offense. So far, Setoguchi has impressed with three goals through eight games, and also is second on the team in shots on goal. He is getting opportunities to show what he has, which is something that was simply not going to happen in San Jose.

As for Charlie Coyle, the Sharks No. 1 forward prospect at the time of the trade, he continues to play well for Boston University and is one of the better prospects in Minnesota's organization.

The winner of this trade has yet to be determined, and may not be for the next few years until the Wild's prospects show up.

Martin Havlat for Dany Heatley

The swap of two premiere forwards in the NHL shocked the hockey world yet again.

Sniper Heatley for speedster Havlat in another trade benefiting both teams on the surface and leaving both teams feeling better about their rosters.

Heatley, although battling an injury, has been the Wild's go-to offensive player, as he leads the team in points and shots on goal. Granted he only has five points, which is telling about the Minnesota offense, the Wild are still 3-2-3 through eight games this season.

Havlat, on the other hand, has only played in two games with the Sharks so far, after battling an injury early this season. Through those two games, he has tallied two assists, while creating chemistry with line mates Logan Couture and Ryane Clowe who all complement each other very well.

For now, the Wild got the better of this trade. Havlat has been injured and Heatley is everything Minnesota needed in a No. 1 offensive threat. Heatley will lead the Wild and Havlat is prepared to be that role player needed when called upon, at least that is how it seems.

Havlat does make the Sharks a faster team, and the offense will come in time, but Heatley has seemed to fit right in and we are waiting to see from Havlat what he can do on the ice.

Havlat makes the Sharks a more well-rounded team, but Heatley is the centerpiece of the Minnesota offense.

James Sheppard for 3rd Round Pick

It would seem as though the Wild dumped the troubled Sheppard onto the Sharks. In fact, let's call it that because that was exactly what it was.

Sheppard was the ninth overall pick in 2006 and has yet to live up to that potential, which would explain why Minnesota gave up on him after five years.

For the Sharks, he will play in more of a depth role, slotted somewhere on the fourth line when healthy. However, that is the problem right now—health.

After two offseason knee surgeries, the 23-year-old has not begun on-ice activities yet and there is no current timetable for that to happen.

It seems like the Wild got away with one right here, but if Sheppard regains his health, his potential is through the roof as a Top 10 pick in the NHL Draft.

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San Jose Sharks: 5 Players Projected For Big Seasons So Far

The San Jose Sharks are not off to the most ideal start at 4-3-0 through the first two weeks of the season. However, we can still get a good look of how this team will fair come mid-season and further.

The roster is stacked head-to-toe with talented players seeking a shot at the Cup and this season is as good as ever for this franchise to win one.

First things first, there have been no surprises.

Chemistry is an issue, which we assumed would happen after an offseason in which GM Doug Wilson basically switched up the top lines. Also, the defense is as good as advertised, and Brent Burns heads that attack.

During these first two weeks, we have seen some players stand out from the rest, and we can pretty much guarantee gigantic seasons from them this season based on what we have seen from them during these first few games.



5. Ryane Clowe

Clowe has had quite a start to the 2011-12 season so far. He has tallied six points, including two goals and four assists on a second line that is starting to figure each other out with Martin Havlat in there.

We know Clowe is good for a mass number of PIMs, but it may be his offensive game that could climb this season thanks to a maturing Couture and crafty Havlat.

Last season's total of 62 points is very attainable of he continues to get the looks he has been given. We can be sure to see him climb over the 70-point mark if things continue this way.


4. Patrick Marleau

Marleau almost should not be on this list just because we have begun to expect big seasons from him in San Jose.

However, this first line is so in sync on the ice that it is almost a guarantee that he will not only match his usual 70-point total, but may be just his second season of over 40 goals.

With Thornton and Pavelski playing as well as they are on that first line, this is probably the most likely of scenarios for statistics on this team.



3. Joe Thornton

Another player who we expect big things from in San Jose year after year.

To reiterate what this first line has the capability of doing this season, Thornton, Marleau and Pavelski play with such comfortability around each other that all three are set to have major seasons.

The first line has been getting looks, and it is just a matter of time before the goals start piling up.

Thornton is the facilitator on this line, and although is goals scored will hover around the 30-goal mark, we will see his assist total soar this season. With scorers like Pavelski and Marleau, it is almost inevitable.

We can expect around 60 assists from him and close to 80 points if things keep up.


2. Brent Burns

Burns is as good as advertised, if you hadn't noticed.

He has proven to be a decent defender, as well as a dominant force on the power play with that heavy shot from the point.

It does not seem he is fully used to the order of business in San Jose just yet, but that will come around with time, although we can already see him and Vlasic creating a little chemistry from game to game.

From the looks of it, we can expect around the same season that he had in Minnesota last year, which was 17 goals, 29 assists and a total of 46 points. However, that +/- will rise considerably from his -10 with the Wild.

Good things happen when he is on the ice in San Jose.

If everything goes according to plan, his ho-hum season will earn him a spot in the NHL All-Star Game.


1. Joe Pavelski

You do not have to pay much attention to the game to know that Pavelski is loving his duties on the first line these days.

With Marleau and Thornton on this list, why not round out the entire first line with Pavelski. These three players have such chemistry together that their stats will undoubtedly rise this season.

Pavelski is getting shots at the net he never thought would come, and it is thanks to Marleau and Thornton for setting those shots up.

So far, he has six goals and two assists in seven games, but he leads the team in shots on net, as well as leading the team in shooting percentage at over 16 percent.

He is poised for a giant year if paired up Thornton and Marleau for the rest of it.

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San Jose Sharks: What To Make of the Team's Slow Start

How do you explain a team with this many talented players and that much of a hype surrounding them starting the season off 1-3?

You got me. In fact, you may have everyone.

The offense, on paper, is solid. The defense, on paper, is a surefire hit. Then why have they lost three games in a row at the beginning of the season?

The bounces simply have not been going their way, but that is not the entirety of what we make of this.

The chemistry on the offense is lacking, to say the least. It is not true for the first line, who have had so many open chances at the net that it makes my stomach curl just thinking about how many point-blank shots have been missed this season. But the second, third and fourth lines have struggled with communication and overall chemistry, and that is the whole of why pucks have not found the back of the net.

Another kicker is that the chemistry issue will have to be re-established once Martin Havlat makes his debut, quite possibly this Friday in New Jersey. He will be on the second line with Ryane Clowe and Logan Couture, most likely.

Surviving a six-game roadtrip on the east coast is one thing. Establishing a consistency with your linemates during that time is quite another.

Another idea as to explain the sluggish start in San Jose is the admission that maybe the Anaheim Ducks and St. Louis Blues are simply better than the Sharks at this time.

The Blues are projected to finish anywhere from sixth to eighth in the Western Conference, and the Ducks are projected among the top-tier teams in that league.

Missing Havlat, paired with a rusty Niemi and mediocre Thomas Greiss, and adding in new players and no chemistry simply equals an average team in the Western Conference, which is what the Sharks have displayed thus far this season.

They are learning. We will give them that.

Niemi will be quicker, Havlat will fit right in and the offense will find consistency. It may be as easy as that, although we know it is not.

It was tough to see this slow of a start coming, what with the massive potential on paper, but this start to the NHL season was inevitable. They are learning to play with Brent Burns and Michal Handzus in different situations, and missing open opportunities just adds fuel to the frustration.

How do explain the slow start?

You don't. The talent is there, the potential is there and it is just a matter of time before this team meets the hype.

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Composure and Resilience Define Jim Harbaugh's Impact on San Francisco 49ers

Forget the infamous Jim Harbaugh/Jim Schwartz postgame scuffle. Forget Schwartz' comments before the game. Forget Harbaugh's over-celebratory postgame handshake to a Lions coach that was clearly not in the mood.

Monday and Tuesday have now passed and with the Harbaugh/Schwartz debate dying down, it is time to talk about the actual game. More specifically, let's talk about the 49ers, a top-3 team in the NFC.

The Lions/49ers game on Sunday was as good an example as any as to what Harbaugh has brought to this team.

Down 10-0 in the first quarter on the road at Ford Field against that type of defense would force any team to completely shut down. However, it was this new mindset the 49ers now have that fueled them to a tremendous effort the rest of that first half, and into real contention in the second half.

Oh, to be a fly on the wall in the 49ers' locker room at halftime. Judging by the postgame handshake, postgame press conference and postgame speech, i can only imagine Harbaugh's halftime pep talk to be something along the lines of the movie "Miracle."

Does Alex Smith, with his back up against the wall, lead the 49ers down the field on their final possession of the game without Harbaugh on the sidelines?

Doubt it.

This new "never say never" attitude that was hinted at in the Eagles game, and clear as ever in the Lions game, comes from the head coach.

The cool and calm appearance of Smith marching down the field, with all parts of the offense working together, comes from the head coach.

The 4th and goal from the six-yard line made that as clear as ever.

If it was not evident what Harbaugh is doing in San Francisco after the handshake, it most certainly was in that postgame speech to his players.

The fire and the passion does not come through any more clearer than through Harbaugh's actions, and his team responds time and time again.

He asks Smith to take care of the ball, Gore to keep on keeping on and the defense to make plays. He expects the players to rise up and play above their ability level, and that was what happened on Sunday in Detroit.

Harbaugh is doing special things in San Francisco, and his team is responding with W's and ever-growing aspirations.

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San Francisco 49ers vs. Detroit Lions Preview & Predictions

As far as i am concerned, if you picked the 49ers and Lions as the game of the season thus far in Week 5, you are a lying liar.

Sure, the Lions were on a roll from last season and the 49ers' franchise received a makeover with Jim Harbaugh at the helm, but a record of 9-1 between them?

C'mon.

It is pretty obvious what the Lions/49ers match-up details this weekend. It will be the Lions relentless offensive attack and determined defense against the 49ers trying to find something that works....anything.

The 49ers are 4-1 for a reason, though.

However, against this Detroit team, the 49ers will need everything to work on the defensive side of the ball for there to even be talk about how this offense will react to Ndamukong Suh & Co.

What the 49ers do have going for them is a tremendous defense against the run, which should not be a problem against an off and on runner like Jahvid Best.

Another thing that San Francisco has going for them is a decent offensive line and an offense made for the quarterback to get the ball out of his hands quick.

The 49ers will be on the defensive a lot against these Lions, but there are a few holes that they can pick at in this game. Rest assured, Harbaugh will find them.



X-Factor

There is zero doubt in anyone's mind that the deciding factor of this game depends on how well the 49ers cover Calvin Johnson and how well they protect Alex Smith.

Personally, the quick slants and crafty play-calling of Harbaugh will play a huge role in taking that Lions' front line out of the game. How long can you keep Suh out of a game for? We will find out on Sunday.

Carlos Rogers will most likely get the call on Johnson, but you better believe he will not be the only one with an eye on him. The best defense on Calvin Johnson is one with three players surrounding him at all times. Freak of nature.


Prediction

Despite the Lions looking virtually unstoppable so far this season, the 49ers offense stacks up against them as well as anybody in this league.

Smith's ability to get rid of the ball quickly to a receiver and/or throw the ball away when needed and avoid the sack will go a long way on Sunday.

Ultimately, it will be Smith's arm (yes, his arm) and Harbaugh's play-calling that will get San Francisco this win on the road against one of the best the NFL has to offer.

49ers win 27-24

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San Jose Sharks: What We Learned in First Game of the Season

I don't mean to play off of the unoriginal use of "What did we learn today," which is so overplayed, but there is something to say about seeing the Sharks for the first time this season on TV, in the starting lines and in front of fired up fans.

We had not seen that, for the most part. The first game of the season showcased what the Sharks bring to the table this season, and there was no debating it—this team is good.

How much can we really find out about a team after one game?

Close to nothing, but it was different in San Jose on Saturday night.

We saw Brent Burns and Michal Handzus. Even seeing Thornton and Marleau again in actual competition was exhilarating.

Still, there were weaknesses shown against Phoenix. But for how many soft spots we found, we saw equal bright spots in the route of the Coyotes.

Joe Pavelski is Going to Like His New Role

Take one look at the game against Phoenix and you can tell that this first line is as in sync as any line in the NHL.

Chemistry is a great way to put it.

The player benefiting the most from the chemistry of Thornton, Marleau and Pavelski is Pavelski.

Two goals by "Little Joe" made that clear, and it showed that he could have quite a field day with Thornton and Marleau feeding him the puck and drawing the defenses all day.

Pavelski will get his allotted amount of shots, but he is set up to have quite a season in the statistics department.

The Defense is as Good as Advertised

It is one thing to see the Sharks impressive defense on paper, but it is another thing to actually see these players perform on the ice.

It was worth the wait on Saturday night.

It is obvious that this team will go as far as the defense takes them, and against the Coyotes it looked like it may take them to the elite of the NHL.

Not only does the blue line play tremendous lock-down defense, but it fuels the offense more than anything.

The Sharks looked incredibly quick on Saturday thanks to this defense.

Players like Boyle, Burns and Vlasic were able to stop the Coyotes' attack and push the puck ahead to forwards that can do something with it. I am talking about Marleau, Thornton and others. It set-up players like Pavelski for several scoring opportunities during the game.

The result was the Sharks putting up way, way more shots than the Coyotes, and clear difference of talent of both sides of the puck.

Michal Handzus is Key to Special Teams' Success

If we want to be picky, then newly acquired Michal Handzus played the worst of the bunch on Saturday, and it showed a lot about how this team functions when he is not at his best.

The Sharks rely on Handzus in the face-off circle, penalty kill and power play. With so many jobs, it is up to him to perform on the ice because he plays such a huge role on this team.

Despite Handzus' goal, he was on the ice for two Phoenix goals. This coming from a player whose best asset is on the special teams and defensive side of the puck these days.

He understands what his role on this team is, but he must perform up to par for the Sharks to do any damage in the Western Conference come playoff time.

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San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions Have Taken Similar Roads to Week 6 Showdown

When the San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions clash this weekend at Ford Field, it will be arguably the game of the NFL season so far.

Anybody predict that one before the season?

What the Lions (4-0) have done thus far has been extremely impressive. And what the 49ers (4-1) have done, especially to the Buccaneers, is equally impressive.

The Lions have man-handled some decent teams this season, on their way to an undefeated season so far. Their biggest tests were against the Cowboys and Buccaneers, in which Detroit pulled out victories of less than a touchdown.

San Francisco has had a similar caliber of talent thrown at them this far into the season, with their biggest tests being victories against the Eagles and Buccaneers and a disappointing loss to the Cowboys.

Make no mistake about it, this is a game for both teams to make a statement with.

The future of the NFL is bright on both sides of the ball, as is evident with these teams' biggest assets.

The Lions sport arguably the best defensive line in the NFL, with Suh and Fairley leading the charge. They abused Jay Cutler on Monday night just as expected.

On the other side, the 49ers also have a top-10 defensive line, but may have one of the better, more underrated offensive lines. Led by Mike Iupati, they are a core group that may be up to the challenge of stopping the freight train that is the Detroit defense.

It is funny to see these two teams, who were so lowly just a few years ago, bloom in what they are now.

The Lions focused their drafts on defense with Suh and Fairley. Now, they have one of the best defenses in the NFL.

The 49ers built around stabilizing their quarterback with players that could protect him. They did that by drafting the monstrosity that is Iupati, as well as youngster Anthony Davis.

With that consistent offensive line, Alex Smith is now given more time in the pocket, allowing him to throw with more accuracy. He can thank Iupati and company for the No. 3 passer rating in the NFL to this point.

Mike Iupati vs. Ndamukong Suh will be the match-up to watch on Sunday.

Both team have bright futures, and it was futuristic planning that got them both to this point in the NFL season as two of the better teams in the league heading into Week 6.

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Opening Night 2011 LIVE: San Jose Sharks vs. Phoenix Coyotes

The crazy NHL offseason for the San Jose Sharks has taken us to this destination, Opening Night 2011 at HP Pavilion with a whole different brigade of players in tonight's starting line-up. The Sharks and Wild love affair this offseason sent Dany Heatley and Devin Setoguchi to Minnesota for Martin Havlat and Brent Burns in two separate deals. They helped both teams immensely with the Wild acquiring offensive prowess, and San Jose acquiring a defensive main-stay and help in the speed department.

However, if you had told anyone that the Sharks would lose Setoguchi and Heatley this offseason, they would think there was no chance San Jose could make the Stanley Cup Finals. But the Sharks are again legitimate contenders probably now more than ever.

Tonight, the Sharks will be without starting goaltender Antti Niemi and key offseason acquisition Havlat. Instead, it will be Thomas Greiss in net and youngster Tommy Wingels at the wing.

Sharks hockey is back!

--- Follow LIVE Here ---

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San Francisco 49ers Vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Preview & Predictions

The 49ers have played the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles, arguably better teams that had higher hopes than just a winning record this season. They have played against the Seattle Seahawks and Cincinnati Bengals, arguably much worse teams with top-5 picks in mind in next year's NFL Draft.

However, there is something to be said about playing a team at the much the same caliber as you, which is what we will get when the 49ers play the Buccaneers this Sunday.

Both teams are 3-1 on the season with making the playoffs on their minds.

It was not so long ago that Bucs' running back LaGarette Blount signed with the 49ers, then backed out to join the Titans, then let go by the Titans and eventually joined the Buccaneers. He is now Tampa Bay's featured back and a real force in the backfield in the NFL.

It was also not long ago that Blount ran for 82 yards on 26 carries, while man-handling the 49ers' defensive front seven. The Bucs would make a mockery out of San Francisco that day.

Sunday, the 49ers will be a different team, though. A new-found confidence heading into an equal match-up of two teams looking for that extra win to possibly push them into the playoffs when the time comes.

For the Buccaneers, QB Josh Freeman is a load. San Francisco had an easy time getting Vick to the ground once there last Sunday, but Freeman is a much bigger, thicker QB and will take a little more to get to the ground. Oh, he can run, as well.

The 49ers will be using the same tactics they used against Vick to keep him in the pocket in the second half last Sunday that they will against Freeman this Sunday.

For the 49ers, Jim Harbaugh will continue to play it conservative with Alex Smith. It will be up to the Bucs' defense to get to Smith in a timely manner. However, i wouldn't think Smith will have the ball in his hands for very long this Sunday. Slants and screen passes may be a huge part of the strategy against the Tampa Bay.


X-Factor

If the 49ers are to win this Sunday, it will be because they limited Freeman's opportunities for big plays, and kept Blount to a minimum.

Blount is a huge part of this Bucs' offense, and the 49ers' front seven, who Freeman called one of the best he will face all year, will have to meet the expectations against a big, powerful back in Blount.


Predictions

Home field advantage will play a huge role in this game. Smith will continue to play it safe with little plays downfield, and the majority of plays will hinge on either Frank Gore, Kendall Hunter or Vernon Davis. It worked last week and could work against Tampa Bay this week, although the Bucs' are ready for it.

Hunter may prove to be a surprise for Tampa Bay. Harbaugh is continually involving him more in the offensive game-plan week after week, so we should see more of him out of the backfield and making plays in the passing game that worked so well against Philly.

49ers win 31-27

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Live From the Frys.com Open: Tiger Woods Prepares For Corde Valle Golf Club

Tiger Woods made his first appearance at the Fry's.com Open on Wednesday, joining in a little pro-am fun with some of the higher ups from Fry's Electronics.

Woods did not look entertained during the round, showing only a few smiles. Of course, it was hard to blame him, both of his playing partners were shooting well into the 100's.

Woods did look focused throughout the round, grunting at a few wayward shots, but draining several putts on his way to a well under par round on Wednesday.

His pro-am score read 8-under through 12 holes, and he birdied at least two or three down the stretch.

There were concerns, though, as anyone would have when all eyes are on Woods' every move.

Tee shots are clearly still a weakness for him, as he hit a few wayward balls off the tee, but managed to salvage pars throughout.

One thing he does do well at Corde Valle Golf Club is make the course look miniature.

There are no trees at the San Martin golf course, which is one reason why Woods was able to hit tape measure tee shots into the numerous fairway bunkers or decent rough with less than 150 yards left to the hole.

By his play in just a practice round, it is apparent that Woods will be in real contention this week at the Fry's.com Open. The course sets up nice for him, and by the looks of things he is settling into his new swing and new caddy.

-Woods seemed to feel very comfortable around new caddie Joe LaCava. They shared a few laughs on the 15th hole and walked most of the round together, instead of Woods parting off to engage in conversation with the owner of Fry's Electronics that he was playing with.

-Woods was in a chipper mood on Wednesday, maybe sensing that things need to change on his end of things at tournaments like these. A child snuck under the rope and walked right up to Woods asking for an autograph. Woods paused for a moment in almost disbelief that a kid could escape the mass security around him, then signed the program. He then shot off a quick glimpse to the marshals around him almost as if to say 'Let's not let that happen again.'

Woods also signed a long line of autographs after parting from the 18th green, and headed into the Media Center, where he spoke mostly about what he wanted to accomplish this week.

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NHL Free Agency: Ranking the New Players That Will Help the San Jose Sharks Make the Stanley Cup Finals

The San Jose Sharks made some deals this offseason, to say the least. GM Doug Wilson traded in offensive prowess for speed and bulky defense, giving this San Jose team a whole different look and feel heading into this season.

On paper, the Sharks look to be at the top of the Western Conference yet again. Even more, they have turned their biggest weakness into possibly its greatest asset.

San Jose's lackluster defense in during last season, and evident throughout the playoffs, has now been replaced with a stronger, more physical blueline that has some calling it the best in the franchise's history.

Credit Wilson with that. Not many GM's can turn a team around in just one offseason. Especially a team that has two consecutive trips to the Western Conference Finals.

Significant changes were made in San Jose. We will wait and see if they were for the better or not.

For now, here are the top new-comers that have the most affect on whether or not the Sharks go deep into the playoffs.




4. Colin White

White is essential to the Sharks' playoff aspirations this season.

Think of him as a slightly lesser version of Douglas Murray. Both will get physical in the defensive zone and neither will hesitate to drop the gloves.

It is for that reason that White will play a huge role for San Jose this season. The Sharks lacked a defenseman that could play in the trenches in front of Antti Niemi and move traffic. It cost the Sharks a few goals during the playoffs last season.

White will solve that problem rather easily, and he should look really good paired with Jason Demers on that third line.



3. Michal Handzus

Handzus is important to this team because of all the roles he will play for the Sharks this season.

The NHL veteran will be involved on the power play, penalty kill and face-off zone throughout the season. Not many players can say that.

He is the Swiss Army knife of the NHL.

He will also be important to the growth of young players like Tommy Wingels and Torrey Mitchell, who are set to line up with him to start the season the third line.

Being a veteran presence may be his greatest asset to this team this season.



2. Martin Havlat

Havlat's health may be mot important to this team.

On paper, it would seem that the Sharks offense was depleted this offseason with the departures of Setoguchi and Heatley.

Havlat adds speed to this team, as well as a nose for the puck, which will come in handy when playing with Logan Couture, or even sharing time on that first line with Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau.

Speed is what San Jose lacked in last year's playoffs and Havlat fills that crucial void.



1. Brent Burns

This one was not hard at all because of the fact that Burns fills the void that has plagued the Sharks ever since they lost their captain Rob Blake a few years ago.

San Jose will only go as far as their defense will take them, as proven by back-to-back Western Conference Final defeats.

Burns brings lockdown defense and physical attitude to the blueline, something that will be essential to the Sharks' Stanley Cup aspirations.

It is up to Burns to produce and be the total package on defense this season. If he does not fill that crucial void, the Sharks are just another team short of the Stanley Cup once again.

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San Francisco 49ers' Comeback Win in Philly Reveals Team on the Rise

Alex Smith did not commit an interception for the second week in a row and the San Francisco 49ers made a second half comeback to beat the Philadelphia Eagles 24-23 on Sunday.

The 49ers shocked NFL nation with the win, taking their record to 3-1 on the season, and sending the Eagles into a state of self-doubt and a 1-3 record.

The Vince Young proclaimed "Dream Team" collapsed yet again in the second half, this time at the hands of Smith, who threw for 291 yards on 21 of 31 passing. He also threw for two touchdowns in the win.

The team also road the coattails of running back Frank Gore, who ran for 127 yards and a touchdown on the day.

Gore was listed on the 49ers' injury report at the beginning of the week. However, that did not seem to stop him from rolling the Eagles' pronounced defense.

The Week 4 match-up showed the NFL a ton.

It showed them that the Eagles may not be as in sync as everyone thought they were. Putting together a slew of superstar names does not equal a superstar team.

As for the 49ers, they're for real. Let's get that out there quickly.

Jim Harbaugh has figured out something with Alex Smith that the coaches before him have not.

Keep it simple, stupid.

We did get to see Smith air it out a few times on Sunday, showing that he was not afraid of the headline names in the Philly secondary. However, for the majority, we saw quick, tight completions. Smith has become stellar at those plays so far this season.

As much as we need to talk about Smith in this game, we also need to give the 49ers' defense credit where credit is due.

Holding the Eagles' running backs to 33 total yards on the ground is one thing. Keeping Michael Vick in the pocket in the second half is another.

The defense clicked in those third and fourth quarters and it resulted in three second half points for Philly.

A momentum-igniting win for San Francisco, and a daunting loss for the Eagles.



Player of the Game

Frank Gore's 15 carries for 127 yards and a touchdown was a clear relief for the 49ers on Sunday. He was the go-to man when they needed that two or three yard run for the first down, and he was able to stretch it for 40 yards, as well.

His injury is obviously minor, if that, and there was a feeling that the Eagles may not have taken either Gore seriously this week or the 49ers' offensive line seriously this week.

News: Gore is one to be taken seriously on a weekly basis, and the San Francisco offensive line should not be underestimated.


Impressive

Alex Smith keeps topping his own impressive performances this season, and this one ranks up there as one of the best in his topsy-turvy career.

No interceptions yet again, and a few drives that sent chills down die-hard 49er fans' backs is why Smith is for real this season.

He put the team on his arm this week on the road in Philly, and the 49ers came out winners.

Who knew it could happen like that?

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