European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - September 07, 1989, Darmstadt, Hesse Thursday. September. 1989 the stars and stripes Page 19 49ers change of Dodge repeat Jinx Roger Craig s tastes run la yardage and lilies i feel hungrier than when e won by Dave writer having had the experience twice be fore the san Francisco 49crs knew they could t stand Pat. Even with a team that won the super bowl. But the did t expect it would be the beginning of the Post super bowl letdown. The 49crs began what they though twas an orderly transition shortly after they won their third super bowl with a 2h6 win Over Cincinnati last january when coach Bill Walsh stepped Down and handed the team Over to defensive coordinator George Scifert. But he also handed Seifort the usual headache that comes with winning this time extended holdouts by three fourths of his secondary and five o Thor starters. Nonetheless the 49crs began the exhibition season impressively and seem to have a decent Chance of becoming the first Champion to repeat in a decade. For one thing their division rivals also have problems the los Angeles rams and Atlanta Falcons also have been Hurt by holdouts and the new or leans saints Lack explosiveness. Nonetheless it s a Strong division san Francis co new Orleans and los Angeles All finished 10-6 last season and the 49crs were 6-5 after 11 weeks and almost out of the race. That actually May help this year. "1 feel hungrier than when we won before says running Back Roger Craig who with quarterback Joe Montana and wide receiver Jerry Rice gives the 49ersthe most explosive run pass Trio in the league. We weren t As dominant last year and we know that we have to improve again this year to gel 1. San Francisco 49ers despite Walsh s defection to the broadcast Booth the san Francisco of sense remains solid with one change inthe line Jesse Sapolu moves to Center from left guard with third year Man Jeff Bregel moving in for him. Moreover running Back Terrence Flagler a former first round pick Trou bled by injuries his first two seasons has been spectacular in exhibitions. He should give Craig now in his seventh season some needed rest. The defense is anchored by nose tackle Michael Carter and free safely Ronnie Lott while second car men Dann Stubbs and Pierce Holt have come along on the defensive line. But the recently resolved holdouts by cornerback Tim Mckyer and Don Griffin and Strong safety Jeff Fuller could Hurt. And so of course would winning the super bowl. Pfc West review in up Joe Montana. Jem Rice. Team with Craig for nil s Best run pass Trio 1,. If it Dillu oui Cwm. Ii every year is an entity in itself says the Pas Seifort who s in a Tough situation if Martin could be he wins he wins with Walsh s residue if j., he loses he s failing where his predecessor succeeded. You re wined and dined and put on a Pedestal after you win. Your mental toughness becomes dissipated. 1 sensed some honeymoon atmosphere in Camp. We can Only Hope to overcome 2. Los Angeles rams like the 49ers, the rams had holdout troubles too with running Back Greg Ell and tight end Damone Johnson s absence demonstrably hurting a team that Many people Sec As one of the league s strongest. _ the combination of injuries and holdouts have really gotten to us a Little bit says coach John Robinson. The rams almost always make the playoffs but do Little More they be been there five of the last six years but arc 2-5 in Post season play. The Mam reason for optimism is quarterback Jim Everett. Just 26, he arrived last year when he passed for a team re Cord 3,964 Yards and 31 touchdown while becoming the first quarterback in 25 years to Start All the rams games. He s surrounded by Many of the High draft choices obtained when Eric Dicker son was traded to Indianapolis two years Green last year s top pick must produce More he gained just 117 Yards for a 3.3 average. But two More rookies wide receivers Aaron Cox and Willie Anderson added much needed be completed the Eric Dickerson Trade a unique period in our history and it sets the foundation for our franchise s future says Robinson. He believe As Many As 10 rookies can make his team although his two first rounders defensive end Bill Hawkins and running Back Cleveland Gary remained holdouts deep into Camp and Gary actually signed a baseball contract. The defense is More of a question. The rams were successful last year when defensive coordinator Fritz Shur Mur changed Artim a Bend but Don t Brcak philosophy to an attacking defense that often employed just two Down line men and five linebackers. One of those linebackers. Kevin Greene was second in the league with i61/ , who finally signed just be fore the second exhibition should eventually help at end and fits Shuimui s scheme. But the rams remain somewhat vulnerable to the run and cams began catching up with the gimmick last year the rams started 6-2. Finished 4-4. 3. New Orleans saints new Orleans also started Strong and faded opening 7-1, finishing 3-5, in part because the schedule was soft Early then got tougher. This year the saints started slowly in Camp. The saints reflect coach Jim Mora s personality solid not spectacular. Mora May be one of the league s lop coaches the saints who had never had a win Ning season until he took Over have gone 7-9. 12-3 and 10-6 under his Tutelage. But they May have levelled off. The offensive line banged up All last car must stay healthy and so must Oft injured running Back Ruben Mayes. Bobby Hebert started Strong at Quarter Back and seems to be improving and Eric Martin who had 85 receptions is one of the league s least known Star receivers. The strength of the defense and the team is the line backing corps of Pat Swilling Rickey Jackson Sam Mills and Vaughn Johnson. Like Martin Swilling is one of the league s Best kept the secondary could use More Speed and someone has to help Swilling wit first round pick Wayne that someone eventual ly.4. Atlanta Falcons Atlanta was 5-11 last year but 5-5when Chris Miller was healthy and finished 4-4, allowing just 95 Points i those final eight games. The Falcons also beat two playoff teams the 49ers and eagles and should have beaten the giants in a game they gave away after Miller left with an like the division s other teams the Falcons have been Hurt by holdouts particularly by Center Wayne Radloff and guards John Scully and Bill everyone signs. Miller keeps getting better and John Settle a free agent two years ago can repeat his 1,000 Yard season the Falcons should improve. On defense they need a full season from linebacker aundray Bruce the no. I Overall pick last year who came on in the second half. They also could use a signed Deion Sanders who could Combine with Scott Case in a first rate cornerback Tan acc East
