Running to win

Niners need ground game to complement Young's passing

Jerry Rice will be asked to take a secondary role in the 49ers' offense this season. Jed Jacobsohn/Allsport

The San Francisco 49ers entered their training camp at the University of Pacific in Stockton, California, July 26 in the unusual position of relying on a project, the rehabilitation of troubled running back Lawrence Phillips, to give them a running game. The 49ers finished second to the Falcons in the NFC West last season. Here are a few questions from Sports Illustrated's Dr. Z, followed by CNNSI.com's perspective on some of the issues facing the 49ers this season. SI's season preview will be posted August 24.

Dr. Z wants to know:

1) You say you're a new Lawrence Phillips? No more assaulting women or drinking or driving wild? O.K., if you say so, man, but remember, there's no Eddie D. around to bail you out if things go bad.

2) Does anyone agree with me that Charlie Garner has a lot more talent than Phillips? Does anyone agree with me that without Kevin Gogan, the big hog guard on the right side who made the running game go, the people who'll be clearing the way are just average guys?

3) How much can we expect from Bobb McKittrick, the masterful O-line coach, who's fighting liver cancer? And if McKittrick can't be around a reasonable amount of time to hold things together, is it unreasonable to foresee a collapse?

4) Is Jerry Rice really ready for the David Robinson role, or will it be pout city if he doesn't get his six or seven balls a game?

5) The defense went from first in '97 to 23rd last year. Will 35-year-old Charles Haley and 148-pound Mark McMillian address this problem?

The 49ers can make the playoffs if: Quarterback Steve Young , almost 38, can stay healthy and productive, and if the top-notch receiver corps of Jerry Rice, Terrell Owens and J.J. Stokes continues to improve. Rice, arguably the greatest receiver ever, must be willing to accept a secondary role as his career nears its end. And, of course, Phillips must come through.

Pivotal Games: Oct. 24 at Minnesota, Jan. 3 at Atlanta. The only real test for the 49ers before they invade the Metrodome is the season-opener against the Jaguars in Jacksonville. The January 3rd matchup against the Falcons to end the season could decide the division title.

On the hot seat: No surprise here. With Garrison Hearst unable to go because of his slow-to-mend ankle, Phillips will be expected to be a major contributor to the running game. Newcomers Travis Jervey and Tommy Vardell are solid, but the 49ers need Phillips' explosiveness. That's why they are gambling on him. Cornerbacks R.W. McQuarters and Darnell Walker need to stay healthy for the defensive secondary to be effective.

Up-and-comers: McQuarters has the tools to be a major force in a secondary that's not getting any younger. Winfred Tubbs, whose production fell off from his 1997 season with the Saints, should be more effective this season in the left inside linebacker position.

Player Movement Unrestricted Free Agents Restricted Free Agents Players Lost Terrell Owens, WR, re-signed Travis Jervey, RB, from G.B. Tommy Vardell, RB, from Det. Marvin Wash., DE, from Den. Brentson Buckner, DT, re-signed Chad Fann, TE, re-signed Lawrence Phillips, RB, from NFL Europe   Terry Kirby, RB, Cle. Marquez Pope, CB, Cle.

1999 Draft Picks Round Overall Pick Player Pos School 1 24 Reggie McGrew DT Florida 3 89 Chike Okeafer DE Purdue 4 99 Anthony Parker S Weber St. 4 110 Pierson Prioleau DB Virginia Tech 5 157 Terry Jackson RB Florida 5 161 Tyrone Hopson OG Eastern Kentucky 6 171 Tai Streets WR Michigan 7 234 Kory Minor OLB Notre Dame