Harry - By and large an astute, well-written piece.
A few observations -
1. Although the Niners' personnel is not all that different from a year ago, a lot of their walking wounded are back and healthy. That plus the energy Singletary brings to the party should make them more formidable than a year ago.
2. Another thought about Singletary. There's more to head coaching than being an energetic, fiery leader. Players tend to tune out many of those guys after a year or so. Plus there's no guarantee that "inspiration guys" will be creative play callers, good communicators, well-organized or good at judging or juggling personnel. That said - I like Mike and am pulling for him (but not his team).
3. There is the same danger in overhyping H Johnson as there's been declaring DRC the next Aeneus. DRC is a very athletic corner who, while improving each day, still has a way to go before perfecting his craft. Herman uses his huge bulk to get in the way of people and wall them off, but he'll have to learn to explode into his man if he's to make it to prime time.
4. I think comparisons of Toler to DRC are unfair. He's more physical than DRC (and that's not to knock DRC's willingness to mix it up - Toler looks as though he really enjoys sticking his nose in there). And he's slightly shorter. Although he's been equally as raw making the transition from college to the pros, you can almost tangibly see him improve from one play to the next. I think he'll be a starter for us not too far down the road.
5. I continue to believe that the prospects for the coming season will have a lot more to do with mind-set than it will physical talent.
