After decades of success, with Hall of Fame quarterbacks in the shape of Joe Montana and Steve Young, the greatest ever receiver in Jerry Rice and five Super Bowl titles - it was only a matter of time when fortune would look to smile on another team.

Gone are the days when you could expect a 10-6 season or better; 8-8 could be considered a decent season by current standards. It's a rebuilding process at Candlestick park (sorry, Monster park) one that looks to be a long time in taking competitive shape. There have been glimmers of hope, only to be dashed within a few months of play.

The problems start first and foremost at the quarterback position, unfortunately the shadows of Montana and Young are long and drawn in Sanfrancisco, they achieved so much that any quarterback that follows will always have that burden upon them to at least equal greatness. Jeff Garcia came very close to erasing many fears for the team offensively but after afew years was deemed replaceable, a move that doesn't seem very good now in hindsight.

So it falls on Alex Smith - the first pick of the 2005 draft, to be the saviour of the 49ers. He has done little to inspire the troops in his three seasons so far, the dismal rookie year was Ryan Leaf-like in its horrific similarities, but the second year was a much more steady affair. After an injury-ruined third season, doubts have started to again surface as to the ability of Smith to lead the 49ers offense, to play winning football and to get to the promised land of the playoffs anytime soon.

Terrell Owens was a brilliant receiver while at the 49ers, alas he too was released after eight seasons; by that time he'd berated Jeff Garcia publicly and the locker-room atmosphere between them was frosty to say the least. It was left to Brandon Lloyd to become the go-to guy, he showed promise but yet again, problems arose after three seasons and it wasn't long before he left for anonymity at the Washington Redskins.

They plod along without premier receivers, Antonio Bryant was released after one good season, now it falls to Arnaz Battle and newly-acquired veteran Isaac Bruce to be the main pass catching threats at the wide positions. Tight end appears secure if Vernon Davis can stay healthy long enough.

One area that hasn't got a problem is at running back: Frank Gore has surprised everyone, in three seasons he's proved that he can take the punishment and has the endurance and toughness to be a great back in the NFL. The

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