2012 Two-a-Days: San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Montgomery Media

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

To help pass the time between now and the start of the 2012 NFL season I am going to be giving a look to two teams a day. I will give you their impact players on offense and defense, a breakout, and the biggest question as they open training camp.

Offense
QB - Alex Smith
RB - Frank Gore
TE - Vernon Davis
WR - Mario Manningham (acquired in free agency)
WR - Randy Moss (acquired in free agency)

Defense
DE - Justin Smith
MLB - Patrick Willis
OLB - Aldon Smith
CB - Carlos Rogers
S - Donte Whitner

Vernon Davis TE

Breakout: Vernon Davis - It is fair to call Vernon Davis' career very up and down. But I think he is up to stay after his performance down the stretch in 2011, including the playoffs. He has not had double digit touchdowns since 2009 and never 1000 yards. I believe he reaches both bench marks this season.

Training Camp Question: Now that the 49ers showed the were legit they are not going to sneak up on any teams this year. It will be interesting to see if the 49ers can handle the target on their back, specifically quarterback Alex Smith and that defense that only let up one rushing touchdown all season.

Last year's record: 13-3

Projected finish: 10-6 (First in the NFC West)

Offense
QB - Russell Wilson (rookie)
RB - Marshawn Lynch
WR - Sidney Rice
WR - Doug Baldwin
TE - Kellen Winslow Jr. (acquired in free agency)

Defense
DE - Red Bryant
MLB - Barrett Ruud (acquired in free agency)
S - Kam Chancellor
S - Earl Thomas
CB - Brandon Browner

Marshawn Lynch RB

Breakout: Russell Wilson - After spending the big bucks on Matt Flynn, the Seahawks lucked themselves into a rookie in the third round that looks ready to impress. Flynn definitely did not sign to be the backup, but apparently coach Peter Carroll and crew believe in the former Wisconsin Badger.

Training Camp Question: I think the Seahawks defense is at a playoff caliber, but how quickly can the offense catch up? With a rookie under center and inconsistent wide receivers the Seahawks have a lot to figure out this season, and in the rapidly improving West, they need to do it quickly.

Last year's record: 7-9

Projected finish: 6-10 (Third in the NFC West)


**Check back tomorrow for the Rams and Buccaneers**