We're a day away from yet another big game for the 49ers.  The team is 2-2 and as with any early .500 team, there is cause of optimism and cause for pessimism.  I remain optimistic, although the offensive line is not giving me a lot of reason to.

Heading into tomorrow's game I'm not sure how to describe my expectations.  The Patriots were annihilated by the Dolphins but they're still coached by Bill Belichick and the hooded one had two weeks to prepare for the 49ers.  I do not expect the 49ers to roll out a 38-13 victory, that's for sure.

We're only a quarter of the way through, but it's already been a loooooong season for Tully Banta-Cain.  While nothing's guaranteed, I think it's safe to say he'll be active tomorrow given Manny Lawson's injury.

Speaking of injuries, nothing surprising in the injury report for this week.  Lawson is listed as doubtful and all three Patriots mentioned Thursday (LB Eric Alexander, CB Lewis Sanders adn WR Kelley Washington) are all doubtful.

Last week Mike Nolan said he used a challenge because he wanted to call a timeout anyways and figured why not try and get a reversal.  Mike Sando put together a breakdown of the use of challenges by Nolan and Belichick.

Adalius Thomas and Mike Nolan know each other pretty well from their time in Baltimore together.  Probably why they tried to sign him last year (that and the fact that he's really good).

49ers offensive line a major concern: Thank you Captain Obvious.

Patriots scout.com site on 5 reasons the Patriots would lose tomorrow.

Brent Jones will be an honorary captain for tomorrow's game.

Jamie Martin didn't think there were any juicy theories about Mike Martz and SpyGate.

Coming off an ugly game against the Dolphins, the Patriots rush defense will have it all it can handle in Frank Gore.

This is good timing with Steve Young getting his jersey retired tomorrow.

A general look at the 49ers by a Massachusetts newspaper that thinks we're a team making progress.

Kentwan Balmer is one of nine 2008 first round draft picks not to make a start this season.  Although he did get 20 snaps last Sunday and is slowly seeing his role expand.

Brief discussion about halfway down about potential trick plays by the 49ers.  If they do decide to run some direct snaps like the Dolphins did, I really hope they use Michael Robinson or Arnaz Battle for them.  Although apparently Frank Gore thinks he can throw the ball pretty well.

EDITOR'S NOTE 11:23AM: It's official, Alex Smith is headed to the IR and Jamie Martin is a 49er.

Matt Maiocco is reporting that the 49ers have agreed to sign QB Jamie Martin.  Mike Nolan is expected to make an announcement on Alex Smith's condition in about an hour, but I'd imagine this is a strong indication of the direction of that announcement.

If there was an in-season disabled list like in baseball, the Jamie Martin signing could be just a short-term thing while Smith got healthy.  People have suggested going after a guy who could be a potential long-term guy, but Maiocco makes a good point about Martin:

He has knowledge of Mike Martz's offense. If he were needed to play, it would allow the team's offense to function. Really, Martin is one of the few free-agent QBs available that would allow the team's other offensive players to go ahead with everything they've learned about this offense without skipping a beat.

Obviously it'd be nice to get a guy like Andre Woodson or John Beck, or really any young QB that could maybe become a franchise quarterback.  However, for the purposes of the hear and now, we need a guy who could step in if everything went to hell with JTO and Hill.  There is zero upside with Martin, but as a third QB I really don't see any need for now to have upside.

The morning after a tough loss is never pretty, but there is certainly plenty around the blogosphere to check out.  Today's a particularly big day as we await word on the extent of Alex Smith's injury, as well as Mike Nolan's wrap-up press conference at 12:15.  I think we all expect Smith to be on the shelf the rest of the season, but we'll wait on the official word.

Speaking of Smith, the 49ers have begun searching for a new 3rd string quarterback.  First name mentioned: Jamie Martin.  Martin is on the radar primarily because of his time in St. Louis with Martz.  There are certainly flashier names out there, but I honestly don't think Byron Lefwich is the type of player you want as a 3rd string QB.  He's talented but you have to wonder if he could accept such a role knowing he has virtually no chance of becoming a starter.

As has been mentioned in the recap thread, Maiocco saw some crazy stats.  The 49ers actually outgained the Cardinals by 6 yards, in spite of running 28 fewer plays.  While there were several field goals, only one touchdown was scored off the 49ers turnovers.  The defense couldn't make some key 3 and outs, but all things considered (primarily time of possession), it was a respectable performance.

Kurt Warner continues to own the 49ers.  The man is 8-1 with 20 TDs and 10 INTs against the 49ers.  I'm surprised the TD/INT ratio isn't better as it always feels like he picks us apart.

Lowell Cohn does not want anybody making excuses for the 49ers.  He calls the 49ers a "good-looking bad offense."  Do people agree with that characterization?  I suppose just based on yesterday's game that's an easy assessment to make.  As Cohn pointed out, they did score .7 points fewer than they averaged last season.  However, I don't think it's possible to perform that poorly, in terms of turnovers, on a consistent basis.

The defense isn't happy about that Ray McDonald roughing the passer penalty.  While I agree that McDonald should have known better, I also think it was a pretty ticky-tack call to make.  But as was pointed out in the game thread, if you even breath on the QB you're gonna get called for something.

A new form of home field advantage?  If our coaches can get in good shape this busted elevator thing could be HUGE!

Isaac Bruce was indeed a bit of a disappearing act.  In the post-game interviews JTO did indicate he looked to him a couple times but the Cardinals were covering him pretty steadily.  If Bryant Johnson can turn into a consistent threat that should open things up for Bruce a little more.

Should the 49ers have been more "angry" about the loss?  I think when you make that many mistakes it's easier to be more embarrassed than anything else.  However, Cam Inman is definitely not optimistic about this season.

For those wondering if the 49ers will ever be on in your part of the country, check this site out every week.

The folks at Princeton are psyched to see their boy Zak Keasey starting.

It doesn't get much easier any time soon with a rough first half of the schedule.  A quick re-look at the schedule and that Philly could be ugly, the Patriots game could be a lot more interesting and who knows what to think about Seattle right now.

Feel free to drop in your own links and I'll hopefully be back with an update on Alex Smith later today.