In an ESPN article, the writers answer the question if the Niners still scare the NFC West. The overwhelming answer was no. The retooled 49ers, according to the writers, have lost too much to scare the other teams. The other teams shouldn't be afraid of the Niners winning the division according to them.
The biggest takeaway from the article is that the turnover on the team is the main reason for not fearing the Niners. The thing about that is that the Niners, at this point, are an unknown. The Niners used to be a run first, punch you in the mouth football team. Could that stay the same? Sure it could. But the team could also be a throw happy team. They have the personnel to accomplish that feat. Also, quite a few of the scheduled starters will be relatively new to the division. Opponents were used to going up against Gore, Willis, Smith, and others. They've been replaced by new players.
The other part of this equation is the coaching staff. Jim Tomsula has his 1st head coaching position. His staff consists of brand new coordinators and assistants to the rest of the NFC West teams. They have a lot of NFL experience, but the NFC West doesn't have much experience against them. The NFC West can take the Niners lightly at their own peril. This team can still be a force and they will not go down without a fight.
49ers Links
Probably not, but they should be wary | Do The Niners Still Scare Opponents? (Gutierrez)
With a leader like Anquan, their mindset should be good | Boldin On 49ers Mindset (49ers Video)
NFL Network Talks Kap (NFL Network Video)
Mangini Has New Ideas (Williams)
FA Refresher (49ers Staff)
Lynch seems to be a star in the making | Secret Superstar (Kern)
More Zone Blocking (Barrows)
You could definitely say that | Retirements Changed Outlook (Maiocco)
Offseason Reviews (49ers Staff)