SEASON 2003 - WEEK FOUR (8 April 2002)
Demolition of NFC Champs signals 49ers' intentions

If anybody needed a further example of how difficult the 49ers will be to beat this season, they need look no further than their week four demolition of the Dallas Cowboys.

Admittedly, Dallas haven't quite reached their potential this season but the manner in which they were suffocated by the 'Niners defence should worry anyone else on their schedule this season. Two first quarter fumbles effectively put paid to any chance the Cowboys had of keeping the game close and it was all but over in the third quarter.

New Orleans Saints fans should prepare for a hammering in week five if SF continue in this vein.

In the eleven weeks since coach Bell took over the reigns at the 49ers things have improved dramatically.

The signs on the cards were encouraging early on, even when they suffered four straight defeats as the team came to grips with a new style of play. From 30 point defeats the Niners lost those games all by less than a touchdown.

From there it's all been uphill and seven straight wins to close the season out have raised expectations to the point where they are already a realisti threat for next season.

Quarterback Jeff Garcia's form was outstanding after coach Bell took over and introduced a more dynamic stlye of play. His rating in those eleven games was 106.8 which proves that he enjoys playing a system that makes use of his talents and with an extra year of experience he is only going to improve.

3Com Park at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, CA