SF offense isn't starting from Page « again

<p>SANTA CLARA -- Quarterback Alex Smith learned the West Coast system in his first NFL season. Last year, he was asked to grasp Norv Turner's digit system.</p><p>Smith has his third offensive coordinator in three NFL seasons, but at least he -- and the rest of the 49ers offense -- is not starting from Page 1 in the textbook again.</p><p>That is because first-year offensive coordinator Jim Hostler, the 49ers' quarterbacks coach the previous two seasons, is installing an offense that uses mostly the concepts Turner taught while integrating some elements of the West Coast system, too.</p><p>"We've gone through two years of learning in the offseason," Hostler said. "This is the first time we've had a chance to get better at what we do. And there's a huge difference there."</p><p>The 49ers concluded their offseason program Thursday, and much of the groundwork for the season is already in place. The team held 12 practices in three weeks of organized team activities. The 49ers will next gather for training camp on July 28 with heightened expectations across the board.</p><p>After adding as many as five new starters on defensive via free agency and the draft, the 49ers' playoff hopes figure to hinge on the play of their quarterback.</p><p>"We expect to win the division and make the playoffs," Smith said. "That has to be the expectation or else we haven't progressed. That's the next step for us."</p><p>Although the 49ers' first regular-season game is nearly three months away, Smith said he can already see an improvement. The 49ers' passing attack has struggled since the departures of quarterback Jeff Garcia and receiver Terrell Owens.</p><p>"There's a definite progression in the passing game," Smith said.</p><p>The 49ers have ranked 32nd and 29th in passing the past two seasons. In '05 with Mike McCarthy as offensive coordinator, the 49ers tried to feature a ball-control passing game.</p><p>"We didn't throw the ball down the field and we didn't stretch the defense," Smith said. "Defenses were on top of us, and playing downhill was hard. It was like we were the passive ones and they were the aggressors."</p><p>Last year, Turner wanted a lot more seven-step drops and deep routes. Although they got more big plays, the 49ers converted just 34.4 percent on third downs and were among the worst in the league in red-zone efficiency.</p><p>"I think a little bit we missed the controlled-passing game, and five-step drops and things like that," Smith said. "It's nice that Hoss is incorporating both. And we need to be able to do both."</p><p>Hostler, who had previous experience in both systems before joining coach Mike Nolan's staff in 2005, said he will try to utilize elements Smith learned in his first two seasons.</p><p>"Most of this system is the base digit system that Norv put in," Hostler said. "At other times, West Coast people are going to be looking at us and say, 'Yeah, I see that influence.'"</p><p>While the 49ers still figure to lean heavily on running back Frank Gore, all appearances are that tight end Vernon Davis will be much more involved in the offense this season. Davis, the No. 6 overall pick in the '06 draft, was valued more as a run-blocker as a rookie. He missed eight starts with a broken leg and caught just 20 passes for 265 yards and three touchdowns.</p><p>"Physically, he's so gifted," 49ers backup quarterback Trent Dilfer said, "but when you're playing unsure of yourself, you don't capitalize on those abilities. As he becomes more instinctive and thinking less, you're going to see his ability come out."</p><p>Smith should have a much better surrounding cast. Although veteran receivers Darrell Jackson and Ashley Lelie were mostly inactive this offseason due to injuries, they are expected to contribute once the season begins.</p><p>"You expect more and want more," Smith said. "I expect to be making more plays and I want that on my plate. I'm much more comfortable with the offense."</p><p>You can reach Staff Writer Matt Maiocco at 521-5492 or matt.maiocco@pressdemocrat.com.</p>