Singletary offers mixed insights

<p>SANTA CLARA — After six consecutive losing seasons, the 49ers finally have the talent to turn things around in 2009.</p><p>At least, that is how coach Mike Singletary sees things after the 49ers concluded their organized team activities on Tuesday. The next time the club will officially convene will be July 30 for the opening of training camp.</p><p>When asked if he believes the 49ers have the kind of roster that could yield an NFC West title and, perhaps, a deep run in the playoffs, Singletary did not hesitate to provide an answer.</p><p>“No doubt in my mind — none,” Singletary said. “I don’t even blink at that. (There’s) no doubt in my mind.”</p><p>But Singletary said he also recognizes the 49ers remain behind the competition in the NFC, mostly because of continuity issues.</p><p>The 49ers are unsettled at quarterback, as Shaun Hill and Alex Smith will continue their competition into training camp. The 49ers have seven quality receivers but no guaranteed starters. And Jimmy Raye is the club’s seventh offensive coordinator in seven years.</p><p>“So, yes, that puts us a little bit behind. And you got a new head coach, that puts us a little bit behind,” said Singletary, who took over in the middle of last season after Mike Nolan was fired.</p><p>“There are a lot of unknowns up to this point. When the other teams — whether it be a Carolina or whether it be an Arizona or a Dallas — they’ve known for a couple three years, ‘This is who we have; this is who we are; this is where we’re going.’”</p><p>For the second summer in a row, the 49ers will open training camp with a Smith vs. Hill competition at quarterback. Last year, offensive coordinator Mike Martz became frustrated with those options and settled on J.T. O’Sullivan as his starter.</p><p>This year, the third quarterback is Damon Huard, who started three of the Kansas City Chiefs’ first five games last year before experiencing a season-ending thumb injury. Singletary said he is committed to selecting his starter between Smith and Hill.</p><p>Smith has ended the past two seasons on injured reserve with shoulder injuries. Hill took over as the starter from O’Sullivan for the final eight games last season, leading the team to a 5-3 record with a passer rating of 87.5.</p><p>“When the offseason started, I wasn’t really sure where Alex was,” Singletary said. “He’s been through a lot in four years.</p><p>“In order for he and Shaun to compete on a level ground, he had to get healthy. He had to get his mind focused. He had to let go of some of the bitterness that happened to him, some of the bad things, and get the bad taste out of his mouth and be ready to go. I think that has happened. I’m very excited about that.”</p><p>Based on their most recent action in the regular season, Hill will enter training camp with a slight edge, Singletary said. Smith will have to outperform Hill in the exhibition season, beginning Aug.14 against the Denver Broncos.</p><p>“I want to see both of those guys continue to compete,” Singletary said. “From that standpoint, yes, you can say that technically Shaun is the guy until proven differently.”</p><p>For more on the 49ers, go to Instant 49ers at http://blog.pressdemocrat.com/49ers. You can reach Staff Writer Matt Maiocco at 521-5492 or matt.maiocco@pressdemocrat.com.</p>