Consider the Following: Sports

From 2010 to 2011, Alex Smith gained one receiver, Braylon Edwards . The 49ers backfield gained rookie Kendall Hunter , and the defense acquired rookie linebacker Aldon Smith . There have been some other changes to the 49er roster, but can these fairly insignificant pickups really account for a 9-1 record in week 10, after going 6-10 last year and missing the playoffs in the lowly NFC West? The real change, although it is hard to prove, is coach Jim Harbaugh . Initially, I will note, that other than play calling and technique, I find very little sympathy for people who argue that coaches really make a significant difference in the NFL. And I know that I'll get shit for saying that, but let it go for the time being. After all, one can hardly call Harbaugh a revolutionary college coach, after he basically one the lottery with Andrew Luck and Toby Gerhart leading the Cardinal offense. So for now, imagine Jim Harbaugh has not really accomplished anything. So what makes him such a...

Last week, when I launched this blog, I sent the link to my family, mainly to see if I could get some followers. As I began to receive responses, my easy favorite was a comment from my grandmother: " I enjoyed your blog even though I didn't know what you were talking about. Also, I know there is some personnel changes going on with the '49ers and the Raiders . I have no advice to give or any comments." This wildly descriptive message will serve as the theme for tonight's post, as I attempt to answer her request. I will focus on the Bay Area, because everywhere else, interim coaches are being re-signed (Jason Garrett and Leslie Frazier) and suspected fired coaches are being kept on for another try (Tony Sparano and Marvin Lewis). As well, the only real vacancy is in Carolina, where John Fox managed to deteriorate a recent Super Bowl participant to a 2-14 record in 2010. But things are looking up for Fox, who is a leading candidate for the Denver Broncos head co...