by John Crumpacker , The San Francisco Chronicle

RATING: ALERT VIEWERClearly, a work in progress with Alex Smith back as the starter, with greater maturity but some of the same old issues as well. He has eight games to prove he's the man for the 49ers in 2010 and beyond ... or else it's back to square one with Nate Davis or a draft pick. One telling stat: Smith has 25 career touchdown passes and 36 interceptions.

RUNNING BACKS RATING: ALERT VIEWERWhen Frank Gore is good, he's very good. When he's bad, he's either injured or has inadequate blocking against eight-man fronts. It has been an all-or-nothing season for Gore, who has TD runs of 79, 80 and 64 yards and a whole bunch of 1- and 2-yard gains. He had some nice runs out of shotgun formation against Tennessee. Fullback Moran Norris is a hammer in two-back sets.

RATING: WILD APPLAUSEVernon Davis learned how to catch in the offseason and really worked at his craft. The results show as he's leading the team in receptions 42, yards 477 and touchdowns 7. Davis is the focal point of the passing game in Jimmy Raye's offense and, based on his superior speed and athletic ability, presents a mismatch for defenses.

WIDE RECEIVERS RATING: SNOOZING VIEWERAt one point, the 49ers had seven receivers on the active roster and hardly used any of them. It's only a coincidence that since Michael Crabtree signed his contract, the 49ers have lost four in a row; he's on the verge of becoming the No. 1 receiver. Though not tall, Crabtree has long arms, strong hands, runs good routes and is a physical presence. Josh Morgan and Jason Hill give the 49ers two good options after Crabtree.

OFFENSIVE LINE RATING: SNOOZING VIEWERUncertainty at right tackle, spotty play at right guard and injuries to Joe Staley and Tony Pashos have kept this unit from performing to its capabilities. Only three teams in the NFL have given up more sacks than the 49ers 26. At times, the run-blocking for Gore has been superior; at other times, there's no room to roam. Barry Sims has been a pleasant surprise subbing for Staley at left tackle.

DEFENSIVE LINE RATING: WILD APPLAUSEA mostly unheralded cast of players has performed beyond expectations and is a big reason the 49ers are fourth in the league against the run. Credit goes to position coach Jim Tomsula's ability to have his players in position to make plays in a revolving system. End Justin Smith has been outstanding against the run, as have nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin and tackle Isaac Sopoaga.

LINEBACKERS RATING: ALERT VIEWERLooks like another Pro Bowl season for middle linebacker Patrick Willis, who is third in the league in tackles with 77, first on the 49ers in interceptions and tied for second in sacks. Takeo Spikes pairs well with Willis inside and is highly effective on first and second down. Outside 'backers Manny Lawson and Parys Haralson have been disappointing as pass-rushers with 3 1/2 sacks between them.

DEFENSIVE BACKS RATING: SNOOZING VIEWERThere's a reason the 49ers are 24th in pass defense - the secondary is vulnerable to long gains by receivers with elite speed. Nate Clements lost his left-cornerback job before being injured primarily because he can't cover the league's burners. Tarell Brown looks to be an upgrade at LCB, although he is not the physical presence Clements is on tackles. Nickel corner Dre' Bly has dropped at least two sure pick-six touchdowns.

SPECIAL TEAMS RATING: POLITE APPLAUSEThe 49ers are solid with kicker Joe Nedney, punter Andy Lee and long snapper Brian Jennings but are still searching for a punt returner after Allen Rossum was summarily fired. Coordinator Al Everest's coverage units have been strong, holding teams to 7.5 yards on punt returns and 23.2 yards on kickoffs.

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