San Francisco, California (AP)-- After spending the last two years as the laughing stock of the league, changing coaches more often than the Tigers pitching staff makes errors, it looks as if things are finally starting to turn around for the San Francisco 49ers, who in week 9 equaled their win total from last year with a 27-19 victory over the Minnesota Vikings, bringing their record to a modest 4-4, but more importantly sole possession of the lead in the NFC West division, over defending NFC Champions Seattle Seahawk, who have faced problems all year losing several key players to injuries, including RB Shawn Alexander and QB Matt Hasselbeck.

A star in the making: Frank Gore

After starting the season 1-3, being outscored by a total of 70-89, it looked as if the Niners were settling into another frustrating season. But in the past 5 weeks, the 49ers have undergone a Renaissance winning three of their last four contests, bringing their record to .500. The Niners offense has woken up, pouring in 96 points over the span, while the defense has been one of the leagues best allowing only 59 points.
A 4-4 record might not be that impressive, but when you look into the victories and numbers you start to consider these Niners as a legit team. A 21-6 win over the Chargers, was the most impressive on the list of wins, in a game where they limited a potent offense, and played a solid game offensively throughout.
San Francisco would probably not be at this level if it wasn’t for second year running back Frank Gore, who has been a stud on the 49ers offense. Gore has rushed for 777 yards on 209 carries and rushing for an impressive 9 touchdowns. Gore has also been a receiving threat catching 13 balls for 117 yards and a score. Gore had received many MVP considerations after his breakthrough year, including a 176 yard rushing day against the stingy Chicago Bears defense in week 8.
Last years number pick Alex Smith has yet to blossom into the prospect he was touted to be, passing for 8 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, including 1410 yards on 150/258 passing. But offseason acquisition Antonio Bryant has stepped up offensively to help out the young Smith and keep the passing game of the 49ers a threat. Bryant has caught 34 passes for 467 yards and two scores in 2006.

Manny Lawson may just be this years best defensive rookie

The most impressive feat about the 49ers surprising surge in 2006 is the play of a trio of rookies who have been an important factor into the 49ers early success. Vernon Davis, the sixth overall pick, has been the 49ers number receiving option in the west coast offense, catching 38 catches for 249 yards and a score. On the defensive side Manny Lawson (22nd pick overall) and Parys Haralson (140th overall pick) anchor a solid linebacking core. Haralson has recorded 37 tackles and six sacks, while Lawson has been just as impressive notching 38 tackles, 5 sacks, and an interception.
Their still a lot of time left to play in the 2006 season, and a playoff berth and division title is still a very long way away, but the Niners remaining schedule makes the season look even more promising. In the 49ers remaining eight games in the 2006 season only one of those games is against a team above .500, and that isn’t till their season finally in week 17 against 6-2 Denver.
Could this be a season to remember for the 49ers or will it turn into another season which sees them playing their final games for Notre Dame’s Brady Quinn.