Avoiding injuries

Much has been written about the development of Alex Smith, the emergence of Frank Gore, and the recent stifling play of the defense, keyed by Brandon Moore and Keith Lewis jumping into starting position.

However, one of the big reasons the Niners are 5-5 is injuries...or lack thereof.

In recent years, the Niners have been decimated by injuries. Unlike the New England Patriots, who have the depth to deal with numerous injuries to starters, San Francisco has not had the talent to fill in the gaps. To be honest, the team still doesn't...as evidenced by the horror that was Sammy Davis in last week's win.

Fortunately, Mike Nolan realized this...and he has made a game effort to rid his squad of the most injury prone. He shipped off Jamie Winborn, he cut ties with Ahmed Plummer, and he even made a tough call not to resign Julian Peterson, primarily for fear of tying up a lot of money in someone who might have future injury problems...the jury is still out on this one.

Last year, injuries to Jeremy Newberry and Jonas Jennings crippled the offensive line, giving Alex Smith no time (as a rookie, no less) to find his receivers (who were not talented enough to get wide open on their own). So, Nolan stockpiled offensive linemen...and this year, David Bass, Tony Wragge and Adam Snyder can spell the starters adequately.

Eric Heitman has been phenomenal filling in for Newberry...and, of course, Larry Allen is the big reason why Gore is so consistently good. Is it coincidence that the Niners three-game winning streak corresponds with Allen's return? No way.

At week 11 and 12, many teams are done in by key injuries. This may happen to the Eagles and Giants this year. Some of this is pure luck, but some injuries can be prevented by proper conditioning and eliminating players whose bodies can't take the strain. The Niners have finally become a team that benefits from the injuries of other teams rather than suffering through their own.

The team is still woefully thin at corner...and if Shawntae Spencer is out this week, the Niners might be done for. But, No.1 draft pick and possible future-star Vernan Davis has been a non-factor after his week one TD against Arizona. Has the team really missed Davis? Unclear...because the team has enough offensive depth to get by without him. If Antonio Bryant is suspended, it's possible that Davis will fill in for him without missing a beat...we will see.

Staying healthy is one of the biggest keys to victory in the NFL...and in an NFC so close, it could be what propels San Francisco to an 8-8 record...or, shockingly, a miraculous playoff appearance. Of course, one or two injuries in the wrong areas could send the team back to 6-10...just cross your fingers for Spencer and Gore.