Is 49ers GM Scot McCloughan at All Familiar With Mike Martz?

Some in the San Francisco media are questioning whether the 49ers have done enough to upgrade their pass rush, something woefully lacking last year. Marquee signing Justin Smith -- while very talented -- isn't known as a pass rush specialist, and they're content letting underrated end Marques Douglas liberally explore the market, though Manny Lawson and Jay Moore should help.

When asked whether the team really improved that dimension, Scot McCloughan pulled out the ole' "improving our offense will improve our defense" cliché.

"I think our improvement is going to come on offense - us keeping our defense off the field....

"We're going to be twice as good, from my standpoint, on offense, as far as keeping the ball in our hands. It'll make the defense that much better.

I obviously understand that logic and it's valid ... except when your offensive coordinator is Mike Martz. To allow your defense to rest, you have to maintain ball control, as McCloughan readily notes. But that has never, ever, ever been the objective of Martz's offense, which, when not quick-striking its way to the endzone, is prone to turnovers.

If ball control really is a priority, paired with the rumor that they will rely heavily on Frank Gore, it makes me wonder whether the 49ers eternal sunshined Martz after hiring him.