Hey folks, this is Fooch from Niners Nation.  I thought I'd try a little cross-blogging here and open up the floor for any questions you guys might have about the 49ers heading into this weekend's "battle."  I put battle in quotation marks because both teams have certainly had rather dubious starts to their respective seasons.  The Seahawks have been absolutely hammered by injuries, and the flying circus that is the 49ers took a detour into the surreal with the firing of Mike Nolan this week.  Before I open the floor I thought I'd give you guys a brief update on the offense and defense since we last met.

OFFENSE
After a rather solid start, including a 300+ yard passing against you guys, J.T. O'Sullivan has run square into a wall with 9 interceptions in the last four games.  He continues to have problems holding onto the ball too long, as evidenced by 6 sacks and 4 fumbles (only 1 lost) last weekend against the Giants.  Needless to say, another poor performance could see him get benched after this week.

The early highlight on offense was Frank Gore, but Mike Martz has gone back to out-smarting himself and moving away from the logical choice of using Gore more often.  The 49ers held a 9 point lead in the fourth quarter against Philly and Gore touched the ball two times that quarter.  I think that sums up Frank Gore-related frustrations.

DEFENSE
When the 49ers and Seahawks last faced off, Coach Mike Nolan utilized something he called the "Big Sub."  It was four down linemen, two linebackers and five defensive backs.  It was a conservative offense in the bend but don't break mold, meant to prevent big plays.  Unfortunately it broke in every way possible.  Teams have run all over it and the corners have given up some big passing plays along the way.

The big difference I hope and somewhat expect to see with Mike Singletary as head coach is a more aggressive defense.  That won't necessarily mean a ton more blitzing.  Rather, I'd expect a more liberal use of the 3-4 and 4-3 with some blitzing mixed in.  Manny Lawson saw only special teams play because according to Nolan, that worked 2006 when the 49ers took both games against Seattle.  That's all well and good, but it is nice to occasionally adjust.  So, I'd expect Manny Lawson to get out on the field to make some plays.

With that, I'll open the floor for questions and I'll do my best to answer them a completely as possible.