Mike Martz will be the second offensive coordinator candidate to interview with the 49ers. You have to believe, however, that this is more of a courtesy than a serious sit down. Why?
1. Martz's strength is the passing game. The 49ers have been built as a running team.
2. The 49ers' best offensive weapon is Frank Gore. Martz's offenses routinely finish 32nd in rushing.
3. Martz likes small, fast Mike-Furrey type receivers. The 49ers have acquired bigger, tougher downfield blockers.
4. Martz's offenses excel on artificial surfaces. The 49ers play on a clam flat. (At high tide, the smell of the bay emanates from the playing field.)
5. Martz's offenses are hard on QBs (54 sacks last year). The 49ers finished the season with three ailing QBs.
6. And finally, when asked about a report that the 49ers would be interested in Martz, new GM Scot McCloughan told the Mercury News, "There's no truth to that."
Maybe things have changed since McCloughan made that demark on Dec. 30. But I've got to believe that Nolan either is being thorough or doing Martz a favor with this interview.
-- Matt Barrows
