Niners offense has to catch on quick

New York Times

There's nothing wrong with the 49ers' offense that a little offense couldn't cure. The problem is where to find it. Through five games, the 49ers have not scored more than two offensive touchdowns in any one game and are 29th in the NFL in total offense and...

Through five games, the 49ers have not scored more than two offensive touchdowns in any one game and are 29th in the NFL in total offense and 30th in passing offense.

This, on a team with seven wide receivers on the active roster, none of whom is ranked in the top 90 in the league in numbers of receptions.

Starting receivers Isaac Bruce and Josh Morgan each have 13 receptions. Fully 90 players in the league have more catches than that, including tight end Vernon Davis, San Francisco's leading receiver with 22.

Perhaps the 49ers will pick up the pace offensively after the bye when running back Frank Gore (ankle) returns and rookie receiver Michael Crabtree debuts Oct. 25 at Houston.

The 49ers are 31st in the league in number of first downs per game, a key indicator of whether an offense is percolating down the field or if the pot is full of day-old sludge. Only the Raiders are worse in generating first downs.

Furthermore, among the eight lowest-rated offenses in the league, the 49ers at 29th are the only one with a winning record. Three winless teams are ranked higher in total offense, or yards per game, than San Francisco: St. Louis (28th), Tampa Bay (26th) and Tennessee (17th).

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This appeared on page B - 1 of the San Francisco Chronicle