An interesting change to the 49ers this off-season was headed up by defensive tackle and two time 49er, Dana Stubblefield. Stubblefield convinced nearly all of the defensive players to take part in the 49ers off-season conditioning program. The program involved the players training together. Although there were still some players who trained away from the 49ers facilities, for the most part, the time conditioning together should improve relations between the players and thus improve the chemistry on the defensive side of the ball.

The mini-camp will give us and the 49ers staff an opportunity to see how this type of off-season commitment has paid off. And if it's successful, it may carry over to the offense as well. Imagine the benefits of Jeff Garcia throwing Stokes and Owens passes instead of a trainer. Imagine the benefit of the running backs working out together learning how each other move etc. It's something the team works on all season, but if it could carry over to the the off-season on a voluntary basis, the team could be that much more potent.