--The San Francisco 49ers appear to have good talent in most spots on defense. But the big question is whether they can provide a consistent pass rush.

Defensive coordinator Greg Manusky believes the 49ers have the talent to get steady pressure on the quarterback. This offseason, he made it a point of emphasis to the team.

"To get pressure on the quarterback, you have to have the people to do it," Manusky said. "But you also have the guys on the back end covering people and forcing the issue. We stressed the pass rush this offseason. We're focusing on that and trying to get pressure on the quarterback. That's what we're trying to do. Every day, we're stressing that. That's what we want."

The 49ers ranked 24th in the NFL in sacks per defensive play in 2007. The club recorded 31 sacks with retired defensive end Bryant Young leading the way with 6.5 sacks for the season, with 5.5 sacks coming in the 49ers' two games against the St. Louis Rams.

Outside linebacker Tully Banta-Cain, whom the 49ers signed to a three-year, $9 million contract, was a disappointment in his first season with the club. Banta-Cain recorded just 3.5 sacks.

So who do the 49ers believe will supply them with a pass rush this season?

Manny Lawson returns at outside linebacker after missing 14 games last season due to a torn knee ligament, but he has not shown any hints of being a pass-rusher at the NFL level.

The 49ers signed high-priced free agent Justin Smith, who was coming off a disappointing two-sack season with the Cincinnati Bengals. Smith could get swallowed up at right defensive end in the 49ers' 3-4 scheme, but the team plans to try him out as an outside linebacker in pass-rush situations.

Third-year player Parys Haralson showed signs of coming on as a pass rusher last season. He ended up with 2.5 sacks. And left defensive end Isaac Sopoaga has the quickness to get to the quarterback. Sopoaga had 1.5 sacks last season as a backup nose tackle.

One wild card in the 49ers' quest to get to the quarterback is inside linebacker Patrick Willis. He finished the season by recording three of his four sacks in the final two games of the season. With his exceptional all-around play, the 49ers might use him more on blitzes.

CAMP CALENDAR
Club reports to training camp in Santa Clara, Calif., on Thursday, July 24, with first practices scheduled for Friday, July 25. The 49ers break camp on Aug. 22.

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