San Francisco corner Nate Clements is trying a new tactic to try and stop Larry Fitzgerald…making fun of his abs.

For the 4th consecutive year, the Arizona Cardinals will open up their season against the San Francisco 49ers.

So, what to know about the 49ers?

Well, in an attempt to recapture their glory days of the 80s, they’ve switched their uniforms back to the style popularized by Montana and Rice. Will it work? We shall see, but we do know Hill to Morgan just doesn’t strike the same kind of fear in opponents.

The Niners finished 2008 strong, winning four of their last 5 games to finish 7-9. As he did for the 2nd half of last season, Shaun Hill will start at quarterback for San Francisco. Hill went 5-3 as a starter while throwing for 2046 yards and 13 touchdowns.

One target Hill won’t have to throw to this week and possibly all season is rookie Michael Crabtree. The first round pick out of Texas Tech has yet to sign a contract. Apparently Crabtree and his uncle/advisor don’t get the whole slotted salary structure that the other 31 first round picks have abided by. Crabtree thinks that by holding out, and re-entering the draft in 2010, he’ll improve his stock and get his money. Not gonna happen.

The Niners’ goal in 2009 is to run the football. New offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye says that San Francisco will run 60% of the time, and that the team will rely heavily once again on running back Frank Gore. Gore had his third straight 1,000-yard season last year, but has seen his yardage and catch totals decrease in each of the last three years.

Ironically enough, it was San Francisco’s run-first strategy that probably cost them quarterback Kurt Warner. The Cardinals’ QB, who was a free agent in the off-season after leading Arizona to the Super Bowl, visited with the 49ers, but was turned off by their reliance on the running game.

On defense, the 49ers don’t lack confidence. Cornerback Nate Clements poked some fun at Cardinals’ WR Larry Fitzgerald’s shirtless appearance on the cover of Men’s Fitness Magazine, quipping “I thought you had to have abs for that.” Not exactly a smart move to take verbal shots at the best receiver in the game, but Clements might be fueled by the fact that Fitz only had 77 yards receiving in two games against San Francisco last season, although he did have two touchdowns.

Also, look for linebacker Patrick Willis, who has established himself as a bona-fide tackling machine in his two seasons. Willis registered 141 tackles last season, which ranked him 2nd in the league behind D’Qwell Jackson of Cleveland. He led the league with 174 as a rookie in 2007. Chances are you’ll see #52 near the football a lot on Sunday.

49ers At A Glance

Head Coach: Mike Singletary – 2nd year (5-4)

Offensive Coordinator: Jimmy Raye

Defensive Coordinator: Greg Manusky

49ers With Arizona Ties: LS Brian Jennings (ASU)

K Joe Nedney (former Cardinal)

WR Michael Spurlock (former Cardinal)

Asst Coach Al Harris (ASU)

Asst Coach Al Everest (former Cardinal coach)

2008 Record: 7-9 (2nd place NFC West)

2009 Preseason: 3-1