Fueled by two straight drafts that addressed the team's porous secondary, and by an offense that welcomed back tailback Garrison Hearst after more than two years of work to rehabilitate a career-threatening ankle injury, a San Francisco team that had won just 10 games in 1999-2000 posted a dozen victories in 2002. The performance was testimony to 49ers coaches past and present -- to Bill Walsh, who orchestrated the drafts, and Steve Mariucci, who stewarded the club on the field -- and moved the organization at least one year ahead in its rise back to respectability.

So can the 49ers maintain the momentum in 2002? On the field, San Francisco clearly is no worse than a year ago. The Niners were atypically quiet in free agency, adding a few veterans like guard Ron Stone, safety Tony Parrish and versatile defensive lineman Sean Moran, but skipped by most of the high-priced rejects. That's a good sign, however, because the 49ers really didn't need many new parts.

It is off the field, where rumors of bickering still persist and where the club allowed Mariucci to flirt with a job offer from the Tampa Bay Bucs, that things were a bit more chaotic. And, of course, there is the lingering feud between Mariucci and standout wide receiver Terrell Owens, one of the NFL's top five playmakers. The two men met in Atlanta this spring and a truce was declared, but it is anyone's guess how long it lasts.

How the cloud of uncertainty over Mariucci's future affects San Francisco in 2002 remains to be seen. This remains, despite the number of thirtysomething veterans still dotting the roster, a mostly young team. And while duplicating the 12 wins that the club carved out a year ago might be difficult, San Francisco appears to be on the rise once again, certainly a playoff-caliber outfit.

The biggest turnaround, of course, has some on defense, where seven of the starters in 2001 were either first- or second-year players. Once embattled coordinator Jim Mora Jr. looked a whole lot smarter in '01, with the influx of young talent, and three of the first four picks in this spring's draft continued the rebuilding of that unit.

Where will this bring the 49ers?

	CAMP AT A GLANCE
	Terrell Owens has had over 1,400 yards receiving each of the last two seasons.
	Location: University of Pacific, Stockton, Calif. Rookies report: July 20 Veterans report: July 20 Preseason schedule:    Aug. 3: vs. Washington    Aug. 10: Kansas City    Aug. 19: at Denver    Aug. 24: at Oakland    Aug. 28: San Diego

To suggest that the 49ers have closed the gap on the Rams sufficiently enough to contend for the division title might be hyperbole. But the 49ers know that, to return to their Super Bowl heritage within the next couple years, they will have to upend St. Louis, and most moves the team has made were with the Rams in the crosshairs.

A high-powered offense, one that ranked No. 4 statistically in 2001, should continue to put up points. Quarterback Jeff Garcia is an amazing guy, a self-made player whose stats are staggering given modest physical skills and the manner in which he throws himself all over the field. Coming off a season of resurrection, Hearst might have to actually cede some playing time to second-year tailback Kevan Barlow but, whoever is running the ball, San Francisco will again feature a strong ground attack. While Owens keeps getting better, the 49ers keep waiting for J.J. Stokes to fulfill his potential, and they attempted to sign free agent Willie Jackson this spring as a potential replacement.

The biggest shortcoming on defense is a consistent pass rush and, with defensive end Andre Carter bulked up in his second year, the coaches are hopeful the former Cal star will get upfield and improve on his 6 ½ sacks of a year ago. The secondary is fast becoming one of the NFL's best units, as evidenced by the fact San Francisco finished second in the NFC last year in turnover differential.

Man in the spotlight
If the spotlight doesn't find Owens, he usually finds it, either by word or deed. Owens' flirtation this spring with basketball was just the latest example of his need for attention, and he will get plenty of that from opposing secondaries this year. Few wide receivers have his size-speed combination and, even when double-covered, Owens seems to find a way to separate. He had 93 catches for 1,412 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2001, and his two-year numbers are eye-popping.

The problem: While every star receiver wants the ball coming his way, Owens has made a habit out of publicly criticizing Mariucci when he feels the offense has ignored him. And his outbursts, justifiable or not, have become a distraction at times. The good news is that Owens never allows his unhappiness to affect his play, even in practices, where the coaches confirm he is one of the club's hardest working players.

Key position battle
The depth chart is remarkably well set entering training camp and there really is no true marquee competition at any position. One spot that might bear watching, though, is the tailback position. That the gutsy Hearst even got back onto the field after four surgeries and uncountable hours of rehab is testimony to the man. But even with his performance, and a new contract, there are some San Francisco coaches who feel it is time to ratchet back and allow second-year pro Kevan Barlow to develop. A tough inside runner, with good enough hands in the receiving game, Barlow is a physical stud. The problem is, every time he seems to take a step forward, he suffers some sort of nagging injury. It's bothersome that his history, even in college, follows that pattern.

Injury update
San Francisco is hopeful that backup safety John Keith, recovering from a knee injury, is fully recovered. Keith has notable physical skills and is an intriguing guy if he can simply stay healthy. Beyond that, there are not a lot of injuries here. Defensive lineman Junior Bryant, who probably will never play again because of a severe neck injury, remains on the roster only as a salary cap formality.

Rookie report
If you're going to match up with the Rams, you'd better have a solid No. 3 cornerback, and getting one was the San Francisco priority in the draft. First-rounder Mike Rumph of the University of Miami, doesn't have great speed, but he is a big, physical cornerback capable of redirecting a wide receiver, and he will immediately figure into the "nickel" scheme. Second-round linebacker Saleem Rasheed doesn't have to be rushed into the lineup, but has solid promise, and will be groomed as an eventual starter. Perhaps the key draftee is kicker Jeff Chandler, a fourth-round pick, and a guy who might solve the placement problems that cropped up in the second half of the '01 campaign.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.