Cornerback Carlos Rogers is thoroughly impressed by the 49ers’ offseason haul, especially what it means to their defensive familiarity.
“I’ve never been on a team that has all 11 starters back,” Rogers said on a conference call Thursday. “This is a first for me. I’m pretty sure it’s rare for a lot of guys.
“That’s unbelievable. It’s a credit to our front office and coaches.”
Rogers’ return solidified an all-starters encore for a 49ers defense that allowed the league’s second-fewest points last season.
Only a few hours into free agency on March 13, Rogers re-signed on a four-year contract worth up to $31.3 million. The 49ers also kept their starting defense intact by re-signing linebacker Ahmad Brooks to a six-year deal and placing the franchise tag on safety Dashon Goldson.
After a family vacation to the Bahamas, Rogers was ready to speak with the media about staying with the 49ers. That return was a goal he set by Week 5 of what evolved into his first Pro Bowl season.
Among the offensive needs that have been filled, Rogers is “happy” with the signings of speedy wide receivers Randy Moss, Mario Manningham and Ted Ginn Jr., the latter of whom re-signed last week.
“With Moss, I just hope we get half of his abilities,” Rogers said. “Just his name is a threat out there. He’s somebody you can’t have single covered. You’ve got to put a double out there for him. He’s going to open up space for a lot of guys.”
Rogers lauded Manningham’s speed and knack for making big catches, referring to a sideline grab that sparked the New York Giants’ winning drive in Super Bowl XLVI. “If it wasn’t for the catch he made in the Super Bowl, you’d be looking at New England holding up the trophy again,” Rogers added.
The 49ers are scheduled to face more than a few of the NFL’s most talented quarterbacks in 2012: Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers, Eli Manning, Matthew Stafford and, as Rogers pointed out, Tim Tebow.
Even though Rogers said the 49ers defense will be “up for the challenge,” he wouldn’t go so far as to classify his team as a Super Bowl favorite.
“Time will tell. ‘Favorite’ doesn’t mean anything,” Rogers said. “I promise you we weren’t one of the favorites to get there (last year). The Saints were one of the favorites and we knocked them out. “¦ I just know we’ll work each day to try and get better, and we’ll see where we go.”
