How about those San Francisco 49ers? After a disappointing 2008 campaign that showed some promise of hope, it looks like this Niners team is ready to deliver on that hope in 2009.

Coach Mike Singletary appears to have been the mastermind behind what is quickly becoming one of the best defensive units in pro football today. Led by Patrick Willis, the 49ers defense has held its competition to just 26 total points in each of the team’s first two games.

The more impressive of the two wins was San Francisco’s week one victory over the Arizona Cardinals, in Arizona of all places. A 20-16 victory shut down the defending NFC champions, shocking many football fans across the country.

Frank Gore’s efficient play at running back, coupled with a great defensive presence thus far, has been largely responsible for this resurgence. Ironically, it seems the team is better off without first-round draft pick Michael Crabtree, the wide receiver many hoped would change the face of this franchise.

Crabtree refused to play after becoming unhappy with the contract another rookie wide receiver had been offered with the Raiders, and it seemed the 49ers’ state was in disarray going into the season.

After that win in Arizona and another impressive win in Week 2 against the visiting Seattle Seahawks, things look up for the San Francisco 49ers, and they surprisingly lead the NFC West division after two weeks of football.

Is this just one of those fluke starts we see some teams pull off every year, or are the San Francisco 49ers the real deal in 2009?