- 6,390
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- Joined
- Mar 21, 2004
Official 2012 San Francisco 49ers Offseason Thread
- Thread in 'Sports & Training' Thread starter Started by acidicality,
- Start date
- 7,568
- 32
- Joined
- Apr 1, 2005
Yea, it's 42 minutes long, but you're gonna watch all of it.
- 7,568
- 32
- Joined
- Apr 1, 2005
Yea, it's 42 minutes long, but you're gonna watch all of it.
- 715
- 10
- Joined
- Nov 12, 2010
Love how Williams tried to injure us, got caught on tape...And the first drive of the game, Pierre Thomas goes to SLEEP!!! And Alex Smith had a great season, ya'll trippin'. Not Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers numbers, but what I saw was a record breaking turnover ratio, and NO mistakes. Remember, this is a team sport. As far as I'm concerned, we should be the favored TEAM. This bully D has got us locked for years to come.
- 715
- 10
- Joined
- Nov 12, 2010
Love how Williams tried to injure us, got caught on tape...And the first drive of the game, Pierre Thomas goes to SLEEP!!! And Alex Smith had a great season, ya'll trippin'. Not Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers numbers, but what I saw was a record breaking turnover ratio, and NO mistakes. Remember, this is a team sport. As far as I'm concerned, we should be the favored TEAM. This bully D has got us locked for years to come.
- 4,527
- 17
- Joined
- Oct 17, 2002
got this from Reddit
[h3]San Francisco 49ers[/h3]
Division: NFC West
Record: 13-3 (5-1 Div.)
PF: 380 (11th)
PA: 229 (2nd)
Net: 151
YPG: 310.9 (26th)
YPGA: 308.2 (4th)
Draft Picks: 1-30, 2-61, 3-91, 4-125, 5-165, 6-200, 7-237
Free Agency
Alex Smith â QB â Re-signed with SF
Brandon Jacobs - RB â Signed with SF
Mario Manningham â WR â Signed with SF
Carlos Rogers - CB â Re-signed with SF
Perrish Cox â CB â Signed with SF
Randy Moss â WR â Signed with SF
Ahmad Brooks â OLB â Re-signed with SF
Blake Costanzo â LB â Signed with CHI
Ted Ginn Jr. â WR/KR â Re-signed with SF
Larry Grant â LB
Josh Morgan â WR â Signed with WAS
Moran Norris â RB
Justin Peelle â TE
Chilo Rachal â T
Monte Simmons â LB
Reggie Smith â CB â Signed with CAR
Adam Snyder â T â Signed with ARI
Shawntae Spencer â CB â Signed with OAK
Madieu Williams â S
Tony Wragge â G
Highs
The 49ers made the playoffs for the first time since 2002, mainly because of a charismatic and brilliant coach, Jim Harbaugh, with a theatric intensity about him. While the previous coach, Mike Singletary, tried to scare his players into playing, Harbaugh coaxed and prodded and encouraged his players. This led to some of the stalwarts of the team having their best seasons to date, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
The 49ers were the 2nd best scoring defense in the NFL, and likely would have been the best scoring defense if they had kept the Rams to 24 instead of 27 in week 17. Most people know of the fearsome impact that Justin Smith had (and has had for years) on offensive lines, and his tremendous effect cannot be understated. What most people donât realize is that Ray McDonald also had a remarkable season, and together, McDonald and Smith were the best 3-4 DE duo in the NFL. While nose tackles Isaac Sopoaga and Ricky Jean Francois were certainly good players on their own, they were largely overshadowed by the two giants to either side.
The renaissance of production on the defensive line helped the linebacker corps enormously. The departure of Takeo Spikes and Manny Lawson paved the way for Navorro Bowman and Ahmad Brooks to step up, which they did admirably. There was only one inside linebacker better than Navorro Bowman, and that was his partner-in-crime, Patrick Willis. The duo of Bowman and Willis had great chemistry, and worked well off each other. Ahmad Brooks was pretty good, but it was rookie sensation, Aldon Smith, who stole the spotlight. Aldon was definitely one of the more efficient pass rushers in 2011. Even though Demarcus Ware and Jared Allen got all the sacks, Aldon disrupted the passers around the same amount as the others with much less playing time.
The 49ersâ secondary may have seemed mediocre when looking at final stats, but stats donât tell the whole story. The 49ers were the best rushing defense in the NFL, allowing only 3 rushing TDs all year (the next highest allowed
. Teams attempting to run against them averaged a league lowest 3.5 ypc. This is why the 49ers were top 10 in opponent pass attempts. Despite being thrown at so much, the 49ers were top 12 in opponent QB completion percentage, passing TDs allowed, interceptions, opponent passing first downs, and 20+ yard passing plays allowed. Carlos Rogers and Tarrell Brown were excellent and underrated cornerbacks.
One aspect that has to be repeated over and over again is the phenomenal special teams play that the 49ers had all year. They were 1st in the NFL for best starting position for the offense and worst starting position for the opponent offense. David Akers was an amazing signing, as he was an astounding 45 of 50 for the season, hitting 100% of his field goals under 40 yards.
Lows
While Jim Harbaugh completely transformed and galvanized a talented defense, he wasnât given much to work with in the offense. Once again, the problems started in the trenches. Mike Iupati played well, but the rest of the line was atrocious. Jonathan Goodwin and Joe Staley were okay, serviceable and replaceable. Chilo Rachal was taken out of the lineup immediately, but Anthony Davis and Adam Snyder continued to stink it up. Alex Smith rarely had any time in the pocket.
The 49ers are advertised as a rushing team, but they werenât spectacular in that department. Even though they had the 3rd most rushing attempts in the league, they averaged a paltry 4.1 ypc (For comparison, Houston and Denver had more rushing attempts and averaged 4.8 and 4.5 ypc respectively). Frank Gore was also not very effective in the passing game, as he was 2nd in the league for drops by a runningback. As for the receiving game, neither Josh Morgan nor Braylon Edwards could get on the field for various reasons, including injuries, meaning that the 49ers were left with no one good at wide receivers. Michael Crabtree could have had a good season, but he was always double teamed, as the other receivers were useless.
The only person who actually played well on offense was Alex D Smith, but even he had some problems. Although his plays were designed to be short dumpoff passes and other safe choices, 49ers fans have to be concerned. The difference between average and good QBs is the willingness to take risks and success on deep passes. Alex Smith had the least deep pass attempts in the league among QBs who started an entire season. His production on those passes were right around the league average, but Smith has to (sometimes) trust his receivers to make the play on the ball. He relied too much on Vernon Davis, and as was seen in the NFC Championship, he couldnât do much without Vernon Davis.
The only redeeming quality of the offense was their ability to avoid turnovers. But when an offense has the league best defense, league best starting position, league best takeaway defense, league best giveaway percentage, but the third worst redzone touchdown scoring percentage, color me not impressed. My biggest gripe with the SF offense is that â if it had been able to sustain drives and score early â the defense could have played with a good lead and used their talent to become historically dominant. Instead, they were forced to try and hold on to 3 point leads throughout the entire game.
Highlights
Aldon Smith â Rookie Highlights
Patrick Willis pump up speech before Lions game
Ted Ginn â back to back returns
VikingsWorld San Francisco 49ers Highlights
Saints vs 49ers â Final 49ers drive
Free Agency/Draft
The 49ers did extremely well in free agency, as all 11 starters on defense will return next year. Re-signing Carlos Rogers was a priority, and Ahmad Brooks will continue to provide veteran savvy opposite the explosiveness of Aldon Smith. Just like last season, the 49ers signed veterans in need of a change of scenery (Manningham, Jacobs). They also went after (and were apparently impressed with) WR Randy Moss. Fantastic move if it works out, but Harbaugh is just the kind of coach who can control locker room distractions or get rid of them. The 49ers did commit a flub in FA, as they went after Peyton Manning while trying to re-sign Alex Smith. Obviously, Smith was upset, but after Manning made his decision, everyone reconciled in the end, and Harbaugh and Smith look to continue their great relationship.
In the draft, the 49ers may decide to address offensive line, but a genius move would be to draft TE Coby Fleener. Thereâs no need to give Smith more time in the pocket as he wonât be throwing deep anyway, and to pair an excellent prospect like Fleener next to an elite TE in Vernon Davis would do wonders for the 49ers offense. Harbaugh loves multiple TE sets, and Fleener would help boost the 49ers run game too. The 49ers should address defensive line and cornerback later in the draft for depth. While Harbaugh is high on Colin Kaepernick as a project QB, it wouldnât hurt to bring in another project, like Brock Osweiler.
Schedule Analysis
Considering the same defense that won them 13 games is returning, while the offense is getting more dynamic, the 49ers should be able to win the NFC West easily. They do play the Packers, Bears, Lions, Giants, Saints, Patriots, and Jets â all Superbowl contenders. If the offense improves and is able to score touchdowns consistently, the 49ers should be able to win most of those games and cruise to a 13 win season again.
Final Thoughts
Jim Harbaugh came in and completely changed the face of the 49ers â from miserable in the Bay to the kings of the West. With an unmatched young but talented defense, and great special teams play, the 49ers were able to secure a #2 seed and were one game away from the Superbowl. They have swagger, they have talent, and they have a chip on their shoulders from an almost decade long suffering. Ladies and gentlemen, the San Francisco 49ers are back, and theyâve come to play.
[h3]San Francisco 49ers[/h3]
Division: NFC West
Record: 13-3 (5-1 Div.)
PF: 380 (11th)
PA: 229 (2nd)
Net: 151
YPG: 310.9 (26th)
YPGA: 308.2 (4th)
Draft Picks: 1-30, 2-61, 3-91, 4-125, 5-165, 6-200, 7-237
Free Agency
Alex Smith â QB â Re-signed with SF
Brandon Jacobs - RB â Signed with SF
Mario Manningham â WR â Signed with SF
Carlos Rogers - CB â Re-signed with SF
Perrish Cox â CB â Signed with SF
Randy Moss â WR â Signed with SF
Ahmad Brooks â OLB â Re-signed with SF
Blake Costanzo â LB â Signed with CHI
Ted Ginn Jr. â WR/KR â Re-signed with SF
Larry Grant â LB
Josh Morgan â WR â Signed with WAS
Moran Norris â RB
Justin Peelle â TE
Chilo Rachal â T
Monte Simmons â LB
Reggie Smith â CB â Signed with CAR
Adam Snyder â T â Signed with ARI
Shawntae Spencer â CB â Signed with OAK
Madieu Williams â S
Tony Wragge â G
Highs
The 49ers made the playoffs for the first time since 2002, mainly because of a charismatic and brilliant coach, Jim Harbaugh, with a theatric intensity about him. While the previous coach, Mike Singletary, tried to scare his players into playing, Harbaugh coaxed and prodded and encouraged his players. This led to some of the stalwarts of the team having their best seasons to date, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
The 49ers were the 2nd best scoring defense in the NFL, and likely would have been the best scoring defense if they had kept the Rams to 24 instead of 27 in week 17. Most people know of the fearsome impact that Justin Smith had (and has had for years) on offensive lines, and his tremendous effect cannot be understated. What most people donât realize is that Ray McDonald also had a remarkable season, and together, McDonald and Smith were the best 3-4 DE duo in the NFL. While nose tackles Isaac Sopoaga and Ricky Jean Francois were certainly good players on their own, they were largely overshadowed by the two giants to either side.
The renaissance of production on the defensive line helped the linebacker corps enormously. The departure of Takeo Spikes and Manny Lawson paved the way for Navorro Bowman and Ahmad Brooks to step up, which they did admirably. There was only one inside linebacker better than Navorro Bowman, and that was his partner-in-crime, Patrick Willis. The duo of Bowman and Willis had great chemistry, and worked well off each other. Ahmad Brooks was pretty good, but it was rookie sensation, Aldon Smith, who stole the spotlight. Aldon was definitely one of the more efficient pass rushers in 2011. Even though Demarcus Ware and Jared Allen got all the sacks, Aldon disrupted the passers around the same amount as the others with much less playing time.
The 49ersâ secondary may have seemed mediocre when looking at final stats, but stats donât tell the whole story. The 49ers were the best rushing defense in the NFL, allowing only 3 rushing TDs all year (the next highest allowed
One aspect that has to be repeated over and over again is the phenomenal special teams play that the 49ers had all year. They were 1st in the NFL for best starting position for the offense and worst starting position for the opponent offense. David Akers was an amazing signing, as he was an astounding 45 of 50 for the season, hitting 100% of his field goals under 40 yards.
Lows
While Jim Harbaugh completely transformed and galvanized a talented defense, he wasnât given much to work with in the offense. Once again, the problems started in the trenches. Mike Iupati played well, but the rest of the line was atrocious. Jonathan Goodwin and Joe Staley were okay, serviceable and replaceable. Chilo Rachal was taken out of the lineup immediately, but Anthony Davis and Adam Snyder continued to stink it up. Alex Smith rarely had any time in the pocket.
The 49ers are advertised as a rushing team, but they werenât spectacular in that department. Even though they had the 3rd most rushing attempts in the league, they averaged a paltry 4.1 ypc (For comparison, Houston and Denver had more rushing attempts and averaged 4.8 and 4.5 ypc respectively). Frank Gore was also not very effective in the passing game, as he was 2nd in the league for drops by a runningback. As for the receiving game, neither Josh Morgan nor Braylon Edwards could get on the field for various reasons, including injuries, meaning that the 49ers were left with no one good at wide receivers. Michael Crabtree could have had a good season, but he was always double teamed, as the other receivers were useless.
The only person who actually played well on offense was Alex D Smith, but even he had some problems. Although his plays were designed to be short dumpoff passes and other safe choices, 49ers fans have to be concerned. The difference between average and good QBs is the willingness to take risks and success on deep passes. Alex Smith had the least deep pass attempts in the league among QBs who started an entire season. His production on those passes were right around the league average, but Smith has to (sometimes) trust his receivers to make the play on the ball. He relied too much on Vernon Davis, and as was seen in the NFC Championship, he couldnât do much without Vernon Davis.
The only redeeming quality of the offense was their ability to avoid turnovers. But when an offense has the league best defense, league best starting position, league best takeaway defense, league best giveaway percentage, but the third worst redzone touchdown scoring percentage, color me not impressed. My biggest gripe with the SF offense is that â if it had been able to sustain drives and score early â the defense could have played with a good lead and used their talent to become historically dominant. Instead, they were forced to try and hold on to 3 point leads throughout the entire game.
Highlights
Aldon Smith â Rookie Highlights
Patrick Willis pump up speech before Lions game
Ted Ginn â back to back returns
VikingsWorld San Francisco 49ers Highlights
Saints vs 49ers â Final 49ers drive
Free Agency/Draft
The 49ers did extremely well in free agency, as all 11 starters on defense will return next year. Re-signing Carlos Rogers was a priority, and Ahmad Brooks will continue to provide veteran savvy opposite the explosiveness of Aldon Smith. Just like last season, the 49ers signed veterans in need of a change of scenery (Manningham, Jacobs). They also went after (and were apparently impressed with) WR Randy Moss. Fantastic move if it works out, but Harbaugh is just the kind of coach who can control locker room distractions or get rid of them. The 49ers did commit a flub in FA, as they went after Peyton Manning while trying to re-sign Alex Smith. Obviously, Smith was upset, but after Manning made his decision, everyone reconciled in the end, and Harbaugh and Smith look to continue their great relationship.
In the draft, the 49ers may decide to address offensive line, but a genius move would be to draft TE Coby Fleener. Thereâs no need to give Smith more time in the pocket as he wonât be throwing deep anyway, and to pair an excellent prospect like Fleener next to an elite TE in Vernon Davis would do wonders for the 49ers offense. Harbaugh loves multiple TE sets, and Fleener would help boost the 49ers run game too. The 49ers should address defensive line and cornerback later in the draft for depth. While Harbaugh is high on Colin Kaepernick as a project QB, it wouldnât hurt to bring in another project, like Brock Osweiler.
Schedule Analysis
Considering the same defense that won them 13 games is returning, while the offense is getting more dynamic, the 49ers should be able to win the NFC West easily. They do play the Packers, Bears, Lions, Giants, Saints, Patriots, and Jets â all Superbowl contenders. If the offense improves and is able to score touchdowns consistently, the 49ers should be able to win most of those games and cruise to a 13 win season again.
Final Thoughts
Jim Harbaugh came in and completely changed the face of the 49ers â from miserable in the Bay to the kings of the West. With an unmatched young but talented defense, and great special teams play, the 49ers were able to secure a #2 seed and were one game away from the Superbowl. They have swagger, they have talent, and they have a chip on their shoulders from an almost decade long suffering. Ladies and gentlemen, the San Francisco 49ers are back, and theyâve come to play.
- 4,527
- 17
- Joined
- Oct 17, 2002
got this from Reddit
[h3]San Francisco 49ers[/h3]
Division: NFC West
Record: 13-3 (5-1 Div.)
PF: 380 (11th)
PA: 229 (2nd)
Net: 151
YPG: 310.9 (26th)
YPGA: 308.2 (4th)
Draft Picks: 1-30, 2-61, 3-91, 4-125, 5-165, 6-200, 7-237
Free Agency
Alex Smith â QB â Re-signed with SF
Brandon Jacobs - RB â Signed with SF
Mario Manningham â WR â Signed with SF
Carlos Rogers - CB â Re-signed with SF
Perrish Cox â CB â Signed with SF
Randy Moss â WR â Signed with SF
Ahmad Brooks â OLB â Re-signed with SF
Blake Costanzo â LB â Signed with CHI
Ted Ginn Jr. â WR/KR â Re-signed with SF
Larry Grant â LB
Josh Morgan â WR â Signed with WAS
Moran Norris â RB
Justin Peelle â TE
Chilo Rachal â T
Monte Simmons â LB
Reggie Smith â CB â Signed with CAR
Adam Snyder â T â Signed with ARI
Shawntae Spencer â CB â Signed with OAK
Madieu Williams â S
Tony Wragge â G
Highs
The 49ers made the playoffs for the first time since 2002, mainly because of a charismatic and brilliant coach, Jim Harbaugh, with a theatric intensity about him. While the previous coach, Mike Singletary, tried to scare his players into playing, Harbaugh coaxed and prodded and encouraged his players. This led to some of the stalwarts of the team having their best seasons to date, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
The 49ers were the 2nd best scoring defense in the NFL, and likely would have been the best scoring defense if they had kept the Rams to 24 instead of 27 in week 17. Most people know of the fearsome impact that Justin Smith had (and has had for years) on offensive lines, and his tremendous effect cannot be understated. What most people donât realize is that Ray McDonald also had a remarkable season, and together, McDonald and Smith were the best 3-4 DE duo in the NFL. While nose tackles Isaac Sopoaga and Ricky Jean Francois were certainly good players on their own, they were largely overshadowed by the two giants to either side.
The renaissance of production on the defensive line helped the linebacker corps enormously. The departure of Takeo Spikes and Manny Lawson paved the way for Navorro Bowman and Ahmad Brooks to step up, which they did admirably. There was only one inside linebacker better than Navorro Bowman, and that was his partner-in-crime, Patrick Willis. The duo of Bowman and Willis had great chemistry, and worked well off each other. Ahmad Brooks was pretty good, but it was rookie sensation, Aldon Smith, who stole the spotlight. Aldon was definitely one of the more efficient pass rushers in 2011. Even though Demarcus Ware and Jared Allen got all the sacks, Aldon disrupted the passers around the same amount as the others with much less playing time.
The 49ersâ secondary may have seemed mediocre when looking at final stats, but stats donât tell the whole story. The 49ers were the best rushing defense in the NFL, allowing only 3 rushing TDs all year (the next highest allowed
. Teams attempting to run against them averaged a league lowest 3.5 ypc. This is why the 49ers were top 10 in opponent pass attempts. Despite being thrown at so much, the 49ers were top 12 in opponent QB completion percentage, passing TDs allowed, interceptions, opponent passing first downs, and 20+ yard passing plays allowed. Carlos Rogers and Tarrell Brown were excellent and underrated cornerbacks.
One aspect that has to be repeated over and over again is the phenomenal special teams play that the 49ers had all year. They were 1st in the NFL for best starting position for the offense and worst starting position for the opponent offense. David Akers was an amazing signing, as he was an astounding 45 of 50 for the season, hitting 100% of his field goals under 40 yards.
Lows
While Jim Harbaugh completely transformed and galvanized a talented defense, he wasnât given much to work with in the offense. Once again, the problems started in the trenches. Mike Iupati played well, but the rest of the line was atrocious. Jonathan Goodwin and Joe Staley were okay, serviceable and replaceable. Chilo Rachal was taken out of the lineup immediately, but Anthony Davis and Adam Snyder continued to stink it up. Alex Smith rarely had any time in the pocket.
The 49ers are advertised as a rushing team, but they werenât spectacular in that department. Even though they had the 3rd most rushing attempts in the league, they averaged a paltry 4.1 ypc (For comparison, Houston and Denver had more rushing attempts and averaged 4.8 and 4.5 ypc respectively). Frank Gore was also not very effective in the passing game, as he was 2nd in the league for drops by a runningback. As for the receiving game, neither Josh Morgan nor Braylon Edwards could get on the field for various reasons, including injuries, meaning that the 49ers were left with no one good at wide receivers. Michael Crabtree could have had a good season, but he was always double teamed, as the other receivers were useless.
The only person who actually played well on offense was Alex D Smith, but even he had some problems. Although his plays were designed to be short dumpoff passes and other safe choices, 49ers fans have to be concerned. The difference between average and good QBs is the willingness to take risks and success on deep passes. Alex Smith had the least deep pass attempts in the league among QBs who started an entire season. His production on those passes were right around the league average, but Smith has to (sometimes) trust his receivers to make the play on the ball. He relied too much on Vernon Davis, and as was seen in the NFC Championship, he couldnât do much without Vernon Davis.
The only redeeming quality of the offense was their ability to avoid turnovers. But when an offense has the league best defense, league best starting position, league best takeaway defense, league best giveaway percentage, but the third worst redzone touchdown scoring percentage, color me not impressed. My biggest gripe with the SF offense is that â if it had been able to sustain drives and score early â the defense could have played with a good lead and used their talent to become historically dominant. Instead, they were forced to try and hold on to 3 point leads throughout the entire game.
Highlights
Aldon Smith â Rookie Highlights
Patrick Willis pump up speech before Lions game
Ted Ginn â back to back returns
VikingsWorld San Francisco 49ers Highlights
Saints vs 49ers â Final 49ers drive
Free Agency/Draft
The 49ers did extremely well in free agency, as all 11 starters on defense will return next year. Re-signing Carlos Rogers was a priority, and Ahmad Brooks will continue to provide veteran savvy opposite the explosiveness of Aldon Smith. Just like last season, the 49ers signed veterans in need of a change of scenery (Manningham, Jacobs). They also went after (and were apparently impressed with) WR Randy Moss. Fantastic move if it works out, but Harbaugh is just the kind of coach who can control locker room distractions or get rid of them. The 49ers did commit a flub in FA, as they went after Peyton Manning while trying to re-sign Alex Smith. Obviously, Smith was upset, but after Manning made his decision, everyone reconciled in the end, and Harbaugh and Smith look to continue their great relationship.
In the draft, the 49ers may decide to address offensive line, but a genius move would be to draft TE Coby Fleener. Thereâs no need to give Smith more time in the pocket as he wonât be throwing deep anyway, and to pair an excellent prospect like Fleener next to an elite TE in Vernon Davis would do wonders for the 49ers offense. Harbaugh loves multiple TE sets, and Fleener would help boost the 49ers run game too. The 49ers should address defensive line and cornerback later in the draft for depth. While Harbaugh is high on Colin Kaepernick as a project QB, it wouldnât hurt to bring in another project, like Brock Osweiler.
Schedule Analysis
Considering the same defense that won them 13 games is returning, while the offense is getting more dynamic, the 49ers should be able to win the NFC West easily. They do play the Packers, Bears, Lions, Giants, Saints, Patriots, and Jets â all Superbowl contenders. If the offense improves and is able to score touchdowns consistently, the 49ers should be able to win most of those games and cruise to a 13 win season again.
Final Thoughts
Jim Harbaugh came in and completely changed the face of the 49ers â from miserable in the Bay to the kings of the West. With an unmatched young but talented defense, and great special teams play, the 49ers were able to secure a #2 seed and were one game away from the Superbowl. They have swagger, they have talent, and they have a chip on their shoulders from an almost decade long suffering. Ladies and gentlemen, the San Francisco 49ers are back, and theyâve come to play.
[h3]San Francisco 49ers[/h3]
Division: NFC West
Record: 13-3 (5-1 Div.)
PF: 380 (11th)
PA: 229 (2nd)
Net: 151
YPG: 310.9 (26th)
YPGA: 308.2 (4th)
Draft Picks: 1-30, 2-61, 3-91, 4-125, 5-165, 6-200, 7-237
Free Agency
Alex Smith â QB â Re-signed with SF
Brandon Jacobs - RB â Signed with SF
Mario Manningham â WR â Signed with SF
Carlos Rogers - CB â Re-signed with SF
Perrish Cox â CB â Signed with SF
Randy Moss â WR â Signed with SF
Ahmad Brooks â OLB â Re-signed with SF
Blake Costanzo â LB â Signed with CHI
Ted Ginn Jr. â WR/KR â Re-signed with SF
Larry Grant â LB
Josh Morgan â WR â Signed with WAS
Moran Norris â RB
Justin Peelle â TE
Chilo Rachal â T
Monte Simmons â LB
Reggie Smith â CB â Signed with CAR
Adam Snyder â T â Signed with ARI
Shawntae Spencer â CB â Signed with OAK
Madieu Williams â S
Tony Wragge â G
Highs
The 49ers made the playoffs for the first time since 2002, mainly because of a charismatic and brilliant coach, Jim Harbaugh, with a theatric intensity about him. While the previous coach, Mike Singletary, tried to scare his players into playing, Harbaugh coaxed and prodded and encouraged his players. This led to some of the stalwarts of the team having their best seasons to date, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
The 49ers were the 2nd best scoring defense in the NFL, and likely would have been the best scoring defense if they had kept the Rams to 24 instead of 27 in week 17. Most people know of the fearsome impact that Justin Smith had (and has had for years) on offensive lines, and his tremendous effect cannot be understated. What most people donât realize is that Ray McDonald also had a remarkable season, and together, McDonald and Smith were the best 3-4 DE duo in the NFL. While nose tackles Isaac Sopoaga and Ricky Jean Francois were certainly good players on their own, they were largely overshadowed by the two giants to either side.
The renaissance of production on the defensive line helped the linebacker corps enormously. The departure of Takeo Spikes and Manny Lawson paved the way for Navorro Bowman and Ahmad Brooks to step up, which they did admirably. There was only one inside linebacker better than Navorro Bowman, and that was his partner-in-crime, Patrick Willis. The duo of Bowman and Willis had great chemistry, and worked well off each other. Ahmad Brooks was pretty good, but it was rookie sensation, Aldon Smith, who stole the spotlight. Aldon was definitely one of the more efficient pass rushers in 2011. Even though Demarcus Ware and Jared Allen got all the sacks, Aldon disrupted the passers around the same amount as the others with much less playing time.
The 49ersâ secondary may have seemed mediocre when looking at final stats, but stats donât tell the whole story. The 49ers were the best rushing defense in the NFL, allowing only 3 rushing TDs all year (the next highest allowed
One aspect that has to be repeated over and over again is the phenomenal special teams play that the 49ers had all year. They were 1st in the NFL for best starting position for the offense and worst starting position for the opponent offense. David Akers was an amazing signing, as he was an astounding 45 of 50 for the season, hitting 100% of his field goals under 40 yards.
Lows
While Jim Harbaugh completely transformed and galvanized a talented defense, he wasnât given much to work with in the offense. Once again, the problems started in the trenches. Mike Iupati played well, but the rest of the line was atrocious. Jonathan Goodwin and Joe Staley were okay, serviceable and replaceable. Chilo Rachal was taken out of the lineup immediately, but Anthony Davis and Adam Snyder continued to stink it up. Alex Smith rarely had any time in the pocket.
The 49ers are advertised as a rushing team, but they werenât spectacular in that department. Even though they had the 3rd most rushing attempts in the league, they averaged a paltry 4.1 ypc (For comparison, Houston and Denver had more rushing attempts and averaged 4.8 and 4.5 ypc respectively). Frank Gore was also not very effective in the passing game, as he was 2nd in the league for drops by a runningback. As for the receiving game, neither Josh Morgan nor Braylon Edwards could get on the field for various reasons, including injuries, meaning that the 49ers were left with no one good at wide receivers. Michael Crabtree could have had a good season, but he was always double teamed, as the other receivers were useless.
The only person who actually played well on offense was Alex D Smith, but even he had some problems. Although his plays were designed to be short dumpoff passes and other safe choices, 49ers fans have to be concerned. The difference between average and good QBs is the willingness to take risks and success on deep passes. Alex Smith had the least deep pass attempts in the league among QBs who started an entire season. His production on those passes were right around the league average, but Smith has to (sometimes) trust his receivers to make the play on the ball. He relied too much on Vernon Davis, and as was seen in the NFC Championship, he couldnât do much without Vernon Davis.
The only redeeming quality of the offense was their ability to avoid turnovers. But when an offense has the league best defense, league best starting position, league best takeaway defense, league best giveaway percentage, but the third worst redzone touchdown scoring percentage, color me not impressed. My biggest gripe with the SF offense is that â if it had been able to sustain drives and score early â the defense could have played with a good lead and used their talent to become historically dominant. Instead, they were forced to try and hold on to 3 point leads throughout the entire game.
Highlights
Aldon Smith â Rookie Highlights
Patrick Willis pump up speech before Lions game
Ted Ginn â back to back returns
VikingsWorld San Francisco 49ers Highlights
Saints vs 49ers â Final 49ers drive
Free Agency/Draft
The 49ers did extremely well in free agency, as all 11 starters on defense will return next year. Re-signing Carlos Rogers was a priority, and Ahmad Brooks will continue to provide veteran savvy opposite the explosiveness of Aldon Smith. Just like last season, the 49ers signed veterans in need of a change of scenery (Manningham, Jacobs). They also went after (and were apparently impressed with) WR Randy Moss. Fantastic move if it works out, but Harbaugh is just the kind of coach who can control locker room distractions or get rid of them. The 49ers did commit a flub in FA, as they went after Peyton Manning while trying to re-sign Alex Smith. Obviously, Smith was upset, but after Manning made his decision, everyone reconciled in the end, and Harbaugh and Smith look to continue their great relationship.
In the draft, the 49ers may decide to address offensive line, but a genius move would be to draft TE Coby Fleener. Thereâs no need to give Smith more time in the pocket as he wonât be throwing deep anyway, and to pair an excellent prospect like Fleener next to an elite TE in Vernon Davis would do wonders for the 49ers offense. Harbaugh loves multiple TE sets, and Fleener would help boost the 49ers run game too. The 49ers should address defensive line and cornerback later in the draft for depth. While Harbaugh is high on Colin Kaepernick as a project QB, it wouldnât hurt to bring in another project, like Brock Osweiler.
Schedule Analysis
Considering the same defense that won them 13 games is returning, while the offense is getting more dynamic, the 49ers should be able to win the NFC West easily. They do play the Packers, Bears, Lions, Giants, Saints, Patriots, and Jets â all Superbowl contenders. If the offense improves and is able to score touchdowns consistently, the 49ers should be able to win most of those games and cruise to a 13 win season again.
Final Thoughts
Jim Harbaugh came in and completely changed the face of the 49ers â from miserable in the Bay to the kings of the West. With an unmatched young but talented defense, and great special teams play, the 49ers were able to secure a #2 seed and were one game away from the Superbowl. They have swagger, they have talent, and they have a chip on their shoulders from an almost decade long suffering. Ladies and gentlemen, the San Francisco 49ers are back, and theyâve come to play.
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Worth every minute of Ronnie's number. Thanks for posting bro.Originally Posted by Andrew630
Yea, it's 42 minutes long, but you're gonna watch all of it.�
- 12,536
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- May 5, 2009
Worth every minute of Ronnie's number. Thanks for posting bro.Originally Posted by Andrew630
Yea, it's 42 minutes long, but you're gonna watch all of it.�
- 186
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- Feb 18, 2005
If that rumor is right about Niners at Packers for Week 1, then it's on. It'd be a lot better than going there in December.
About 16 hours until the schedule is released and we'll see what primetime games we got.
Maybe against packers, giants, and saints.
oh hell yeah.
About 16 hours until the schedule is released and we'll see what primetime games we got.
Maybe against packers, giants, and saints.
oh hell yeah.
- 186
- 10
- Joined
- Feb 18, 2005
If that rumor is right about Niners at Packers for Week 1, then it's on. It'd be a lot better than going there in December.
About 16 hours until the schedule is released and we'll see what primetime games we got.
Maybe against packers, giants, and saints.
oh hell yeah.
About 16 hours until the schedule is released and we'll see what primetime games we got.
Maybe against packers, giants, and saints.
oh hell yeah.
- 10,206
- 3,278
- Joined
- Dec 9, 2001
[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]COT DAMN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!![/font]
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- 10,206
- 3,278
- Joined
- Dec 9, 2001
[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]COT DAMN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!![/font]
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illvine
formerly drizzyd
- 12,032
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- Jun 1, 2009
[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]COT DAMN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!![/font]
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Dont underestimate that D bro!
illvine
formerly drizzyd
- 12,032
- 6,829
- Joined
- Jun 1, 2009
[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]COT DAMN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!![/font]
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Dont underestimate that D bro!
- 9,051
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DAMMIT if that opening game @GB is real life
i was planning on visiting SF at the end of the summer and was hoping theyd be playing at home
i was planning on visiting SF at the end of the summer and was hoping theyd be playing at home
- 9,051
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- Jul 6, 2008
DAMMIT if that opening game @GB is real life
i was planning on visiting SF at the end of the summer and was hoping theyd be playing at home
i was planning on visiting SF at the end of the summer and was hoping theyd be playing at home
- 12,303
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- May 2, 2007
This day better fly by...
Is Aldon going to be a starter? If so, it'll be real exciting to see him on the field on a constant basis
Is Aldon going to be a starter? If so, it'll be real exciting to see him on the field on a constant basis
- 12,303
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- May 2, 2007
This day better fly by...
Is Aldon going to be a starter? If so, it'll be real exciting to see him on the field on a constant basis
Is Aldon going to be a starter? If so, it'll be real exciting to see him on the field on a constant basis
- 10,206
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- Joined
- Dec 9, 2001
Dont underestimate that D bro!
im not.........but damn, who put THAT %++% together?
- 10,206
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- Joined
- Dec 9, 2001
Dont underestimate that D bro!
im not.........but damn, who put THAT %++% together?
- 8,859
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- Nov 20, 2007
- 8,859
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- Nov 20, 2007
- 5,132
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- Jun 1, 2003
Week 1: at GB
Week 2: DET (NBC)
Week 3: at MIN
Week 4: at NYJ
Week 5: BUF
Week 6: NYG
Week 7: SEA (NFLN)
Week 8 at AZ (ESPN)
Week 9: bye
Week 10: STL
Week 11: CHI (ESPN)
Week 12: at NO
Week 13: at STL
Week 14: MIA
Week 15: at NE (NBC)
Week 16: at SEA
Week 17: AZ
12-4
- 5,132
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- Jun 1, 2003
Week 1: at GB
Week 2: DET (NBC)
Week 3: at MIN
Week 4: at NYJ
Week 5: BUF
Week 6: NYG
Week 7: SEA (NFLN)
Week 8 at AZ (ESPN)
Week 9: bye
Week 10: STL
Week 11: CHI (ESPN)
Week 12: at NO
Week 13: at STL
Week 14: MIA
Week 15: at NE (NBC)
Week 16: at SEA
Week 17: AZ
12-4
