Last year: 13-3, 1st in NFC West, lost in conference final
With the help of Jim Harbaugh the team went from a poor 6-10 to a 13-3 powerhouse. Two botched punts stopped them from the Super Bowl last year but they did find a strong running game, an elite defense, and a special teams that became the foundation for a lot of their success. They finished 29th overall in passing and 26th in defense. With their first two picks for the draft, they drafted Illinois wide receiver A.J. Jenkins and Oregon running back LaMichael James, both big-play weapons. In free agency Randy Moss and Mario Manningham were added as wide receivers while they re-signed wide receiver and punt returner Ted Ginn Jr. The defense is returning all of its starters and it's a defense that finished second in points allowed. Aldon Smith might be the only change, with 14sacs last season as a part time rusher, look for him to take a starting role at outside linebacker. Pro Bowl trio special team players include kicker David Ackers, punter Andy Lee, and snapper Brian Jennings, all remaining intact.The 49ers really wanted to avoid a drop off in the running game like last years incident when starter Frank Gore was tied down with injuries, so in order to bypass that they've added Brandon Jacobs through free agency and James through the draft. Alongside the new wide receivers will be Pro Bowl tight end Vernon Davis, remaining a viable weapon. What we don't know is who will take the spot at right guard. The offensive line ranked 26th in sacks allowed per pass play at the end of last season. The position will either go to second year tackles Daniel Kilgore and Mike Peterson, veteran Alex Boone, or fourth-round choice Joe Looney. Greg Roman is the offensive coordinator for the 49ers and runs a West coast style of play, but we don't know if that will change now that he has speed on his side. Keep an eye on for Alex Smith to see if he can build on his resurgence from last season when he showed the ability to be a competent game manager.
Vic Fangio is the defensive coordinator for this team and runs a 3-4 style of play. Last season, linebacker Patrick Willis, free safety Dashon Goldson and defensive end Ray McDonald missed a combined seven games. Other than that, everyone was in attendance for every game. Most of their starters compiled career years. There were 38 turnovers created by the 49ers defense which were converted into 108 points overall. Hopefully, the can continue to stay healthy and present as well as create turnovers at a crazy pace. They'll have to face some of the best offenses in the league but be certain those offenses will be more wary when they come to face this unit.
Special teams coordinator Brad Seely became a head coach candidate with his quick turn around of the special teams unit. They were able to turn Akers into a scoring machine after he set the NFL single-season records with 44 field goals made at 52 field goals attempted and 166 points scored without a touchdown. Seely also helped complete a longtime goal of making Ginn a fearless returner.
After only one year as head coach, Harbaugh was able to instill a chemistry rarely seen amongst NFL teams. He and Roman helped Smith find his confidence and not only did his staff create a consistent and innovative game plan, the players were consistent in their motivations and willingness to play for him. It didn't go unnoticed as he was named coach of the year.
