2012 San Francisco 49ers Preview

2012 San Francisco 49ers

Jim Harbaugh’s first year as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers was simply magnificent. It was a magical season for the red and gold, and the return to greatness for a franchise that had been so used to winning seasons. Everything came together for this team last year; Alex Smith had his best season in a previously disappointing career, and the defense imposed its will onto all challengers. They had an unbelievable turnover ratio, and David Akers had a record-setting season at kicker. If it’s possible, the 2012 team might be even better than the 2011 version. They added Brandon Jacobs and Mario Manningham on offense, along with the un-retired Randy Moss. They are still loaded on defense, where Patrick Willis is healthy again and Aldon Smith is no longer a rookie. There is no doubt that the 49ers will not get as fortunate as they were last year, but they have the talent to conquer adversity and be great again. A 13-3 record will be hard to follow up, but this group is tough, and is exactly what you picture when you think of a hard-nosed, championship-caliber team.

Offense

Alex Smith only had five interceptions last season, a number that will surely rise, especially since they will probably throw the rock a little more to account for the new weapons that San Francisco added on the outside in Randy Moss and Mario Manningham, and for the emergence of talented tight end Vernon Davis. There are still plenty of questions floating around this offense: Can Alex Smith repeat his efficient season? Will Frank Gore stay healthy and productive? Does Randy Moss have anything left in the tank? Will Jacobs and Manningham have an impact? It’s possible that the answer to all these questions is “yes”. They have a fantastic offensive line, multiple quality running backs including workhorse Frank Gore, and several outside threats (Davis, Moss, Manningham, Crabtree, Ginn, and the rookie AJ Jenkins). The identity of this unit is still to run the ball down the throat of the defense and throw it when they have to, but it will be interesting to see if they unleash Alex Smith a little more this season. The San Francisco offense won’t run up and down the field putting up points, but they are tough, solid, and hard to stop. They sure put on a show at the end of the Saints game, and the touchdown pass to Vernon Davis will be one of the best images from the entire 2011 NFL season.

Defense

Brutal. Ferocious. Terrifying. Pulverizing. Phenomenal. I have just described the 49ers defense for you. Here’s some names for you: Justin Smith, NaVorro Bowman, Patrick Willis, Aldon Smith, Carlos Rogers. All potential Pro Bowlers this season. They didn’t allow a rushing touchdown till Week 16. They are really good. Enough said.

Schedule

The San Francisco 49ers have a great team again in 2012, but there’s no way they repeat that 13-3 season from last year. They almost made it to the promised land but couldn’t seal the deal against the Giants, and wasted an incredible opportunity. Can they get back to the NFC Championship Game this year? I think they will win their division, so they have a good shot.

Week 1: L at GB (2 superpowers battling Week 1, gotta love it.)

Week 2: W vs DET

Week 3: W at MIN
Week 4: L at NYJ

Week 5: W vs BUF
Week 6: W vs NYG (payback.)

Week 7: W vs SEA
Week 8: L at ARI (weird things happen in ARI on Monday night.)

Week 9: Bye

Week 10: W vs STL

Week 11: W vs CHI

Week 12: L at NO

Week 13: W at STL

Week 14: W vs MIA

Week 15: L at NE

Week 16: L at SEA

Week 17: W vs ARI

I think that the 2012 San Francisco 49ers will fall to 10-6 this season, but that doesn’t mean they are any worse. With their win over the G-Men, they own the tiebreaker and will control the number two seed in the NFC going into the playoffs, the same as last year. San Fran is a mean team who is seeking redemption for last year, which is a scary combination. I wouldn’t want to play them in the playoffs. Well, I guess the Giants wouldn’t mind, because they just won that game last year, but they’re an exception. I’ll do my bold prediction next, then continue my previews with the dangerous Seattle Seahawks.

Bold Prediction: The 49ers finish with the number one defense statistically, and Randy Moss has only 30 catches and 2 touchdowns, but that’s because of Alex Smith, not him.