2013 San Francisco 49ers
It is known that I do not think with my head when it comes to the 49ers, but with my heart. And my heart tells me that I want them to be crushed. It was never my intention to have this hatred, but the last half of 2012 changed that. I repeatedly established myself as anti-Kaepernick, and I have no intention of backing down now. He came dangerously close to winning a Super Bowl last year, which would have devastated me. I don’t root for people, no matter how talented, who lack intangibles. Also, last year the Seahawks took off with Russell Wilson at the helm, and the Seattle-San Francisco rivalry was born. Both teams will be great, and they both will be fighting for a championship. A side has to be picked, and I made my choice. Kaepernick obviously has a world of talent, and if I were to deny that it would just be ignorant. However, I think that teams will utilize the tape on him to figure out a way to try to contain his running. If that happens, I think he will struggle, because I don’t think that Kaep has enough throwing ability (yet) to match his peers, such as RGIII, Wilson, or even Cam Newton. He also doesn’t have many quality receivers to throw to; Vernon Davis is a good tight end, but Anquan Boldin, as much love as I have for him, cannot be a true number one receiver. After him, unless Michael Crabtree returns, are the likes of Kyle Williams and Lavelle Hawkins. Frank Gore is aging but still a handful to take down, and LaMichael James might get more action this season, with his dynamic quickness. The 49ers offense, in my opinion, has the biggest ceiling of any offense of the top teams in the NFL, but also maybe the lowest floor. As far as the defense, not much needs to be said. NaVorro Bowman looks like he has taken over the top linebacker spot from Patrick Willis, but both are still very intimidating. Meanwhile, the “Smith Brothers” Aldon and Justin (unrelated) are still a devastating combination. The one area of concern is the secondary, where they can be exposed if the pass rush doesn’t reach the quarterback in a sufficient manner. Generally, though, that’s not an issue. This is a top five defense even in a down year, so barring an extreme injury, they should have no problem getting back into the playoffs.
Schedule
Week 1: L vs GB (probable win, but I’m banking on GB learning the read option)
Week 2: L at SEA (possibly the most intense game in the NFL all season)
Week 3: W vs IND
Week 4: L at STL
Week 5: W vs HOU
Week 6: W vs ARI
Week 7: W at TEN
Week 7: W at TEN
Week 8: W at JAC
Week 9: Bye
Week 10: W vs CAR
Week 11: W at NO (another change)
Week 12: L at WAS
Week 13: W vs STL
Week 14: W vs SEA
Week 15: L at TB
Week 16: W vs ATL
Week 17: L at ARI
Originally I had the 49ers losing that game to New Orleans Week 11, which would make them 9-7, but they can’t lose that many games, can they? I don’t think so. I changed the Saints game, but that extra win could come against Green Bay, St. Louis, Arizona, Tampa Bay, Washington...there are many games that San Francisco could potentially win. So I think it’s fair to peg the Niners in for ten wins, which, at this rate, would be enough to get them a playoff spot as well. Even though I would love to see San Francisco fail, at least for this year, it is clear that they are one of the top five teams in the league, and will absolutely compete for a Super Bowl. We’ll just have to see what happens, and hopefully they will be defeated by the team in my next preview.
Bold Prediction: Colin Kaepernick will throw for less than 3,500 yards and 20 TDs, but will rush for at least 500 yards, and 5 TDs.
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