NFL Preview: San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers have been almost totally rubbish for the past few years. Frank Gore has been their one real bright spot on offence, while Patrick Willis has been domineering on D. They have a real chance to win the division this year (the NFC West) now that the Cardinals have been forced to restructure after the announcement of Kurt Warner’s retirement following this year’s playoff loss to eventual Superbowl champions, New Orleans.


The 49ers have a good core, a talented young receiver in Michael Crabtree, a QB who is finally getting to grips with his No. 1 draft pick status and a coach whose impassioned outbursts and no-nonsense approach to prima donnas on his roster is gradually impacted the philosophy in California.

They are getting better all over and this year should mark their return to the playoffs. By playing in what is probably the weakest division in the NFC they have to win the West to guarantee a playoff berth – it is likely the two Wild Card spots will be filled by teams from the North (the packers, maybe), the South (the Falcons) and maybe the East (any one or two of Philadelphia, New York or Washington).

Win it they must, and win it they shall. And, in the process condemn my beloved Cardinals to a long offseason.


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