San Francisco 49ers Season Preview History
2011 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS PREVIEW:
Despite completing his job with intensity unmatched by any coach in the NFL, Mike Singletary was fired by the San Francisco 49ers after another disappointing season. Now, former Stanford head coach Jim Harbuagh will take over and look to right the ship of a team that is looking for its first playoff berth since 2002.
The offense has suffered greatly from lack of consistency at quarterback, and that may not change his year. Alex Smith is once again under center, and though he possesses a great skill set, he has yet to show that in the pros. However, he will be helped by the acquisition of wide receiver Braylon Edwards, who joins an already-solid receiving corps that features Michael Crabtree and tight end Vernon Davis.
Despite the offensive struggles, the 49ers defense has some of the best young talent in the league. Linebacker Patrick Willis is among the best at his position, and helps pace a solid linebacking corps. Up front, the 49ers are led by defensive end Justin Smith, who brings a great deal of experience to this squad. They will have to deal with the loss of tackle Aubrayo Franklin to New Orleans, but the new coaching staff will be proficient in molding the defense in their image and what they have rostered.
2010 San Francisco 49ers Football Preview:
The San Francisco 49ers have been a team on the rise over the last several years, but have failed to make the playoffs since 2002. The Mike Singletary-lead 49ers came close last year, finishing second in the NFC West behind a young quarterback and a solid running game, and fans are expecting them to take the next step in 2010.
The offense is lead by running back Frank Gore, who has emerged as one of the most potent offensive threats in the NFL. While quarterback Alex Smith has yet to live up to the hype when he was drafted out of Utah, he has been given full control of the team this year - it could be a make or break season for him. He will be joined by several explosive receivers, particularly second-year man Michael Crabtree, who impressed in his limited time last season. Crabtree will be joined by tight end Vernon Davis, who is one of the most athletic players in the league and reeled in 13 touchdown catches a season ago.
The 49ers will likely be a defensive-minded team with Singletary at the the helm, and will be looking to build off a season where they ranked 6th in the league against the run, but just 21st against the pass. Linebackers Takeo Spikes and Patrick Willis will patrol the middle and will play a central role in the potential success of San Francisco's defensive squad.
2009 San Francisco 49ers Football Preview:
2009 could be a banner year for the San Francisco 49ers and their Head Coach Mike Singletary. The 49ers head into the season with talent all over their roster. One of the few question marks for San Fran will be the quarterback position where a slew of players will compete for the signal caller job. The QB position will eventually get settled, but what is not in dispute is who will tote the rock for the Niners. Frank Gore returns from his injury and should once again emerge as one of the best backs in the NFC. On defense the 49ers will count on stud linebacker Patrick Willis and emerging LB Manny Lawson. If Singletary can get his defense playing great ball and Gore carries the offense then San Fran fans might start thinking about having a miracle season like the Arizona Cardinals did in 2008.
2008 San Francisco 49ers Football Preview:
This San Francisco 49ers team is gong to be an exciting one to watch over the years in the NFL, but with the loss of offensive lineman Larry Allen and successive unproductive seasons from Alex Smith, this team really needs some new talent to boost its rank. After a disappointing 2007 showing, the team appears to be in a full-blown rebuilding mode. The beauty of the NFL, however, is how quickly teams can turn things around through free agency and the draft. Some players to watch on this 49ers team this season are: Justin Smith, Isaac Bruce and DeShaun Foster. It will be exciting to watch the 49ers regain their stature as one of the most storied and successful franchises in NFL history. Fans will fill historic and picturesque Candlestick Park to peek into the future of their team and the future of the NFL.