Is the upcoming 2010 season the most important 49ers season in recent memory?

when the ‘01 Niners returned to the playoffs after a couple of down seasons, we still had some lingering momentum from our last super bowl team…guys like Bryant Young and Dana Stubblefield were still here…TO was the heir apparent and Jeff Garcia seemed to be a bit like Steve Young (in some ways). it was our last chance to cling to the glory that was our storied franchise. i had hope for a resurgence, but we didn’t seem to have winners on our roster….winners when it mattered.

this year, we have no connection to those years (Brian Jennings?), it’s a fresh team with some real intriguing pieces. Willis is clearly the face of the team, and we’ve also got some guys like VD and Crabtree to be key figures in the red and gold. This year is so important – because for the first time we have a clear shot at being in the playoffs, and a real chance to see how these guys play in the big games. if we’re to see the glory that we saw years before, we’ll need to see big plays in the big games from our big names. so, yea, this year’s pretty important.

I expect us to make the playoffs. Hopefully win the division (don’t see why we wouldn’t) In the playoffs anything is possible. I don’y know about the rest of you but this team reminds me of the 1981 Superbowl Cinderella team (minus Joe Montana) I think we have the mindset, very strong defense and character to persevere. Go Niners!!!

This team as has been mentioned, has not been to the playoffs since 2002. I went to that game against the Giants, and while the finish was exciting (when Jeff Garcia led the team back from a 24-point deficit to win 39-38 against the New York Giants), that was the end of the line for the Garcia/T.O./Mariucci combination, and the last time the Niners tasted victory in the playoffs. If you could call that game a victory. More like a minor miracle/officiating disaster. That game was a major example when instant replay was debated. I think all even minded Niners fans could say that the tackle eligible being tackled was the turning point in that game and the Refs sure did the Niners a big favor in that game. Maybe even several. But it was my first ever playoff game, so for me it was still great! My wife and I spent 2 nights in San Fran and it was just a great time all around.

But back to football. The Mike Singletary 2010 Niners are a very good squad indeed. They went 8-8 last year, and despite feasting on bad teams the final few games to get to 8-8, it was still a major improvement over the previous year. The Defense has been built from the creative minds of Greg Manuski and Mike Singletary to be a Linebacker centric Defense with arguably the best linebacker in all of football Patrick Willis anchoring the middle and calling the plays. The defense has steadily improved to be one of the better defenses in all of football. This year with the addition of some help in the secondary, and the slow improvement in our pass rush, the Niners defense could quite easily be a top 5, or even top 3 defense in the entire NFL.

Defense in not a problem on the Niners. The Offense however has been a major disappointment over the last few years. Smith was not a good choice, and even though they continue to try and prove that Smith is a good QB, his results have been mixed to say the least. This is the year that Alex Smith needs to either succeed or retire. He has had ample chances to prove what he has to offer. Yes, he has had a terrible offensive line and no weapons to throw the ball to over that span of time, but that is not the case now. He has an improved offensive line and a group of receivers who should be able to get open and receive the ball. Smith needs to step up and start making some passes. If the offensive line gives him time, he needs to make completions. He has run out of excuses. It is put up or shut up year for Smith. This is the last year on his contract, and if he doesn’t show the team something this year, he wont be around next season. Carr isn’t the long term answer either so the Niners will be looking QB in the draft next season if Smith doesn’t succeed. I am pulling for Smith, and I think physically he has what it takes. It is the mental aspect that seems to be lacking. He is a smart kid too from all reports. He just hasn’t proven very “Football” smart. So if the Niners are able to win the West, go 10-6 or 11-5, make the playoffs, and make some noise, Smith may get another contract. But really, that is where the expectations are for this team. I don’t believe anyone thinks this is a SB ready team by FAR, but they are a playoff team in a weak NFC West. So lets hope they make the playoffs and Smith finally proves his worth. GO NINERS !!!

The Super Bowl is very near
At Stanford stadium it’ll be this year.
We’ll watch the Dolphins do their tricks
but always with them will be Lott and Hicks.

The dolphis have swam on Marino’s arm
And very few, have done him harm.
But on Marino’s arm they also can fail
And that is where we’ll tell the tale.

Marino and Duper will not connect
the Niner defense is raising heck.
Clayton will do better but only by one
the Niner defense will have their fun.

Tyler will run for 200 yards
Because of a backfield bull of guards.
Montana will throw for 200 more
And the fans will watch as they roll up the score.

After one quarter is said and done
Miame 7, 49ers 21.
At the half there ain’t no doubt.
The Dophins, have been caged, and it’s a route.

If you want to know the final score.
49ers 45 and Miami could get no more.