Golden Nuggets: Best of the Niners in the Year 2013

As the year 2013 comes to a close and we look back, we've seen a lot of movement, a lot of changes, a bit of adversity, but most of all a big push forward for our beloved 49ers. Here are some of the team highs (and lows) that made year an exciting one for the Niners:

• One of the most exciting playoff runs I've been a witness to all the way up to that heartbreaking final play of the Superbowl
  
• Colin Kaepernick's emergence from a controversial question mark into an NFL star during the playoffs
• Another solid draft class with solid contributions from Eric Reid, Vance McDonald, Corey Lemonier, and now Quinton Patton
  
• Tough injuries in the off-season to Chris Culliver and Michael Crabtree
• Anquan Boldin's breakout game in the season opener against Green Bay and his continued solid production all season
• Aldon Smith's off-the-field problems
• Frank Gore showing that 30 years is not old for franchise running backs
• Michael Crabtree's much awaited return to the team
• That huge run by Gore to set up the win against the Seahawks
• NaVorro Bowman's DPOY'esque season highlighted by the amazing Pick at the 'Stick (I think I woke up the entire floor in my building when it happened)

What are your favorite highlights from the year?

Cardinals Game Redux

Upon Further Review: 49ers-Cardinals - VIDEO (ESPN)

Rewind: 49ers ride Kap's arm, Dawson's foot to win over Cards (Maiocco)

ReFo: 49ers @ Cardinals, Week 17 (PFF)

Based on jersey sales, I think Peterson got the more valuable one in this trade. | Colin Kaepernick, Patrick Peterson Trade Jerseys (Price)

Is there reason to be concerned about the 49ers pass defense? | Suddenly, 49ers' Pass Defense Looks Vulnerable (NBC)

LaMichael James showed his explosiveness again in coming up with another big kick return when the team needed it. Shades of the New England game last season. | Morning Tailgate: LaMichael James' KR Set up 'W' (49ers)

NaVorro Bowman's sterling performance to end the season could get him just a few more votes for Defensive POY. | NaVorro Bowman makes late run at NFL Defensive Player of the Year, but remains longshot (BASG)

Playoff Bound

Season ends: How do 2013 49ers compare to last year's Super Bowl team? (Barrows)

49ers to Face Packers in Postseason Rematch (49ers)

49ers must hit the road for playoffs this season (Yahoo)

These rankings are based on regular season performance. Let's see who really steps it up for the playoffs. | Ranking the NFL playoff quarterbacks from 1-12 (Yahoo)

The 49ers signed Perrish Cox to help bolster what is suddenly a beleaguered secondary. | 49ers re-sign Perrish Cox (Maiocco)

2014 and Beyond

The 49ers are now officially allowed to begin contract extension talks with both Colin Kaepernick and Aldon Smith. | 49ers can talk to key stars (ESPN)

49ers' 2014 schedule: Miles less strenuous than this year's version (Barrows)

Roman's name figures to surface again for jobs (Maiocco)

So the first official talent to be poached from Harbaugh's staff is not who we thought. | Drevno will leave for USC after a decade with Harbaugh (Branch)

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