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The San Francisco 49ers are days away from the biggest game of their lives, readying to take on the Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XLVII.
With only two teams remaining at the conclusion of the NFL season, the media has narrowed their focus over the past two weeks. This has allowed for more opportunities to hear from players and coaches we otherwise would not be hearing from in February.
Last week, Joe Montana had a visit with KNBR where he talked primarily about quarterback Colin Kaepernick. He had nothing but good things to say about the second-year passer.
Days before the Super Bowl, Ron Kroichick of the San Francisco Chronicle had a word with some ex-49ers from the dynasty years. He had a chance to get some feedback from Dwight Clark, Roger Craig and Brent Jones; three Super Bowl winners with the Niners.
All of whom were gushing about this new-look Niners team and what they are capable of.
Dwight Clark:
Past #49ers greats are dreaming big. Dwight Clark: "This could be the start of a nice little run. I like thinking about a dynasty." #SB47
— Ron Kroichick (@rkroichick) February 1, 2013
Fmr WR Dwight Clark on #49ers QB change: "It was a bold move – it takes big cojones to make a move like that." #SB47
— Ron Kroichick (@rkroichick) February 1, 2013
Roger Craig:
Fmr RB Roger Craig on #49ers: "They’ll have the NFL’s winningest team the next decade & they'll win 3 Super Bowls in the next eight years."
— Ron Kroichick (@rkroichick) February 1, 2013
And finally, fmr #49ers RB Roger Craig on @kaepernick7: "I call him Avatar – he looks unreal out there, the things he can do." #SB47
— Ron Kroichick (@rkroichick) February 1, 2013
Brent Jones:
Fmr #49ers TE Brent Jones on Harbaugh's QB switch: "There’s not one coach I’ve ever come across who would have made that decision." #SB47
— Ron Kroichick (@rkroichick) February 1, 2013
More from Jones on QB switch: "Jim exposed himself to huge potential downside, and he’s coming out looking like an absolute genius." #49ers
— Ron Kroichick (@rkroichick) February 1, 2013
These were some pretty bold predictions to say the least.
This 49ers team has not won anything yet, so it's a might early to start throwing around the "D" word. Although, I have been quite the optimist myself, I won't officially break through that barrier until this team wins one. If they win a Super Bowl this year -- given the talent, youth, coaching, draft prowess, etcetera -- then we can start discussing dynasty.
Though, in my opinion, greatness knows what greatness looks like. If these three players, particularly Clark and Craig, see something in this team, it's hard to argue. They had front row seats to the zenith of professional football, winning multiple Lombardi Trophy's with Joe Montana, Jerry Rice and Bill Walsh.
It's also no surprise that they are being this supportive. Being part of the same team, especially such a winning organization, is like being part of a fraternity. They are going to boast their successors to the highest echelon, hoping they carry on their legacy.
One way or another, this should be a hot topic for debate in 2013.