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Colin Kaepernick is Just What San Francisco 49ers Need to Get to Another Super Bowl

April 18th, 2013 at 6:52 PM
By Amanda Pattison

'colin kaepernick' photo (c) 2013, Kate - license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

After walking away from a four point loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the Super Bowl, the 49ers will be coming back this season stronger than ever, and with a leader like starting quarterback Colin Kaepernick, going to the Super Bowl again this season seems like a strong possibility. Kaepernick is one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the league and all the experience that he gained last season will be very useful as he directs the team’s offense. Kaepernick definitely had the athleticism last season, completing 62% of his passes, accounted for 15 touchdowns and finished with a quarterback rating of 98 during the regular season. In the playoffs, he was even more impressive with just two turnovers and a quarterback rating of over 100. 

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The San Francisco 49ers Depth Chart for the Defensive Line and the Secondary

March 29th, 2013 at 10:38 AM
By Mark Ortiz

The San Francisco 49ers have a great many players in the defensive line and secondary department heading into the 2013 season. Problem is, it’s just not terribly deep experience wise. They have made some important acquisitions so far this off-season, but they also lost a wealth of experience with those that have departed the franchise. It’s a double edged sword for the 49ers, as it is with most teams in the off season and free agency, but it’s clear the 49ers could use some more veterans in the ranks of defensive line and secondary.

Defensive Line:

The 49ers lost starting nose guard Isaac Sopoaga to free agency already, and many viewed that loss as a major blow to the overall status of the defensive line. Sure it hurt to lose a tested veteran like Sopoaga. But the 49ers did pick up a high quality replacement for him in Glenn Dorsey. And as the statistics dictate, Dorsey is actually more productive. In five years Dorsey has 238 tackles and four sacks. Sopoaga on the other hand has played eight years and accumulated 217 tackles and seven and a half sacks. So it’s actually a reward to get Dorsey rather than keep Sopoaga, the 49ers get age and a higher production value in the end. Dorsey will definitely be the starter at nose tackle when the season opens. The only other nose tackle on the team is Ian Williams, and he has only played in four games in his two years in the NFL. But he is young, he may eventually make a name for himself in the league, but for now he will be the back up in San Francisco.

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The San Francisco 49ers Still Have Some Concern in the Depth Chart on the Offensive Line and Special Teams

March 27th, 2013 at 8:48 AM
By Mark Ortiz

After looking at the San Francisco 49ers projected depth chart for many of the offensive skill positions, it’s only fair to evaluate the rest of the offense and how it should play out. Though the 49ers made important adjustments to some of the offense, there are still areas that need to be addressed. They did solidify their kicker position recently, but the offensive line and special teams department is still suspect. And they will need strong offensive line support if they intend on being successful.

Center:

It’s no question that Jonathan Goodwin remains the starter at the center position for the 49ers. However, there is reason for concern here. Goodwin is entering his 12th season in the NFL, that is a long career for an offensive lineman, regardless of what position on the line they play. Such a long career leads to a high frequency of injury, and the 49ers do not have another center to take over in his absence. As a matter of fact, the 49ers are so short handed on the rest of the offensive line, that they could not stand to lose anyone to replace the void at center if Goodwin goes down.

Tackle:

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The San Francisco 49ers Depth Chart for Offensive Skill Positions After the First Few Weeks of Free Agency

March 26th, 2013 at 1:16 PM
By Mark Ortiz

The San Francisco 49ers have made some very interesting moves during free agency thus far. They have brought in Anquan Boldin into the receiving core, they released David Akers, they traded Alex Smith, and they let Dashon Goldson walk away to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With all that has been going on, it might be difficult to get a clear look at how the depth chart will turn out. And though there is still a lot of time left in free agency and they have the NFL draft coming up, it’s still due process to look at the depth chart and see where the 49ers line up. At least for some of the more important roles on the offense anyway.

Quarterback:

Colin Kaepernick will be the unchallenged leader in this category, regardless of what is being fed to the media by head coach Jim Harbaugh. They traded Smith to make room for Kaepernick to blossom, and he will not lose this position to anyone in the near future. The 49ers have put the state of the franchise on his shoulders. Unfortunately, there is a big question mark regarding the second string quarterback. And having a quality back up is critical to a winning franchise, so many times have teams fallen from grace due to the starting quarterback getting injured.

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San Francisco 49ers Pick up Key Elements Last Week in Free Agency

March 25th, 2013 at 12:30 PM
By Mark Ortiz

The San Francisco 49ers stayed busy on the free agent market last week, as they added two key positions to the lineup. And they still have 14 picks to work with in the upcoming NFL draft. The 49ers are making it pretty clear that they, despite losing some popular guys to free agency, have every intention of going to the Super Bowl Again.

Their most notable addition last week was kicker Phil Dawson, whom they acquired in free agency after the Cleveland Browns failed to renew his contract. Dawson spent 14 years with the Cleveland franchise, and his last year there just might have been his finest. It’s a wonder why the Browns would let him go, but it is great news for the 49ers faithful. Especially after living through the struggles of the recently released David Akers. Dawson last year connected on 29 of his 31 field goal attempts, for a 94% rate, and he was a perfect six for six from 40 to 50 yards and a perfect seven for seven at 50 plus yards.

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