2010 Record: 6-10
2010 Rankings:
Total Offense - 24
Passing Offense - 18
Rushing Offense - 19
Scoring Offense - 24
Total Defense - 13
Pass Defense - 24
Rush Defense - 6
Scoring Defense - 16
Offense
To call the 49ers 2010 campaign "disappointing" would be the under-statement of the century. The team was hyped up as he heir apparent to the NFC West crown after the mass exodus from Arizona after 2009. The 49ers responded by losing their first 5 games out of the game behind an anemic offense that committed 15 turnovers in the first 5 games. The running game was supposed to be the strength of the team, but Frank Gore battled through injuries and only broke the 100-yard mark 4 times in 11 games. The 49ers re-signed former #1 overall pick Alex Smith to a 1-year, $5 million deal, seemingly giving him one last chance under center before they hand the reigns over to this year's second round pick, Colin Kaepernick (Nevada). Smith was 8-12 as a starter over the last two years, after starting his career 11-19. Since 2009, his completion percentage improved to around 60% and his Touchdown to Interception ratio has been in the positive for the first time in his career. The addition of Michael Crabtree helped, but he is recovering from a foot injury and recently signed Braylon Edwards is a drop machine.
Defense
The 49ers defense was supposed to be the strength of their team last year but were unable to generate turnovers and couldn't stop the pass. Their front 3 in their 3-4 front generated more sacks (10) than their starting outside linebackers (6.5). The 49ers failure to rush the passer was one of their biggest downfalls and led to the drafting of Aldon Smith (Missouri) in the first round. Smith should make their pass rush better, and Patrick Willis is a tackling machine on the inside. Their secondary still needs help as they released CB Nate Clements who led the team in interceptions last year. The 49ers really didn't do much this off-season to improve a team that was a disappointment last season.
Intangibles
To talk about the 49ers chances this year, you have to realize just how bad the NFC West still is. San Francisco picked in the top 10 of the draft, but only missed out on the division title by 1 game. To say that the 49ers aren't competitors in the NFC West is ludicrous, but to say they'll be any better than a 9-7 team would be a gigantic stretch. You've got to think that Colin Kaepernick will be starting by the end of October, particularly if new coach and QB developer Jim Harbaugh
If the 49ers were a Beer, they would be:
Blue Moon
Blue Moon was a trendy choice over the last few years, but in reality, it was a specialty beer brewed by the same people who make Coors Light. For those who know beer, Blue Moon isn't anything spectacular. In a given bar, it might be the best beer on tap, but if you're going to the store, chances are you're not taking home a 6-pack or a case of it.
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