49ers report: Super Bowl window closing for Niners' core?
Don't tell the San Francisco 49ers the third time is the charm.
A third season in a row with at least a visit to the NFC Championship Game ended in disappointment in 2013 for San Francisco. With a bulk of the team's core group headed toward free agency in the next two years, the window for the franchise's sixth championship is starting to close.
Coach Jim Harbaugh will have the task of getting his team over the loss to the eventual Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. Harbaugh has admitted to thinking about what could have been.
"I've had those thoughts (about matching up against the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl). I've laid awake at night and had those thoughts, sure," the 49ers' fourth-year coach said. "(You have to) just realize it didn't happen, it's not going to happen. Go to sleep or start working on next year."
Doing so should be much easier with the talent Harbaugh will have, with the bulk of the 2013 roster returning. The biggest loss was strong safety Donte Whitner, but San Francisco quickly snapped up former Indianapolis Colts safety Antoine Bethea, then selected Northern Illinois defensive back Jimmie Ward in the first round of the draft.
Offensively, the 49ers added wide receiver Stevie Johnson in a draft trade with the Buffalo Bills, then picked Ohio State running back Carlos Hyde in the second round. Add in a full season from receiver Michael Crabtree and another year of development for quarterback Colin Kaepernick, and the offense should be at its strongest under Harbaugh.
On the field the 49ers look formidable, but off-field issues have plagued them. Troubled pass rusher Aldon Smith was arrested after an encounter with airport security in Los Angeles and also pleaded guilty to weapons and drunken driving charges. Cornerback Chris Culliver was arrested on a hit-and-run charge. There was the sexual misconduct investigation in Florida involving Kaepernick and receiver Quinton Patton.
On the football side, tight end Vernon Davis and guard Alex Boone are seeking bigger contracts. There were reports of a rift between Harbaugh and general manager Trent Baalke and talk of a trade that would have sent the coach to the Cleveland Browns.
If the team can put all that aside, there is enough talent to contend for a Super Bowl.
Quarterback
Kaepernick officially is the face of the franchise after signing a six-year, $126million contract. He must show signs of development in 2014. The physical tools are there, but the mental side of the game needs sharpening.
Running back
Frank Gore is one of the league's most dynamic running backs, has nice hands out of the backfield and is considered one of the best blockers at the position. He also turned 31 in May and is headed toward the end of his contract. But the 49ers have several backup plans. Marcus Lattimore should be ready to play after sitting out his rookie season while recovering from a knee injury, and Hyde was considered by many the best rusher in the draft.
Wide receiver
The acquisition of Johnson is more of the same for a receiving unit that struggles to challenge defenses downfield. Crabtree and Anquan Boldin are fantastic but do most of their damage in the intermediate passing game. The 49ers will need second-year man Patton or rookie Bruce Ellington to surpass expectations.
Tight end
Davis is possibly the most well-rounded tight end in the NFL. He's an excellent blocker with good hands who can blow the top off a defense with his speed. If Davis holds firm on his demands and misses time, the team will turn to second-year man Vance McDonald. He is a good blocker but not nearly the threat Davis is in the passing game.
Offensive line
This is the engine behind the 49ers' powerful attack. Left guard Mike Iupati is a road grader in the power run game. Left tackle Joe Staley is one of the league's best blind-side protectors. And Boone and Anthony Davis are nearly as talented on the right side. The 49ers lost center Jonathan Goodwin to the New Orleans Saints. But his replacement, Daniel Kilgore, played well in a reserve role last season.
Defensive line
This unit is somewhat unsung. Justin Smith is a terror on opponents' running games, and he makes things easier on edge rushers by taking up blocks. Glenn Dorsey played well during his first season in a 49ers uniform, but he clearly is the weakest link in San Francisco's star-studded front seven. At the other end position is vastly underrated Ray McDonald — not great at any one thing but with no clear weaknesses, either.
Linebacker
If they can keep them healthy and on the field, the 49ers will have the best linebacking corps in the league. NaVorro Bowman (second in solo tackles, career-high five sacks) was a legit contender for defensive player of the year in 2013. He'll miss at least the first six games after tearing two knee ligaments in the NFC Championship Game, but the 49ers have Patrick Willis to keep the defense in order. On the edges are Ahmad Brooks, who tied for the team lead in sacks (81½) last season, and Aldon Smith — who also had 8½ sacks and is a difference-maker. However Smith is a likely candidate for a suspension from the NFL.
Secondary
This is considered the defense's weakness but would be considered a strength on many other teams. Tramaine Brock is a steady cornerback who can be trusted in the pass game. On the other side, solid Culliver (left knee) should be back after missing all of 2013. The 49ers lost Whitner but might have gotten stronger at safety by picking up Bethea and drafting Ward to go with Eric Reid, who's coming off a good rookie season (four interceptions and started every game).
Special teams
The kicking unit is as good as it gets. Phil Dawson is a reliable veteran kicker, and Andy Lee is one of the best punters in the game. The return positions are unsettled, however. LaMichael James has the elusiveness and speed to be a dangerous return man, but his future with the team is in doubt. If James is traded or cut, expect Ellington to fill the role.
Coaching
It's nothing short of amazing the staff has remained together considering the success over the last three seasons. Harbaugh is a good motivator and rarely makes mistakes on game days. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman has an old-school approach, which has worked to the benefit of his young quarterback. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, 55, likely would have gotten a head coaching job by now if not for his age.
