The San Francisco 49ers 2011-2012 Season

It was a year that started off with unrest and turmoil.  The NFL was going through a labor dispute and no one knew if there would even be football played this year.  The 49ers were coming off of a 6-10 season and the departure of head coach Mike Singletary.

Enter a new head coach Jim Harbaugh and a host of issues from the past regimes.  Alex Smith had struggled throughout his entire career in San Francisco and the 49er faithful were ready to part ways with him.

The 49ers had built a strong defense but it was never enough to help them advance to the playoffs or a winning record.  There was a tough decision ahead of Jim Harbaugh.  Should he start his tenure with the 49ers with Alex Smith at the helm?  Would they have enough time to get his offense installed with a shortened workout schedule? 

Harbaugh took a chance on Alex Smith and the rest is history.  The San Francisco 49ers powered with a strong defense and solid offensive play were able to turn the ship around in dramatic fashion.  The defense delivered big hits and turnovers all season.  Alex Smith while not an elite NFL quarterback, made the plays when he needed to and did a good job of protecting the football.

The defensive backfield was upgraded in the offseason with the additions of Carlos Rodgers, and Donte Whitner.  This 49er defense brought the big hits every week and with the first preseason game you could notice a difference.  The 49er linebackers have been a strong point during the season. 

Patrick Willis and Navarro Bowman bring the heat and close on running backs with swift, bone crushing tackles.  The defensive line got an upgrade with the addition of rookie pass rusher Aldon Smith.  Aldon Smith provided the pressure and showed his speed and skill by getting to the quarterback and causing problems for offensive coordinators all year long.

The 49er defense gave the 49er offense plenty of opportunities to make plays by generating turnovers.  Defenders contested passes, made big gambles that resulted in interceptions, and leveled punishment for receivers that dared to catch the ball while coming across the middle of the field.

The offense showed sparks at times. Tight end Vernon Davis is finally starting to turn into the player that many had imagined.  His speed and catching ability were showcased during the post season.  All it takes is a few steps of separation from a defender and Vernon Davis would be in the end zone. 

Frank Gore and rookie running back Kendall Hunter showed flashes of speed when given the opportunity.  The 49ers offensive line improved in their pass protection and gave quarterback Alex Smith more time to throw. 

At the beginning of the season, no body would have picked the San Francisco 49ers to have a winning season?  A new head coach, a struggling starting quarterback and shortened training camp made for tough headwinds for the Niners.  Despite all of those issues, Head coach Jim Harbaugh came up with a way to rally his guys and bring a winning brand of tough football back to San Francisco. 

The 2011-2012 San Francisco 49ers accomplished more than anyone could have hoped for in a first season head coach.  They won the NFC West Division.  They knocked off the high-powered offense of the New Orleans Saints and Drew Brees.  They advanced to the NFC Championship game against the New York Giants.  They took the game to overtime and just came up 3 points short in what could have turned into a trip to the Super Bowl.