What to expect from the San Francisco 49ers in the 2012 season? (Part II)
Continued from part I...
Most of the 49ers victories were no doubt the result of superb performance from their sturdy defence. With quarterback Alex Smith leading the offence the team had made some progress, but a lot more was needed.
After the season, the 49ers gave Smith a contract extension. The next task in front of the team was to add strength to the offence.
Just like Harbaugh’s appointment was seen as the main force behind the team’s success, the management has taken a few similar steps this offseason that they might lead the team to the Super Bowl title in the 2012 season.
49ers offence now has two players who were part of the Super Bowl winning squad last season.
Former New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham, who was involved in Super Bowl XLVI’s most talked-about move that eventually led the team to victory, has joined 49ers.
Manningham wanted to earn more playing time and a role with additional responsibilities. He thought the Giants could not give that to him and the 49ers seemed ideal destination.
Former Giants running back Brandon Jacobs who won two Super Bowl rings with the Giants has also joined the 49ers this offseason.
Not only that, 49ers have allowed veteran receiver Randy Moss to make an NFL comeback. Moss, who has over 10 years of NFL experience, did not play any game last season as he had announced retirement.
However, he took his retirement back and the 49ers have now given him an opportunity by giving him a one-year deal.
His presence in the team complements the management’s efforts to build a strong offence as many players could benefit from his experience. Moss is also like a coach to many young players and even if he does not spend more time on the field his presence in
the locker room is more than enough to motivate the players.
Furthermore, 49ers have also acquired a wide receiver during this year’s draft. A.J. Jenkins was selected in the first round (30th overall pick) and he is adjusting into the system quickly while training with the vets.
So, all these moves suggest that the 49ers are coming into the 2012 season with an exploding offence.
It is still too soon to tell if this decision will bring the same or better result as the decision to appoint Harbaugh did, but with the way things are going at the moment, one can expect the 49ers to maintain, if not beat, the standards they set in the
2011 season.
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