The Next Super Bowl Winners? San Francisco 49ers?

Ok, that might be a about three or four years into the future, but do not let that hide the fact that the 49ers will be above .500 next year and will win their division. Yes, I know, that means that next year a losing season will not get it done in the "parity saturated" NFC West. Now you might be thinking to yourself, what is this guy on? What makes him think that this 6-10 team, with no legitimate quarterback, young and inexperienced wide receivers, an all pro yet injury riddled running back, and a first year head coach, will be a playoff team next year?

The first thing that the 49ers have going for them is the13th ranked defense from 2010 that is spearheaded by sensational Patrick Willis. Throw in promising rookie Taylor Mays, cornerback Nate Clements, defensive lineman Justin Smith, and several other solid role players and you have a top 10 defense in the making. But their defense is not the only positive attribute that this team has to offer. Their receiving core is stacked with the talented young pass catchers Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree, and Josh Morgan. The offensive line is certainly an issue that needs to be addressed, as it is among the worst in the league in terms of protecting the passer and is not proficient in clearing holes for the running game either. However, there are two bright spots on the offensive line, rookies Anthony Davis and Mike Iupati, who should develop nicely in years to come. The focal point of the offense for the last several years has been versatile yet injury plagued running back, Frank Gore who missed a large chunk of the season after breaking his hip in Week 12. The 49ers have historically gone as Gore has gone. Consequently, his health will be unequivocally critical to any pending success in 2011. Unfortunately, all of these talented players might not matter if the 49ers do not stabilize their offensive coordinator and quarterback positions. The 49ers have had incredible turnover at the former position in recent years, with seven different occupants since 2004. A consistent voice at this leadership role should be able to provide visible benefits to the team's quarterback. Whether that quarterback will be much maligned, former top overall pick Alex Smith, a prominent free agent, or a highly touted rookie draft pick will remain up in the air for at least a few months after the season.

Assuming that first year coach and former NFL quarterback Jim Harbaugh can instill discipline and work ethic into the locker room, the 49ers are destined for success. Also, as an important side project, Harbaugh will attempt to positively influence whichever quarterback he decides to start and try to mold him into a Pro Bowl NFL player. With a new, previously successful college head coach, a new offensive coordinator (again), talent on both sides of the ball for days, and the seventh pick in the upcoming draft, what can go wrong? Well, actually a lot, but I am of the optimistic opinion that the 49ers will finally put together a successful campaign in 2011 and make the playoffs. Yeah, I said it!