Many longtime faithful 49ers fans nostalgically recall the teams climb to the top in the early 2010’s, after a nearly decade struggle. Their blaze to greatness was lead by the incorporation of a Jim Harbuagh coached team, lead by a stellar defense, and an offense with unrestricted potential. However, their quest for a Super Bowl Title was cut short twice, falling to the Baltimore Ravens 34-31 in Super Bowl XLVII, and getting shut down by the Seattle Seahwak’s defense late in the NFC Championship the following year, by a score of 23-17.
Since their mini-dynasty’s rise to the top in their three years of playoff contention, the San Francisco red and gold look nothing like the team of their latter days. With the loss of their entire powerhouse linebacker set, nearly all of their defensive and offensive units, Jim Harbaugh left for Michigan’s record high offer of seven and a half million dollars, making him the third highest paid college coach ever. With the ousting of quarterback Colin Kaepernick from the league, the 49ers have suffered the woes of four consecutive rebuilding seasons, marked by records sub .500, and finishing a measly 4-12 last season.
However, a new spark of hope has emerged for the ailing franchise. Quarterback Jimmy Garappolo spent a majority of the last season with an ACL injury after a fateful week two game in Kansas City. Since his return this season, the 49ers have accumulated a 9-1 record, only losing to Seattle in a hard fought overtime battle in a Monday Night Primetime game on Veterans Day.
Bolstered by new head coach Kyle Shannahan, rookie defensive end Nick Bosa, and a multitude of young talent brought on by the front office, the 49ers currently lead their division standings, and remain tied for the number one spot in the league.
Shannahan has suffered a volatile career, marking record losing seasons in his time with the Washington Redskins, but looks to a bright future with the 49ers. After their week five 9-0 win against his former team, Shannahan exclaimed, “Guys we're just getting started, alright...Let's keep this...going”
San Francisco looks to clinch the NFC West, a title recently taken by the rival Seattle Seahawks, and move into the playoffs to settle unfinished business.
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