Jan 6, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA;Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Anquan Boldin (81) catches an 18 yard touchdown pass over Indianapolis Colts cornerback Darius Butler (20) during the fourth quarter of the AFC Wild Card playoff game at M

We all heard the saying, “there’s no “I” in team.” And while many sports are individually based such as golf, the game of football is not. Football is a team sport, where many individuals need to come together, to achieve a common goal, winning. And although that is easier said than done, the 49ers find themselves showered with Pro Bowl talent, making life easier for all players involved to get a win. The Niners consistently find top tier talent either via the draft or free-agency, and with the addition of this year’s free-agent splash WR Anquan Boldin, he only further validates my stance.

When the 49ers traded away their sixth-round draft pick, in exchange for Boldin’s services, I could not believe my eyes. The trade was clearly lopsided, as the Niners received the better end of the deal. Widely considered as a top wide receiver in this league, Boldin was voted by his peers as one of the best, as he was ranked No. 93 on NFL Network’s Top 100 players of 2013. A player that possesses some of the best hands in football, Boldin will only help bolster a young wide receivers unit. And no player will benefit more than WR Michael Crabtree.

Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens cornerback Corey Graham (24) attempts to tackle San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

For the first time in Crabtree’s career, he will no longer be the focal point of the defense. No longer can defenses shift their focus toward his side of the field, as Boldin is smart enough to break his route to find an open seam. Aside from his football IQ, Boldin has the route running down to a science. He runs precise routes, quick breaks, while earning the quarterback’s trust. This was evident in the Super Bowl, where QB Joe Flacco threw hail mary after hail mary, knowing Boldin would be in the vicinity. This bodes well for Crabtree, as he now has a dependable and smart player capable of holding his own.

I’m not saying that WR Randy Moss or WR Mario Manningham did not hold their own. They sure earned their stripes and played great ball last season. However, both of those players are no where near Boldin’s talent level, leaving Boldin to be an upgrade at the position.

Jan 20, 2013; Foxboro, MA, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Anquan Boldin (81) carries the ball after a catch as New England Patriots defensive back Marquice Cole (23) defends in the third quarter of the AFC championship game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

And while Boldin is a rock, he will be mostly counted on in red-zone opportunities. You remember the days when QB Jeff Garcia and WR Terrell Owens would get inside the 20-yard line, and Garcia would just lob it up to Owens for a sure fire touchdown. It was automatic. I believe Boldin and Kaepernick will revive this type of threat, allowing Crabtree to work the underneath routes. Sure Kaepernick and Crabtree can make the same type of connection, but who would you rather have on a lob? I believe Boldin is the better fit, as he is stronger and more physical.

Whether the Niners utilize Boldin in red-zone opportunities or for moving the chains, one thing is clear, the defensive backs better bring their lunch pails to work, as Boldin will be taking them to school.

Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) scores a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens in the third quarter in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

When San Francisco 49ers WR Michael Crabtree slid to the Niners with the 10th pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, no one was happier than me. I had scouted him the previous two years at Texas Tech, and believed he would be the next 49er great. However, a lengthy hold-out blindsided the 49ers organization, leaving them without their promising young receiver. It was discouraging to see an immature kid hold-out for so long, and the media quickly pounced on the opportunity to label him a “diva.” In other words, another Terrell Owens. Crabtree then lost bargaining power five weeks into the season, as the 49ers rushed out to a 3-2 record, prompting him to agree to terms on a six-year deal, $32 million ($17 million guaranteed).

Jan 20, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) carries the ball and tries to escape the tackle by Atlanta Falcons strong safety William Moore (25) during the fourth quarter in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Crabtree who was already rubbing teammates the wrong way, made his NFL debut in Week 6 against the Houston Texans. It did not take long, before he would make great catch after great catch. A sure-handed receiver, Crabtree snatched everything his way, and showed  why he was considered the cream of the crop in the 2009 NFL Draft. He would go on to finish the game with five catches for 56 yards. Not great stats, but when you look at the game-film, you can tell he had Pro Bowl potential written all over him.

Now entering his fifth season, Crabtree has quickly become a fan favorite (including myself). He runs great routes, has exceptional hands, and the agility to break tackles. The only knock on him would have to be his speed, as he does not have the ability to take the top off the defense. However, Crabtree has been an offensive force nonetheless, especially since QB Colin Kaepernick took over the offense.

Jan 12, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (far left) scores a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the second quarter of the NFC divisional round playoff game at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

In Crabtree’s last seven games to end the regular-season, he racked up 41 receptions, 595 yards, and five touchdowns. An even more telling stat, is that he was targeted 66 times by Kaep. Those numbers equate to a 62% completion rate between the two stars. A sign of great chemistry between the quarterback and receiver. A prime example of this was in Super Bowl XLVII, where Kaep put all his trust in Crabtree on the infamous “no holding” play in the corner of the end-zone. The two players have developed a strong bond that should only get better with time.

If you multiply Crabtree’s stats of the last seven games, you can make a case that he would have been selected to his first Pro Bowl. However, that did not happen, and that is why he was not selected.

Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Anquan Boldin (81) is tackled by San Francisco 49ers cornerback Carlos Rogers (22) in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Not this year. I believe Crabtree will flourish once again, and put up Pro Bowl numbers that will rival Atlanta Falcons WR Julio Jones. The former Alabama product put up great stats last year, while making his first trip to the Pro Bowl, as he had 79 receptions, 1,198 yards, and 10 touchdowns. It did not hurt that he also had Pro Bowl WR Roddy White lined up on the opposite side, something Crabtree did not have the luxury of having. Not this year, as the 49ers traded for proven veteran WR Anquan Boldin. No longer can defenses shift their focus to Crabtree, as Boldin is smart enough to break his route and find the open seam. This will help Crabtree get open more often.

December 30, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) scores a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the third quarter at Candlestick Park. The 49ers defeated the Cardinals 27-13. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Another reason why Crabtree will be a Pro Bowler in 2013, is due to his willingness to block. He may not be the best blocking receiver in the game, but he does finish his blocks, a sign of a hungry player, earning his paycheck, one play at a time. That was a huge knock on him coming out of college, and seeing him transform today into a willing blocker speaks volumes about his character. The so called “diva” has all but vanished, a great sign for the Forever Faithful. Now all that is left for Crabtree to do, is continue his maturation process as a player and show the world, “that he is indeed who we thought he was.” (Dennis Green)

Dec 2, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dwayne Harris (17) tries to avoid a tackle by Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha (24) during the game at Cowboys Stadium. The Cowboys beat the Eagles 38-33. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

So much attention has been given to the NFC West this off-season and for good reason. The NFC Champion San Francisco 49ers sit atop the division, while the up and coming Seattle Seahawks are a team on the verge of Super Bowl aspirations of their own. However, many NFL analysts around the league have been dissecting each of the team’s every move, to see which of the two powerhouses has improved the most. And while many analysts believe the Seahawks have taken an early lead, I believe the 49ers are still the team to beat in the NFC West.

Oct 7, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin (12) runs for a 10 yard touchdown during the third quarter against the Tennessee Titans at the Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

First, let us take a look at the Seahawks key off-season acquisitions. The Seahawks desperately needing a receiving threat, made arguably the biggest splash in free-agency in acquiring WR Percy Harvin from the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for Seattle’s 2013 first-round pick (25th), 2013 seventh-round pick, and a 2014 third-round pick. The Seahawks brass then opened up their pocket books and signed Harvin to a six-year, $67 million contract.

As if that was not enough, the very next day, the Seahawks decided to ink free-agent sack artist DE Cliff Avril to a two-year, $13 million contract. Avril, notorious for being a one-dimensional player, is a liability against the rush. I am not saying Avril’s signing was not a good one, as you can never have enough pass-rushers, but did the Seahawks get the most bang for their buck? The verdict is out.

Apparently, the Seahawks were not done there, as they clearly wanted to win the off-season. They made headlines once again by agreeing to terms with DE Michael Bennett on a one-year contract. Bennett had a breakout season in 2012, by recording 9 sacks and three forced fumbles.

Aug 19, 2011; Cleveland, OH; USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy (12) gets hit in the backfield by Detroit Lions defensive end Cliff Avril (92) during the first quarter of a preseason game at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

The Seahawks three acquisitions was the talk of the town around the league and continues today. So with Seattle improving their skill position and pass rush, how can the 49ers counter? By taking calculated risks on low profile free-agents, loaded with an abundance of potential. The only exception being newly acquired WR Anquan Boldin, who we all know is what started the back and forth blows, between these two franchises.

Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Anquan Boldin (81) catches a pass in front of San Francisco 49ers cornerback Carlos Rogers (22) during the fourth quarter in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The 49ers struck gold when Boldin was traded from Baltimore to San Francisco, for a measly 2013 seventh-round draft choice. It was considered a steal by many, and the 49ers finally found their big body receiver to compliment WR Michael Crabtree. However, the Niners quickly found themselves short handed along the defensive line, as they lost key players in NT Isaac Sopoaga and DE Ricky Jean-Francois.

There suddenly became a huge need along the defensive front, and the 49ers quickly acted by signing former first-round pick DT Glenn Dorsey from the Kansas City Chiefs. Dorsey is considered to be an upgrade over both Sopoaga and Jean-Francois, which is a great sign. He does not flash great pass rush ability, but is strong enough to hold the point of attack, an essential skill-set for a nose tackle.

The 49ers lost another key free-agent in TE Delanie Walker. The player known as the “Swiss army knife” because of his ability to play multiple positions, left for the Tennessee Titans. A special teams standout, Walker was arguably the heart and soul of the special teams unit. A huge blow for San Francisco, they needed to find a quick alternative, in comes LB Dan Skuta.

Sept 25, 2011; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Dan Skuta (51) tackles San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis (85) as he looses the ball at Paul Brown Stadium. San Francisco defeated the Bengals 13-8. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

Skuta was a special teams ace while playing for the Cincinnati Bengals. He reminds me a lot of departed Blake Costanzo who now plays for the Chicago Bears during the Tony Montana days. A big hitter, Skuta will definitely bring out a passionate, relentless attitude to the team. A spark plug that will lift the 49ers when needed.

Just like things were looking bright, the biggest blow was the loss of FS Dashon Goldson, just two days earlier. The heart and soul of the secondary had signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A move the 49ers were unwilling to negotiate, the 49ers front office decided to let Goldson walk, as they felt free-safety was not a high enough position of value, for a long-term commitment, as Goldson’s reported asking price was around $8 million per year.

Dec 30, 2012, Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) is tackled shy of the endzone by St. Louis Rams safety Craig Dahl (43) during the fourth quarter at CenturyLink Field. Seahawks defeated the Rams, 20-13. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

GM Trent Baalke surely had a plan and was sticking to it. Just days later, they signed SS Craig Dahl from the St. Louis Rams to a three-year contract. I do not believe it was a sign to replace Goldson but rather to possibly take Whitner’s place next year, as he will become a free-agent. However, the move was a head scratcher as many Forever Faithful were asking Craig who? And although he is not a household name, Baalke felt he was the right man for a roster spot, whether that’s free-safety or strong-safety. The verdict is still out, as I believe Baalke sees something in him that we don’t. I hope he is right.

Then there’s the release of K David Akers. The former All-Pro quickly turned into the team’s biggest weakness. So out goes Akers and in comes 2012 All-Pro K Phil Dawson. The 49ers replace one All-Pro with another, talk about great management.

November 5, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Chris Ivory (29) slips out of a tackle by Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha (24) during the first half of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

They seemed to fill in all holes except the most glaring one of them all, secondary. They had brought in SS Charles Woodson and CB Nnamdi Asomugha in for visits but left Santa Clara with no contract offer. Weeks went by and still no secondary help, and then boom! Asomugha signs a one-year deal with the 49ers. And the best part, they did not have to over pay for his services. Talk about a bargain!

When evaluating each of the team’s off-season acquisitions, one paid for over priced free-agents, while the other settled for low profile, high potential gamers. And although Harvin may have the most upside, he also has durability concerns, leaving me to believe the 49ers have the upper hand.

Whether you are part of the 12th man or Forever Faithful, one thing is for sure, the NFC West is now the NFC Best!