Dec 19, 2011; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers guard Adam Snyder (68) celebrates on the sidelines against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at Candlestick Park. San Francisco defeated Pittsburgh 20-3. Mandatory Credit: Jason O. Watson-USA TODAY Sports

The San Francisco 49ers clearly needed depth along the offensive line. It just so happens that recently released G Adam Snyder was available. A move the Arizona Cardinals made in an effort to improve the interior of their line, they let Snyder walk after drafting arguably the best guard in the draft in G Jonathan Cooper in the first-round (No. 8). Snyder looking for a potential fit, opted to return to his roots by signing with the Niners on a two-year contract.

A move that was not surprising to me, as I predicted on my website last week, that Snyder would be back in red and gold. The move makes sense for a Niners’ team on the brink of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy. For one, Snyder is very versatile and would provide great depth at both guard and tackle. How many guards do you know in this league have the skill-set to play tackle? Not very many, and although Snyder struggled some last year, he does hold his own. The entire Cardinals line was just terrible, and using Snyder as a scape-goat is ridiculous.

Another reason why Snyder makes sense, is due to the team’s chemistry. Snyder is already familiar with the coaching staff, players, and area, making the transition almost seamless. He was usually seen on his off-days hanging out with T Joe Staley and G Alex Boone, so having a friend back on the team, raises morale.

With Snyder back in the mix, look for him to fight for a starting spot with Boone, as training camp is right around the corner.

Jan 29, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore is interviewed during media day in preparation for Super Bowl XLVII against the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

It is clear by now, that San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh has transformed the 49ers culture into a team first mind-set. With nine Pro-Bowlers on the roster, it is easy for a team that talented to have egos, not this team. From the coaching staff to the players, everyone is on the same page, and all about the team.

Just ask supplanted 49ers quarterback Alex Smith, as he was interviewed by NFL Network Analyst Deion Sanders, saying:

This is a team game, I wasn’t going to sit and pout and mope around…I love the locker room we have, I love the group of guys we have, and that’s bigger than me, I feel like. I certainly wasn’t going to put myself before any of that, that’s just how I feel.

Jan 27, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Joe Staley (74) speaks during a press conference at the Marriott New Orleans after arriving in New Orleans to discuss their upcoming game in Super Bowl XLVII to be held February 3, 2013. Mandatory Credit: Tyler Kaufman-USA TODAY Sports

The team first mind-set has been instilled in the players, and running back Frank Gore is no exception. Gore enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career as he rushed for 1,214 yards and 8 touchdowns. A testament to his offensive line, the man known as “Frankie G” rewarded teammate offensive tackle Joe Staley with a rolex. Talk about ballin.’ The news was first reported when NFL Network Anchor Amber Theoharis made a joke to Gore, saying “I hope you that you bought them some very nice dinners over the years.” Gore responded:

I bought them a nice gift this year. Joe got a ro! Joe got a ro! (referring to Staley’s rolex)

Staley was then obligated to flash the bling in front of the cameras, showing off his nice piece, as Theoharis said:

See, that’s how you take care of your lineman right there. They’re going to block just a little bit harder with that on their wrist.

With the Super Bowl just four days away, it will be interesting to see how “Frankie G” will reward his lineman, considering they win Super Bowl XLVII. And if I had to take a guess, I would bet on “Frankie G” buying them more than just rolex watches after Sunday’s game.

 49ers 20 Browns 10 FINAL

Week 8 is now in the books with the 49ers win over the Browns 20 to 10. The 49ers are now 6-1 for the first time since 1999 with their first 5 game winning streak since 2001. With Seattle’s loss the 49ers now hold a 4 game lead in the NFC West and it’s only a matter of time before this team clinches the division.

First off I was way off with my half time predictions!  I said Michael Crabtree looked slow on his deep routes, then he catches a 41 yard bomb and would have had another is Smith didn’t over throw him in the 3rd quarter forcing the 4th straight 3 and out in the 2nd half. The first half was great as the 49ers  dominated on both sides of the ball. The offense fell flat in the 2nd half after looking sharp and efficient in the first half where they lead 17-3 at the break but only managed 3 second half points. Still the defense was dominate giving up just 1 touchdown when Terrell Brown was beat by Joshua Cribbs.  Once again the team came through when they needed it most driving for its only points in the 2nd half late in the 4th quarter sealing the victory.
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