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!

Oh how far the NFC West has come. Two seasons ago the NFC West division was the laughing stock of the NFL. ESPN’s Primetime would poke fun at the division by calling it “Westbound and Down,” and rightfully so. In the 2010 NFL season, the Seattle Seahawks were crowned division champions with a 7-9 regular season record. It was the first time a division was won by a team with a losing record, quite embarrassing. Times do change though and last season the San Francisco 49ers took the division with a 13-3 regular season record. The Niners got off to a fast start, but the success was downed played because the Niners played in a weak division. As the season progress, it was apparent that the division was not as feeble as some thought it to be. The Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals were playing outstanding football around the mid way point of the season and on. Towards the end of the season the division was not known as “Westbound and Down,” but “Westbound and Up.” As much as I do not want to admit it, the division will continue to improve and the Niners will not find themselves cruising to a division title as they did last season. Here is why. (more…)

The 49ers scored 33 points in the season opener win against the Seahawks.  The defense dominated most of the game holding the Seahawks to 219 yards and 17 points.  The offense only contributed one touchdown to the 33 points and had 209 total yards.  The MVP of the game was the Special Teams who scored two touchdowns and four field goals.  Ted Ginn Jr. had 268 return yards, running back a kickoff and punt return for a touchdown back to back.  The 49ers overall played impressive and it was a great first win for the Harbaugh era.  Let’s handout some Game Gold Nuggets.

Game Gold Nuggets (GGN’s) are based on 1 to 5 scale ranking the performance of the team with 1 being the worst, 5 the best.

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