Too hungover to aspire to something big
The Niners' drama began at the end of the 2002 season, when internal wars within the locker room resulted in Mariucci (coach), Jeff García (quarterback), and Terrell Owens (star player) being ousted from the team all at once. Since then, they have been stuck in a long loop of eight years, searching for their lost identity, the myth of the West Coast, and a quarterback who could at least be a shadow of Montana or Young. But nothing at all. After 20 years of being NFL leaders, their descent into hell was becoming too long.
In 2008, Mike Singletary, a former defensive legend of the NFL, arrived with the commitment to create a legendary defense as the first step in the rebirth of a Phoenix with the team colors as its flag. Blood and gold: indomitable spirit and shining stars. And he truly fulfilled his commitment. The defense started to become spectacular, but he clashed with half of the locker room and the offense was never up to par.
Then, a brilliant illusionist came to San Francisco. Jim Harbaugh knew how to maintain all the good that Singletary had done and provide an outstanding motivational ability that enamored the fans. The Niners had regained their winning mentality in record time and were making headlines. They were all people talked about. Three consecutive conference finals and a Super Bowl appearance. But above all, the blood and gold shield had regained its prestige, and the team had regained its character.
Now, Jim Harbaugh has left for college football, leaving behind a bittersweet feeling and a team with a player retiring every week. From the outside, it seems that Jim Tomsula, a man from within the organization, has been handed a very difficult hot potato to digest, and who knows what will happen. The team still has some of the core players that reached a Super Bowl, but the departures and retirements this offseason will weigh on them. The impression is that after living on a roller coaster for too long, all the members of the institution are still a little dizzy, not knowing which path to take.
Initially, Jim Tomsula is clear about it. He will hold on to the basics to try to survive: defense, intensity, running game, and Kaepernick doing what he knows, which is not passing. No frills, histrionics, or surprises. That recipe seems a bit inadequate for success in the current NFL, but before getting into trouble, this team needs to recover from the hangover.
The team's three keys by Marcos Álvarez
1 The return of NaVorro Bowman after his terrible knee injury is crucial. His contribution on the field will be vital so that the retirements of Patrick Willis and Chris Borland are not as noticeable. He must also become the example to follow in the locker room. The 49ers need the best version of Bowman to survive in the tough NFC West.
2 The offense must offer a completely different image from what was seen throughout 2014. They will go back to their roots and predominantly run the ball, adding the big-play component and the forgotten screen plays in the passing game. The signings of Torrey Smith and Reggie Bush in free agency were made precisely with that in mind.
3 If there are two words that are not wanted to be heard in San Francisco this year, they are "Jim Harbaugh". With the histrionic coach, the Niners reached very high levels in recent years, but it will be of no use to remember them. Jim Tomsula is the one in charge now in the bay, and the team's fate from now on will depend heavily on his work on the sidelines.
The Best
1 The Niners have an All-Star level defensive coaching staff with a wealth of experience.
2 This year, all players are committed to the team (no holdouts).
3 Despite the losses, there is still talent on defense to compete against anyone.
The Worst
1The leadership void in the locker room with the departures of Willis, J. Smith, and Gore.
2 There are many doubts about the composition of the offensive coaching staff.
3 The tough divisional competition will test San Francisco's new project.