Anthony Davis earned a second contract from the San Francisco 49ers. With the starting right tackle agreeing to a five-year extension that’ll keep him with the 49ers through the 2019 season, the team has continued its recent trend of rewarding hard-working draft picks with long-term financial commitments.

Davis joins NaVorro Bowman, Patrick Willis, Vernon Davis, Andy Lee and Joe Staley as 49ers draft picks to sign extensions to stay in San Francisco.

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle covered the Davis extension.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee shared his take on the signing.

Barrows also previewed the upcoming draft with Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network.

49ers.com spoke exclusively with Davis late Thursday night.

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Register here for the #49ers Draft Bash: bit.ly/10g7vm6—
San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) April 04, 2013

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The Harbaugh brother talk has officially started, but it hasn’t reached overdrive just yet. There’s still plenty of other storylines to dissect as the San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens embark on Super Bowl XLVII preparations.

For starters, Colin Kaepernick’s role on the 49ers offense is one to discuss. Furthermore, Kaepernick’s strong relationships with his teammates is quite remarkable after considering he will make start No. 10 in the biggest singular game in professional sports.

The respect Kaepernick’s teammates have already shown the second-year player was recently noted by ESPN.com’s Ashley Fox.

“There’s the conflict Kaepernick creates for opponents, and then there is the love that his teammates have for him,” Fox wrote. “It was obvious when (Frank) Gore interrupted Kaepernick’s postgame news conference, answering a question for him.

‘He can do whatever.’ Gore said. ‘He’s a hard worker. He’s a different quarterback, how he takes pride and leads us. He’s started [nine] games. Hey, he’s football. If it weren’t for him, it would’ve been a tough game for us.’

Gore looked at Kaepernick and added, ‘You deserve it.’”

It’s not hard to see why the second-year player has earned such praise from veterans.

After leading the 49ers to a 28-24 comeback victory over the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC title game, Kaepernick finished his second come-from-behind postseason win completing 76.2 percent of his passes, good for the third-best single-game outing in 49ers postseason history.

Kaepernick has already showcased maturity and poise and enters Super Bowl XLVII with seven regular starts, tied for the third fewest for a starting quarterback to reach the Super Bowl in NFL history.

John Clayton of ESPN.com discussed key storylines to Super Bowl XLVII and dished out three game balls for championship weekend, including one to 49ers punter Andy Lee.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com reviewed San Francisco’s defensive efforts against Atlanta, plus shared Jim Harbaugh’s comments on facing his brother and David Akers remaining as the 49ers kicker.

Michael Rosenberg of SI.com took an extensive look at the Harbaugh family dynamic.

Chris Burke of SI.com offered an early Super Bowl preview.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee explained why Chad Hall saw action in Sunday’s game over A.J. Jenkins.

Ron Kroichick of the San Francisco Chronicle also examined Harbaugh’s comments on facing his older sibling in the Super Bowl.

49ers.com shared NFC Championship Game notes, plus detailed Harbaugh’s initial thoughts on facing the Ravens in New Orleans.

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One fan brought this #QuestforSix banner to Atlanta. How many will we see in New Orleans? #SB47 instagr.am/p/Uy1itHCehh/—
San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) January 22, 2013

Who’s going to the Superdome on Feb. 3?

Frank Gore heads into his second postseason fresher and more determined than ever.

The Pro Bowl running back rushed 258 times in the 2012 regular season, 24 fewer attempts than his 2011 output.

Come Saturday night when the 49ers host the Green Bay Packers in the NFL Divisional Playoff round, the eight-year veteran will look to build on his solid postseason debut where Gore rushed 29 times for 163 yards and caught 13 passes for 83 yards in two postseason games.

Gore averaged 5.6 yards per carry in the 2011 postseason, a full yard more than his career average of 4.6.

Gore, San Francisco’s all-time leader in carries, rushing yards and rushing touchdowns, comes into greater focus thanks to a recent story from San Jose Mercury News beat writer Cam Inman who discussed Gore’s leadership and determination to win his first Super Bowl.

According to Inman, Gore bought his offensive linemen Breitling watches, an encore to last season’s Louis Vuitton travel bags.

Inman also shared the comments of former MLB manager Tony LaRussa who is a big fan of Jim Harbaugh’s 49ers team.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee examined the support Colin Kaepernick receives in both the state of California and Wisconsin.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com wrote about Andy Lee working with both 49ers kickers and being accustomed to holding on both sides.

NFL Network’s Gameday Final Crew previewed Saturday’s Divisional Playoff game against Green Bay.

Alex Marvez of FoxSports.com offers his keys to the matchup, including players to watch on both sides.

49ers.com looked at Justin Smith’s possible return, a trio of players honored by USA Football, Harbaugh’s comments on Kaepernick’s “savant-like” preparation, Joe Staley’s matchup against Clay Matthews and San Francisco’s secondary match up against Green Bay’s healthy wideouts.

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Fans sent me photos celebrating their gold satin @49ers jackets. Here are the best 25: sfg.ly/VMKRxY—
Peter Hartlaub (@peterhartlaub) January 08, 2013

Tradition never gets old.

The awards keep on piling up at 49ers headquarters.

Punter Andy Lee and Pro Bowlers Mike Iupati and Aldon Smith were recently recognized by USA Football and named to the 2012 All-Fundamentals Teams, which honors 26 NFL players – 11 offense, 11 defense and four special teams – who exhibit exemplary football techniques for youth players to emulate.

The fourth annual USA Football All-Fundamentals Team recognizes NFL players who employ proper technique, particularly when blocking and tackling, which fosters better on-field performance and inherent safety benefits.

Iupati’s rare combination of size, speed and strength was also complemented by his strong mental development in his third season since being picked in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft. The mauling guard especially excelled as a pulling lead blocker for the fourth-ranked 49ers rushing attack, while providing solid pass protection all year long.

Not only does Lee possess one of the NFL’s most powerful legs, but he also possesses some of the softest hands on a punter. Lee, who is also the team’s holder on place kicks, followed up his 2011 All-Pro season with another impressive campaign that featured a 43.2-yard net punting average, which was tops in the league.

Smith flourished in his first season as an every-down player, racking up 19.5 sacks en route to being named to his first Pro Bowl. Smith showed a deft ability to use his hand and legs to slither and power past opponents while threatening Michael Strahan’s single-season sack record of 22.5.

Each player chosen for the All-Fundamentals Team will receive a $1,500 equipment grant from USA Football to donate to the youth or high school football program of his choice. USA Football, the sport’s national governing body in the United States, is the official youth football development partner of the 49ers, the NFL and each of the league’s other 31 teams.

A fan vote will determine All-Fundamentals Team captains at www.facebook.com/usafootball. Fans may vote for one captain on offense, defense and special teams. USA Football will award each of the three captains a $3,000 equipment grant to donate and an All-Fundamentals Team helmet trophy. Voting is open through Jan. 21.

Employing core football fundamentals advances a youth player’s performance and safety, particularly in the areas of blocking and tackling. USA Football has educated more than 100,000 youth football coaches in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., through its online courses and single-day coaching clinics. Approximately 3 million American children age 6-14 play organized tackle football, placing it among the country’s most popular youth sports.

The USA Football All-Fundamentals Team was assembled with guidance from a five-person selection committee:

• TOM CARTER, NFLPA player advocate and former NFL defensive back
• CHARLES DAVIS, USA Football spokesperson, football analyst for NFL Network and FOX Sports
• HERM EDWARDS, ESPN NFL analyst and former NFL head coach
• MERRIL HOGE, USA Football board member, ESPN NFL analyst and former NFL running back
• CARL PETERSON, USA Football chairman, former NFL team executive and assistant coach

2012 USA Football All-Fundamentals Team – Offense:

Quarterback
Matt Ryan, Falcons

Running Back
Arian Foster, Texans

Fullback
Henry Hynoski, Giants

Wide Receiver (2)
Davone Bess, Dolphins
Reggie Wayne, Colts

Tight End
Tony Gonzalez Falcons

Tackle (2)
Ryan Clady, Broncos
Nate Solder, Patriots

Guard (2)
Mike Iupati, 49ers
Carl Nicks, Buccaneers

Center
Maurkice Pouncey, Steelers

2012 USA Football All-Fundamentals Team – Defense:

End (2)
Chris Long, Rams
J.J. Watt, Texans

Tackle (2)
Haloti Ngata, Ravens
Vince Wilfork, Patriots

Linebacker (3)
Aldon Smith, 49ers
London Fletcher, Redskins
Chad Greenway, Vikings

Cornerback (2)
Champ Bailey, Broncos
Charles Tillman, Bears

Safety (2)
Thomas DeCoud, Falcons
Earl Thomas, Seahawks

2012 USA Football All-Fundamentals Team – Special Teams:

Return Specialist
Leodis McKelvin, Bills

Kicker
Phil Dawson, Browns

Punter
Andy Lee, 49ers

Long Snapper
Greg Warren, Steelers

The 49ers will do a lot more scoreboard watching this weekend, just like Pro Bowl safety Donte Whitner was doing after the regular season finale in the photo atop this post.

The game San Francisco is most focused on features the two teams they anxiously watched at the conclusion of a Week 17 win over Arizona. On Saturday night, if the Green Bay Packers are victorious at home over the Minnesota Vikings, the Packers will travel to San Francisco to face the 49ers on Jan. 12 in the Divisional Playoff round.

For what it’s worth, longtime Sports Illustrated writer Peter King is predicting a Packers win.

If the Vikings win, however, the winner of the Seattle Seahawks-Washington Redskins Sunday afternoon tilt will travel to Candlestick Park for a primetime postseason clash.

Tickets for the Jan. 12 Divisional matchup presented by State Farm will be made available on Monday, Jan. 7 at 10 a.m. PT via Ticketmaster.  Quantities will be limited, so fans will be encouraged to visit NFL Ticket Exchange for additional seats.

But before the 49ers can find out who they’ll play next week, the team will hold one last workout this week that figures to impact San Francisco’s decision at kicker for the postseason.

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle discussed the on-going competition between David Akers and Billy Cundiff.

Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News shared a transcript of Cundiff’s first comments as a 49er.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee wrote that Justin Smith returned to practice and plans to play on Jan. 12.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com further set the stage for the kicking competition set to last up until the Divisional Playoff round.

Maiocco also shared his 2012 team awards and noted that one member of the 49ers front office is drawing more interest in NFL circles for current job openings than the San Francisco’s coordinators.

CBSSports.com’s 2012 NFL All-Pro Team featured three 49ers: Patrick Willis, Aldon Smith and Andy Lee.

49ers.com shared the comments from both kickers in competition, as well as Justin Smith’s optimistic outlook towards returning to action.

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#ItsFridayFool—
Eric Davis (@_ericdavis_) January 04, 2013

You heard the man…

The 49ers are back to the grind after a couple of extra days of rest to start the bye week. While San Francisco will be idle this weekend as it awaits to see who it will face the NFC Divisional Round, there will be a few notable young quarterbacks making their playoff debuts.

Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group noted how Colin Kaepernick and other rising stars under center like Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III and Russell Wilson will be leading their respective teams in the postseason for the first time.

“Come their Jan. 12, divisional-round opener at Candlestick Park, the 49ers will be ready to unleash Kaepernick, who’s coming off seven pressure-packed starts,” Inman wrote.

Today’s Morning Tailgate also takes a look at how the bye week will help the 49ers rest up for their potential playoff run.

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle wrote that the bye week will be especially beneficial for Aldon Smith.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee also examined the effect of the bye week for the 49ers.

Mike Sando of ESPN.com noted that Andy Lee was selected as the best NFL’s best punter by ESPN writers, researchers and data analysts.

Inman also passed along comments from Kaepernick’s visit with Jim Rome radio show on Wednesday.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com passed along a collection of advanced football stats from the 2012 49ers.

Branch looked at similar statistics between Michael Crabtree and Dwight Clark heading into the playoffs.

USA Today offered its top 10 Super Bowl possibilities and the 49ers are featured often throughout the list.

Kyle Bonagura of CBSSports.com looked ahead to the intriguing 2013 matchups on the 49ers schedule.

49ers.com compiled a 2012 Regular Season Review

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Hoping all my followers have a happy and healthy 2013!! Let's be great in 2013!—
Jerry Rice (@JerryRice) January 03, 2013

Happy New Years from the G.O.A.T.

A 42-13 loss at Seattle moved the 49ers’ record to 10-4-1 on the season, but San Francisco still leads the NFC West heading into the regular-season finale against Arizona. 49ers Public Relations presents the following game notes from the Week 16 matchup.

Delanie Gets in the End Zone

• TE Delanie Walker caught an 18-yd. TD pass from QB Colin Kaepernick in the 4^th qtr., giving him 3 rec. TDs this season and 8 for his career. He finished the game with 4 recepts. for 54 yds. Walker’s 3 rec. TDs this season tied a career high (3 – 2011).

Rookie Highs:

• Rookie RB LaMichael James amassed a career-high 201 total yds. (172 returns, 15 rushing, 14 receiving).
• Rookie TE Garrett Celek notched a career-high with 2 recepts. for 41 yds., including a career-long 35-yd. recept.

Willis Picks Off Wilson:

• LB Patrick Willis notched his 2^nd INT of the season and 7^th of his career, as he picked off Seahawks QB Russell Wilson in the 2^nd quarter.

 Ice Storm:

• DT Isaac Sopoaga brought down Seahawks QB Russell Wilson for his 1^st sack of the season.

 Lee Nails Down the Coffin Corner:

• P Andy Lee dropped 1 punt inside the 20 at Sea. He now has tallied 35 punts downed inside the 20 this season, his 2^nd highest single-season total (42 in 2007).

Akers 2^nd for NFL FG Streak:

• With 2 FGs at Sea., K David Akers has now made at least 1 FG in 32 consecutive games, dating back to 1/2/11 vs. Dal., as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles. He now owns the 2^nd longest streak of consecutive games scoring a field goal in NFL history.

Long Distance Akers:

• K David Akers nailed a 54-yd. FG right before halftime. It was his 9^th FG from at least 50-yds. as a member of the 49ers, the 2^nd most 50-plus yd. FGs in 49ers history (K Joe Nedney – 10). It also marked Akers’ 24^th career 50-plus yd. FG, which ranks 4^th among all active kickers.

Making His Debut:

• LB Cam Johnson made his NFL debut.

Extending Their Streaks:

• TE/LS Brian Jennings has now played in 207 consecutive games.
• TE Vernon Davis has now started 90 consecutive games, which ranks 3^rd in the NFL among TEs behind Tony Gonzalez (100) and Jason Witten (98).
• C Jonathan Goodwin has now started 69 consecutive games, the 5^th most among centers.
• K David Akers has now played in 120 consecutive NFL games, the 3^rd most in the NFL among kickers.
• P Andy Lee played has played in 143 consecutive NFL games, 3^rd most among NFL punters.

Second-year linebacker Aldon Smith has picked up where he left off to finish his rookie season. The talented, emerging star has racked up 9.5 sacks this year after notching a franchise rookie record of 14 in 2011, flourishing in his every-down role.

Smith has proven to be a valuable run-stuffer throughout the season, as evidenced by last week’s impressive one-on-one tackle of running back Steven Jackson in the St. Louis backfield. Smith also took down Rams quarterback Sam Bradford twice to pick up his third multi-sack game of the year and second in a row. He currently ranks third in the NFL with 9.5 sacks and you can send him to Hawaii for the first Pro Bowl of his career.

You can vote for Smith and his teammates using 49ers.com’s 2013 Pro Bowl Ballot.

Smith isn’t the only member of the defense making his case for a trip to the NFL’s annual All-Star game. Safety Dashon Goldson is looking to make back-to-back Pro Bowls after maintaining his status as one of the game’s hardest hitters. The veteran has 43 tackles, eight pass break ups, two interceptions, a fumble recovery and a forced fumble on the year.

49ers rushing king Frank Gore is also looking for his second straight Pro Bowl invitation and the fourth of his career. Gore carried the ball 21 times for 97 yards and a touchdown on Sunday, bringing his season totals to 753 yards and five scores. Gore, who ranks among the league leaders with his 5.4-yards per carry average, only needs three more rushing touchdowns to set the franchise record.

Punter Andy Lee has also been a steady contributor for the 49ers special teams unit all year. The reigning All-Pro and Pro Bowler has consistently pinned opponents near their own goal line this season, as he ranks fourth with 20 punts inside the 20-yard line.

Click here to vote for the 49ers in the 2013 Pro Bowl

The 49ers are 6-2 atop the NFC West at the halfway point of the season, and are eager to get back between the lines on Sunday against the St. Louis Rams at Candlestick Park. San Francisco has emerged as an NFL powerhouse once again behind Coach Jim Harbaugh and the talented roster assembled by general manager Trent Baalke and his staff.

Members of the media across the country have weighed in on the 2012 season through nine weeks and offered their mid-season awards. To no one’s surprise, the lists are littered with 49ers.

Third-year tackle Anthony Davis, in particular, has been recognized for his stellar season in the trenches, earning All-Pro honors from Sports Illustated’s Peter King and Pro Football Weekly. Davis has anchored the right side of the offensive line since being drafted No. 11 overall by the 49ers in the 2012 Draft, and has emerged as one of the game’s top talents in both run-blocking and pass protection.

“Entire Niners line playing well,” King wrote, “but Davis is one of the NFL’s most improved tackles.”

Davis isn’t the only one on the team to be recognized by King and PFW. King labeled 49ers rushing king Frank Gore as the top running back of the NFL through the first half of the season. Gore has 656 yards and four touchdowns through eight games, while his 5.5 yards-per-carry ranks sixth in the league.

Gore has been the benefactor of a dominating offensive line that has consistently opened up gaping holes for him at the point of attack. Third-year guard Mike Iupati, who was drafted by the 49ers six picks after Davis in 2010, has also raised some eyebrows across the league with his physical play.

“Iupati has become a stud inside during his second and third seasons, leading a 49ers run game that has had little trouble moving the chains against anyone,” PFW writer David DeChant wrote. “He’s not exactly fiery in his demeanor, but lets his play do the talking, mauling defenders and finishing his blocks.”

Rounding out the midseason award winners was Pro Bowl punter Andy Lee, who was named a mid-season All-Pro by King and PFW. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite 49ers to reach the 2013 Pro Bowl.

Two of the game’s best specialists will take the field in the desert on Monday night when the 49ers return to the road to face the Arizona Cardinals.

Earlier this week, Cardinals return man Patrick Peterson said Andy Lee was “probably the best punter in the National Football League right now,” and on Thursday Lee returned the favor.

“He’s arguably the best in the game right now,” the 49ers punter said.

Peterson has been held out of the end zone so far in 2012, but the second-year star is the definition of a home run threat. The cornerback returned four punts for touchdowns in 2011, causing many teams to try and pin Peterson to the sidelines with directional kicks this year.

“I think every team should,” Lee said. “Does that mean if you hit one down the middle of the field he’s going to return it for a touchdown? No, but it’s going to give him a better chance. It’s going to give him a better view of the field and give him more options than if you put him in a certain area.”

The 49ers return units have improved throughout the season, as evidenced by last week’s performance against Seattle’s Leon Washington, one of the premier return men in football. Washington returned just two punts for a total of five yards, the result of quality kicks by Lee and his coverage team.

“I think everybody’s starting to really jell together and play well together,” Lee said. “Learn what everybody’s going to do – whether it’s in protection or coverage – in all phases.”

Lee’s right thumb is wrapped in a silver protective guard these days, but it hasn’t stopped him from being one of the league’s top punters this season.

The reigning NFC Special Teams Player of Week, who pinned the Seahawks inside their own 15-yard line four times, revealed to reporters on Thursday that he’s been playing most of the season with a broken thumb. Lee suffered the injury after he tried to make a tackle on a punt return in Week 1 at Green Bay, bending his thumb backwards as he fell to the ground.

The broken thumb caused pain for Lee whenever he caught the ball before a punt or as a holder on field goal duties. But the Pro Bowler said his injury has improved a lot since the season opener, saying the silver splint is more of a precautionary measure.

“The thumb’s getting better, it’s pretty good now,” Lee said.

Peterson was held in check in two meetings against the 49ers last year, limited to 9.4 yards per return compared to his season average of 15.9. But last year’s 21-19 loss at Arizona still stands as the lone 49ers divisional defeat in the Jim Harbaugh era.

Perhaps the game would have been different had an ill-timed Arizona challenge not wiped out one of the best would-be trick plays for the 49ers in recent memory.

Facing a 4th and 7 from the Cardinals 32-yard line in the second quarter, Lee took a fake field goal attempt from his position at holder and rolled to his right, finding a wide open Jonathan Goodwin for what appeared to be a touchdown pass. Ultimately, the play was nullified by the challenge attempt, erasing a memorable touchdown catch for the 49ers center.

“Robbed of a touchdown, I’ll always be bitter about that,” Goodwin said with a laugh. “First time I’ve touched the ball, other than snapping it, since I was in high school. I’m still pretty bitter about that. Still want to file some type of complaint to someone and get my catch and touchdown back.”

Goodwin still has the video highlight of himself streaking down the right sideline untouched for the long touchdown reception, but said, “The highlight’s a lot better when it counts.”

Adding insult to injury, the previous play wasn’t reviewable because of replay equipment malfunction and Akers missed a 50-yard field goal on the next snap. The 49ers would go on to lose by 2 points.

“Maybe someday again,” Lee said. “I think that one’s in the books right now.”