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Morning Tailgate: Alex Smith Departs

Alex Espinoza — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 18:26:58 +0000

Player turnover is inevitable in the NFL. On Wednesday, the 49ers welcomed Glenn Dorsey to the organization while Alex Smith, Dashon Goldson and Isaac Sopoaga held their introductory press conferences with their new teams.

Following an eventful eight-year run that culminated with back-to-back playoff runs, Smith joined Kansas City coach Andy Reid and general manager John Dorsey at the podium to greet the local press on Wednesday. Ann Killion of the San Francisco Chronicle shared her impressions of Smith’s first appearance with his new organziation.

“Wednesday was the first day of Smith’s marriage to the Chiefs, following his quick divorce from the 49ers,” Killion said. “Both parties sounded infatuated with each other. Smith targeted the Chiefs as soon as he realized he wouldn’t be released, and hoped for a trade.”

The rest of today’s Morning Tailgate updates you on the latest activity with the 49ers in free agency.

Stay on top of all the free agent movement with 49ers.com’s Free Agency Tracker, which is updated daily.

CSNBayArea.com shared two videos (Part 1 / Part 2) of Smith’s introductory press conference.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee discussed the relationship between Smith and Reid.

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle examined the potential impact of Dorsey on the defensive line.

Mike Sando of ESPN.com analyzed how Dorsey could affect the versatility of the defense.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com passed along comments from Dorsey.

Barrows relayed Dorsey’s comments about his first experience with the 49ers and d-line coach Jim Tomsula.

Ray Ratto of CSNBayArea.com examined the possibility of Nnamdi Asomugha, Charles Woodson and Ed Reed joining the 49ers.

Maiocco and Barrows reported Asomugha is scheduled to visit the 49ers on Thursday.

Tim Kawakami of the Bay Area News Group looked ahead to the 49ers-Seahawks rivalry for 2013.

Branch reported Woodson held a lengthy visit with the 49ers on Wednesday.

Branch also shared comments from Goldson’s press conference in Tampa Bay.

Jordan Raanan of NJ.com passed along highlights from Sopoaga’s press conference in Philadelphia.

49ers.com’s coverage looked at Dorsey’s new deal with the team (story / photos / press release), West Virginia WR Tavon Austin, Daniel Kilgore’s role at the upcoming Food City 500, the top recent free agent additions and Delanie Walker’s departure.

TV49′s CLIP OF THE DAY

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tks keep voting! RT @matthewhumphre1: Hey @JerryRice I’m voting for you for the Madden 25 cover! #Madden25JerryRice es.pn/XiM1HF—
Jerry Rice (@JerryRice) March 14, 2013

Dont forget to vote #Madden25Rice, #Madden25Kaep and #Madden25Montana.

Morning Tailgate: NFL Bracketology

Alex Espinoza — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 18:25:59 +0000

There have been thousands and thousands of plays in the proud history of the NFL, but does “The Catch” stand above the rest? With the help of the 49ers Faithful, Dwight Clark’s iconic, last-minute touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys in the 1981 NFC Championship can be crowned as the greatest play in NFL history.

NFL.com recently unveiled it’s NFL Bracketology contest, which will begin with the first round of voting on Monday. Clark’s catch will compete against 63 other plays, including Steve Young’s epic 49-yard run against Minnesota and Terrell Owens’ playoff catch against Green Bay, in football’s version of March madness.

The rest of today’s Morning Tailgate rounds up the busy first day of free agency for the 49ers, including the Alex Smith and Anquan Boldin trades and other player movement.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com looked back at Smith’s eight-year career with the 49ers.

Tim Kawakami of the Bay Area News Group took a retrospective look at Smith’s run with San Francisco.

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle spotlighted Smith’s off-the-field contributions to the Bay Area.

Kevin Lynch of the San Francisco Chronicle listed the top 10 memorable moments of Smith’s career.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee examined the flurry of 49ers action on the first day of free agency.

Maiocco rounded up the action from Day 1 of 2013 free agency.

Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group, Maiocco and Barrows discussed the departure of tight end Delanie Walker, who reportedly signed a contract with Tennessee on Tuesday.

Inman looked at the potential impact of Boldin on the 49ers offense.

Maiocco reported Isaac Sopoaga signed a free-agent contract with Philadelphia.

Maiocco also reported that DT Glenn Dorsey and DB Charles Woodson are scheduled to visit the 49ers.

Inman reported Dashon Goldson is set to visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Keep up to date with the free agency frenzy with 49ers.com’s Free Agency Tracker, which will be updated daily. The 49ers also announced the Smith trade and the Boldin trade while continuing the 49 in 49 pre-draft series with a look at Baylor WR Terrance Williams.

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Going to have to put my physical with the @49ers on a hold for a few days, we're busy in Senegal with @OxfamAmerica. http://t.co/gOypkFjEd3—
Anquan Boldin (@AnquanBoldin) March 13, 2013

The newest member of the 49ers is busy in Africa.

Morning Tailgate: New Stadium Sales

Alex Espinoza — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 19:12:05 +0000

The new Santa Clara Stadium site has been humming for nearly 11 months, along with the ticket sales for the inaugural 2014 season. Mike Rosenberg of the Bay Area News Group reported that the future home of the 49ers is roughly 75 percent sold out already.

“Riding high off a Super Bowl run, the San Francisco 49ers have sold three-fourths of the seats at the new Silicon Valley stadium as the team prepares to transfer a huge cash infusion to the public agency building the stadium,” Rosenberg wrote. “Undeterred by huge price increases over Candlestick Park tickets, fans and corporations have bought $403 million worth of seats, — equal to the cost spent to build the stadium so far — and the Niners are well ahead of schedule to sell out before the 2014 opening, the team said Friday.”

The rest of today’s Morning Tailgate looks at the new Santa Clara Stadium, upcoming free agency and more.

Rosenberg shared information on how to purchase a brick which will be used to build the new Santa Clara Stadium.

Ira Boudway of BusinessWeek.com examined the sales and how they affect the local economy.

Elizabeth Newman of Sports Illustrated listed 49ers co-chair Denise DeBartolo York as one of America’s most powerful women in sports.

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle spoke to Delanie Walker about overcoming a family tragedy after the Super Bowl.

Tim Kawakami of the Bay Area News Group analyzed the previous impact of NFL free agents.

Nate Davis of USA Today looked at free agency needs for the NFC West.

49ers.com presented the Top 5 plays of 2012 and encouraged the 49ers Faithful to vote for their favorite and our 49 in 49 pre-draft series continued with a look at Tennessee WR Cordarrelle Patterson and LSU CB Tyrann Mathieu.

TV49′s CLIP OF THE DAY

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On my way to Central for @Big_Fish79 pro day tomorrow. Haven't been back in so long—
Joe Staley (@jstaley74) March 10, 2013

Pay it forward.

Morning Tailgate: No Franchise Tag

Alex Espinoza — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 19:03:54 +0000

By the time the clock struck 1 p.m. on Monday afternoon, it was official: the 49ers wouldn’t be using their franchise tag in 2013. Many viewed All-Pro safety Dashon Goldson as a the team’s top candidate to receive the franchise tag, which would keep him in San Francisco for at least one more season. Once the deadline passed without an agreement, Goldson and 49ers CEO Jed York interacted on Twitter, both stating their desire to work out a long-term deal.

@thehawk38 hope we can get something done—
Jed York (@JedYork) March 05, 2013

The rest of Today’s Morning Tailgate looks at the latest reactions to the 49ers roster as the team approaches the league’s new calendar year on March 12 and the innovative front office.

Forbes.com spotlighted 49ers president Gideon Yu as part of the new breed of pro sports executives.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com gave his take on Goldson’s contract situation.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee examined the current 49ers roster situation with Goldson’s future in mind.

Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group analyzed the Goldson-49ers dynamic.

CSNBayArea.com listed the eight NFL players who received the franchise tag from their respective clubs.

Mike Sando of ESPN.com noted that all four NFC West clubs did not use their franchise tags.

Barrows shared comments from former NFL exec and current ESPN analyst Bill Polian on Delanie Walker and possible 49ers free agents.

Barrows listed possible options at safety for the 49ers should Goldson test out the free-agent market.

49ers.com’s coverage included the opening of our 49 in 49 draft series with a profile on top-flight Alabama CB Dee Milliner and a look at the Top 5 Hits of the 2012 season.

TV49′s CLIP OF THE DAY

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Eliminate penalty shots
Eliminate double "trouble" shots
Eliminate three putts—
Jennings 141 (@Jennings141) March 05, 2013

Golf tips from Brian Jennings.

2012 Plays of the Year: Big Hits

Taylor Price — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 22:00:08 +0000

We need your help in selecting the top plays from the 2012 season. We’re asking our Faithful fans to choose the top takeaway, touchdown, sack, big play and biggest hit of the season. Next, the winning five plays (one from each category), will move on to the championship round to determine 49ers.com’s “Top Play of 2012.”

Watch our “Top 5” video highlights on the best plays for each category, then vote in the poll section of the corresponding blog post to see which top play will reach the championship round.

Help us crown the top play of 2012 by choosing your favorite big hit from this past season. You can vote for your favorite big hit up until Wednesday at noon. Let’s take a look at the five nominees.

1. NaVorro Bowman’s perfect form-tackle vs. the New York Giants

San Francisco’s defense included six Pro Bowl performers, including two-time All-Pro linebacker NaVorro Bowman. The former third-round pick, who signed a five-year extension through 2018, made his first Pro Bowl in 2012 thanks to another season filled with big-time tackles in the open-field.

Just ask recently released Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw about them. When San Francisco and New York met in a marquee Week 6 matchup, Bowman, the ultra-athletic linebacker, displayed his speed, technique and tenacity all in one play.

With the Giants facing a 2^nd and 8 on the first play of the second quarter, the third-year linebacker recognized an inside run designed for Bradshaw and immediately darted his way through the line of scrimmage. Upon reaching Bradshaw in the backfield, Bowman applied a textbook form-tackle that would make all of his Penn State colleagues proud.

The representative of “Linebacker U” not only showed the instincts to recognize an inside run; he ran right through the Giants offensive line to plant Bradshaw in the backfield for a 1-yard loss.

2. Dashon Goldson’s open-field hit vs. the Arizona Cardinals

San Francisco’s two-time Pro Bowl safety could warrant consideration five times over in this category. Dashon Goldson’s hits in 2012 were just that good.

But when pushed to choose one of Goldson’s best tackles in 2012, the open-field, jarring hit delivered on Cardinals wideout Early Doucet stood above the rest. It also took place in front of a national viewing audience on “Monday Night Football.”

With the 49ers maintaining a 24-3 lead in the fourth quarter, Goldson put the exclamation mark on a dominant defensive outing. Arizona quarterback John Skelton looked to dump off a quick slant pass to Doucet, but it wasn’t such a good idea.

Goldson saw the route developing and patiently waited his turn to strike. The 49ers safety timed up a perfect open-field hit that would leave Hall of Fame safety Ronnie Lott thoroughly impressed.

Doucet wasn’t able to hold on to the football. Not many play-makers this past season could maintain possession once the 49ers safety known as “The Hawk” applied an open-field hit.

3. Aldon Smith’s quarterback hit vs. the Arizona Cardinals

Minutes after Goldson’s smashing tackle, second-year linebacker Aldon Smith got in on the act with a solid takedown of his own.

With the offense enjoying an efficient performance on the national stage, the 49ers held on to their 24-3 lead with constant second-half pressure on Skelton who was sacked four times on the night, twice by Smith.

With 13:40 left to play in the fourth quarter, San Francisco’s first-time Pro Bowl linebacker beat Cardinals right tackle D’Anthony Batiste with a quick inside move and found his way to Skelton for his first sack of the game.

Perhaps even better than the quick-striking sack from the man who recorded 19.5 sacks on the season was Smith’s baseball-inspired home-run celebration to accentuate the play.

4. Donte Whitner’s body slam vs. the Miami Dolphins

When your safety tandem earns the moniker, “The Lumber Co.” hard hits are expected on a weekly basis. That was exactly the case in San Francisco’s Week 14 home victory over the Miami Dolphins.

San Francisco claimed a 13-3 lead in the third-quarter and continued to display dominant play when Donte Whitner, a first-time Pro Bowl selection, absolutely corralled Dolphins running back Reggie Bush in the open field.

Rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill dumped off a short pass to Bush in the right flat that went for an 11-yard gain, but on the 11^th yard, Whitner met Bush in front of the Dolphins sideline and brought the do-it-all running back down to the ground with one swift body slam.

Whitner’s tackle somewhat rivaled a wrestling maneuver, but it was effective in bringing down the game-breaking runner in a quick instant.

5. Delanie Walker’s special teams tackle vs. the Baltimore Ravens

The 49ers comeback bid in Super Bowl XLVII was fueled by several standout plays, including a devastating tackle on a third-quarter kick-off return.

The “Ooooooh” receiving hit came from jack-of-all-trades Delanie Walker – the 49ers tight end known for being an effective tackler on special teams.

With the Ravens hanging on to a 28-23 with 3:14 left in the third, Walker got through Baltimore’s blockers to deliver a jarring tackle. Walker scooped up return man Jacoby Jones at the 28-yard line and slammed into the Superdome turf in an instant.

The 25 yard return was a drastic improvement from Jones’ 108-yard kickoff return for a touchdown at the start of the third quarter.

UPDATE: Congratulations to Dashon Goldson for winning with nearly 70% of the vote!

Morning Tailgate: Offseason Work

Alex Espinoza — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 18:40:21 +0000

Oscars? Nope. Grammys? Nope. Colin Kaepernick would rather be in Atlanta, working out with his teammates.

Just days after leading the 49ers to the Super Bowl XLVII, Kaepernick was back at work at CES Performance, his home away from home during the offseason. Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee wrote about Kaepernick’s offseason regimen and how he’s joined by 49ers receivers Ricardo Lockette and Chad Hall.

“Rather than pressing the flesh with Anne Hathaway and Denzel Washington on the red carpet in Hollywood, Kaepernick is busting his tail alongside little-known college players on the green grass at CES Performance, a training facility in Atlanta,” Barrows wrote. “That’s where Kaepernick got ready for the 2011 draft. And it’s where he figured he’d find training partners who are as hungry as him.”

The rest of today’s Morning Tailgate spotlights Aldon Smith’s mixed-martial arts offseason training, the upcoming combine and more.

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle also noted Kaepernick’s quick return to offseason work.

Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group caught up with Smith as he worked out at a local MMA gym.

Nate Stuhlbarg of CSNBayArea.com spoke to NBA All-Stars Kevin Durant and James Harden about rooting for the 49ers.

Mike Sando of ESPN.com previewed the NFL Scouting Combine from an NFC West perspective.

Tom Fitzgerald of the San Francisco Chronicle looked back at the life of the late, former 49ers executive Lou Spadia.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com looked at the 49ers secondary.

Barrows and Inman analyzed the 49ers roster as the franchise tag period begins.

Sando examined the importance of 49ers free agent tight end Delanie Walker.

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Lost a member of the @49ers family last night. Thoughts and prayers go out to the Spadia family. Lou will be missed—
Jed York (@JedYork) February 18, 2013

Condolences to the Spadia family for their loss.

Morning Tailgate: Feb. 14

Taylor Price — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 18:46:49 +0000

Happy Valentine’s Day to all the 49ers Faithful. Flowers and chocolate, not football headlines, will dominate everyone’s attention on Thursday, but that’s not such a bad thing.

With the San Francisco 49ers in week two of Jim Harbaugh-ordered rest and relaxation following the 2012 season, things will soon pick up in terms of offseason movement. The new league year begins officially on March 12 which means the 49ers will have 12 unrestricted free agents and two restricted free agents from the team’s most recent Super Bowl roster available for 31 other teams.

Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News shared the complete list of pending NFL free agents with San Francisco’s free agents headlined by Pro Bowl safety Dashon Goldson and versatile tight end Delanie Walker.

If the team is unable to retain its free agents or find replacements through NFL free agency, the 49ers hold 14 draft picks in the 2013 NFL Draft, including four selections in the top 95.

San Francisco will also get a better sense of the potential of the incoming rookie draft class when the NFL Scouting Combine begins on Feb. 23.

Peter Schrager of FoxSports.com believes Walker will leave in free agency and that Stanford tight end Zach Ertz makes the most sense with San Francisco’s first-round selection (No. 31 overall).

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com noted that 49ers personnel director Tom Gamble has taken a position closer to home to be with the Philadelphia Eagles front office.

NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock previewed the upcoming combine in a recent appearance on Rich Eisen’s podcast.

ESPN.com offers a full list of 2013 combine invites.

Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com previewed one of the deepest positions in the draft, interior defensive linemen.

Rob Rang of CBSSports.com previewed this year’s draft hopeful running backs.

Peter Damilatis of ProFootballFocus.com examined the most likely players to be franchise tagged this offseason.

Alex Espinoza of 49ers.com shared Aldon Smith’s comments on greater expectations for 2013.

TV49’S CLIP OF THE DAY

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A kiss to the #49ers Faithful on Valentine's Day. #kaepernicking instagr.am/p/VuMMeJieno/—
San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) February 14, 2013

From all of us to all of you.

Morning Tailgate: Jan. 3

Alex Espinoza — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 19:51:43 +0000

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.

Week 16 Game Notes

Alex Espinoza — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 20:43:51 +0000

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.

Most Consecutive Games Scoring A Field Goal
	Player	Years	Games
1.	Matt Stover, Bal.	1999-01	38
2.	David Akers, Phi./SF	2010-12	32
3.	Fred Cox, Min.	1968-70	31
4t.	Jim Turner, NYJ/Den.	1970-72	28
	Chip Lohmiller, Was.	1988-90	28

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.

Afternoon Tailgate: Dec. 17

Alex Espinoza — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 23:06:08 +0000

Following last night’s momentous 41-34 road victory against the New England Patriots on Sunday Night Football, the 49ers took a red eye, cross-country flight from Providence, R.I. to SFO that landed about 7 a.m. It was one of the biggest regular season wins in the Harbaugh era, thanks to a complete team effort. Explosive touchdowns and big-time turnovers marked the win for the 49ers, who are now 10-3-1 and one victory away from claiming the NFC West title.

Albert Breer of NFL.com was in Foxborough on Sunday night and wrote that San Francisco proved its mettle against the tough opponent in a hostile environment

“The circumstances were what made this one different, and divine, for a Niners group that has been a bear to deal with for everyone since the minute Jim Harbaugh walked in the door,” Breer wrote. “There was the aforementioned weather. There was the juncture at which they were facing the Patriots, maybe the hottest team in the league over the past month. Then there was the game itself.”

The rest of today’s Morning Tailgate rounds up the best coverage from the Week 15 thriller, and explains why the 49ers are the best team to use in Madden 2013.

Peter King of Sports Illustrated featured the 49ers-Patriots matchup in his latest Monday Morning Quarterback column.

Mark Kreigel of NFL Total Access on NFL Network says that San Francisco is the best team in the league.

EA Sports Tips and Tricks labeled the 49ers as the best team to use in 2013 Madden.

Marc Sessler of NFL.com passed along the 4th grade letter from Colin Kaepernick in which he wrote he wanted to play for the 49ers.

Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports examined the quality teams of both the 49ers and Patriots.

Ray Ratto of CSNBayArea.com wrote that the 49ers beat the Patriots at their own game.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com recapped the playoff berth-clinching 49ers victory.

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle wrote about the back-and-forth nature of the exciting win.

Scott Ostler of the San Francisco Chronicle noted the calm demeanor of Kaepernick as he guided the 49ers to victory.

Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group said the 49ers-Patriots game was an instant classic.

Tim Kawakami of the Bay Area News Group described the good and the bad of the 49ers victory.

Inman spoke to LaMichael James about his game-changing, 62-yard kickoff return in the fourth quarters.

Mike Sando of ESPN.com noted that the 49ers and Seahawks lead the league in average field position this year.

Sando also wrote about the NFC West containing Tom Brady this season.

Lowell Cohn on the Santa Rosa Press Democrat was impressed with the 49ers’ ability to fight through adversity.

Ashley Fox of ESPN.com wrote that the 49ers withstood the elements to claim an impressive victory.

49ers.com’s coverage included a recap of the 41-34 win (video / story / photos), a look at Kaepernick’s evening and the effort put together on defense and special teams. Scott Kegley and Taylor Price also broke down the Week 15 win in the latest Cover 2 presented by AAA, and we brought you highlights and press passes from Jim Harbaugh and Kaepernick.

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That was a good game last night instagr.am/p/TWlZwEhfvm/—
Delanie walker (@Dwalk46) December 17, 2012

Best tight end tandem in the game.