San Francisco 49ers: 5 Intriguing Sub-Plots to Look for in 2012

A quick look back at the 2011 NFL standings would present you with a brief, yet accurate idea of how the 49ers' season unfolded.

But the information it provides doesn't offer much insight into the exciting sub-plots and milestones that were experienced throughout what was truly a memorable journey in San Francisco.

Be it Frank Gore breaking off a five-game stretch of 100-yard performances and eventually becoming the franchise's all-time leading rusher, Alex Smith orchestrating six comeback victories (playoffs included), or Jim Harbaugh winning Coach of the Year in his first season leading an NFL team—the San Francisco 49ers gave us plenty to remember in 2011.

So, what could possibly be in store for 2012?

Great things, it seems. Pro Bowl tight end Vernon Davis strongly believes the 49ers are Super Bowl favorites, and quite frankly, I find it hard to disagree.

We've already torn through free agency (or so it seemed) and 2012 draft classes have been assembled.

Now, all 32 franchises are well into the offseason action, while we anxiously await the fast-paced and hard-hitting in-season action you just can't find anywhere else.

Here are a few interesting thoughts and potential sub-plots that could surface once the games that count get underway.

Is There Another October Explosion in Store for Frank Gore?

Arguably, no 49er shines brighter in the month of October than this guy right here.

Last season in particular serves as a recent and accurate example.

To start the 2011 season, Gore and his O-line failed to muster more than 59 rushing yards in any of the 49ers first three games while No. 21 was carrying the rock. 

As soon as we flipped the calendar to October, Frank the Tank ripped off five straight 100-yard performances, the first four coming in each of the team's games that month.

In fact, each of Gore's four October performances (127 yards Oct. 2, 125 yards Oct. 9, 141 yards Oct. 16 and 134 yards Oct. 30) were over 125 yards rushing.

The seven-year veteran's highest single-game yardage total outside of October was 107 yards against the Redskins on Nov. 6. 

Back in 2010, Gore had four 100-yard games on the season. Three of those came in the month of discussion.

For his career, October is the only month Gore has eclipsed the 2,000-yard mark (2,027) despite logging more carries in both November and December.

Gore also averages 5.1 yards per carry in 400 October touches.

It should be well-known by now that when Frank Gore is healthy, you aren't getting him out of the ball game easily.

Age and injury history considered, you've got to get the most of this beast when he's at his best. 

By the way, the Buffalo Bills, New York Giants, Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks are slated to face the Niners in October of the upcoming season, and none of these teams finished higher than 15th (Seattle) in rushing yards allowed per game a year ago.

I fully expect the great Gore to slash-and-dash his way to a sixth 1,000-yard season in 2012, distancing himself further as the team's all-time leading rusher in the process.

Alex Smith Faces New England and the AFC East for the First Time Ever

The last time the NFL's revolving inter-league schedule matched the 49ers with the AFC East, it was 2008. Smith happened to miss the entire '08 season with an injured shoulder.

The time before that, in 2004, No. 11 was lighting it up in college at Utah.

So, for what it's worth, Alex will get his first taste of competition against the Patriots and the rest of the division in 2012.

After all, the Pats, Bills, Jets and Dolphins are the only NFL teams Smith hasn't faced during his seven years in the league.

So, the 49ers No. 1 overall pick of 2005 will finally face off against Tom Brady, the Michigan product whom Steve Mariucci and the 49er front office passed over in the 2000 NFL draft in favor of the more athletic Giovanni Carmazzi. 

Aside from that tidbit we'd rather forget, what does this game mean?

Well, the last time the Niners played the Patriots (2008) was also the last time Brady's Pats missed out on the playoffs.

If New England doesn't have a spot locked up come Week 15, Smith and the Niners would love make their path to the postseason that much more difficult.

That likely won't be the case, however, and this end-of-season matchup will almost certainly be hailed as a potential Super Bowl XLVII preview.

Not Much Football with Your Breakfast This Year, Thankfully

Having lived in the Eastern Time Zone for all of my life, I have absolutely no idea what it's like to watch the 49ers, or any NFL team, take the field at 10 o'clock in the morning.

And quite frankly, I don't care to find out.

But that's life a few Sundays each year for the 49er franchise and its faithful who currently reside on the West Coast.

In 2011, San Fran kicked off at 1 P.M. EST (10 A.M. PST) on five different occasions. Thanks to Jim Harbaugh's uncanny motivational skills, the 49ers won every one of those contests.

In years prior, however, the team wasn't so fortunate.

Harbaugh probably isn't too concerned either way, but California and any other Pacific Time Zone residents rooting for the Red and Gold are only in for three such games in 2012.

On Sept. 23 at Minnesota (Week 3), Sept. 30 at New York (Jets, Week 4) and Dec. 2 at St. Louis (Week 13)—sleep in at your own risk.

Any other week you can tailgate your heart out, West Coasters.

Can the 49ers Go Undefeated at Home in 2012?

We all know the 49ers have the Packers, Saints and Patriots awaiting on the schedule in 2012.

But they'll face each the NFL's three most dynamic offenses away from Candlestick Park.

So, despite an up-and-coming Detroit Lions squad, a likely healthy (and talented) Chicago Bears team and the defending-champion New York Giants all stopping in for visits this year—it is certainly not unfathomable to think the Niners could finish 8-0 at home this season.

Aside from a frustrating overtime loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2, San Fran won every game at The 'Stick in 2011.

In fact, the boys in Red and Gold are currently riding a seven-game win streak at home during the regular season since that tough defeat.

Let's see how long they can make it last this season. If the Niners can go 8-0, it'll be the first time since a Steve Young-led squad ran the table at home in 1998.

Who Will Fall out of Favor in 2012?

It happens to every team, throughout every NFL season.

Talented young stars come in and make their mark on football's biggest stage, while veterans and less-impactful youngsters are left riding the pine as a result.

In 2011, San Francisco had a roster littered with unexpected bright spots, all contributing effectively while guys like Chilo Rachal, Shawntae Spencer and Moran Norris faded out of the picture.

So, who falls out of the coaches' favor this year?

Trent Baalke and Co. have clearly demonstrated the ability to assemble a powerhouse roster, so we're sure to see the most talented 53-man 49ers roster that's taken the field in over a decade.

That said, only 46 of those 53 Niners can suit up each week, while the seven others must remain inactive.

Of course, there's a lot of offseason action between now and the time the NFL requires each squad to whittle its roster down to 53 players. So, it may be a bit premature for this discussion.

Nonetheless, the 49er front office has put together yet another talented draft class that will certainly have a few veterans working hard to stave off the up-and-coming youngsters.

If 2012 seventh-round pick and outside linebacker Cam Johnson becomes an instant contributor this year, is former starter Parys Haralson destined for a slow, action-less exit from the Bay Area?

The 49ers ran with only three outside linebackers in 2011, and while they'd likely prefer to keep a fourth on board for the upcoming season, he may not see much action if no injuries occur. 

Ted Ginn Jr. is an electrifying return man, but so is rookie running back LaMichael James. Harbaugh and the 49ers likely have a lot in store for the explosive Oregon product, but could he actually impress enough to relieve Ginn of his return duties in his first NFL season?

Don't rule it out.

Getting back to defense, the 49ers showed last season they only like to carry four cornerbacks on their active roster.

Spencer (former 49er draft pick in 2004) suffered a hamstring injury in training camp—and despite getting back to full health during the season—he often remained inactive in favor of then-breakout rookie corner Chris Culliver and fellow corner Tramaine Brock.

But the 49ers added CB Perrish Cox this offseason, and despite not playing any football since 2010, he may warrant some playing time this coming season.

Could the emergence of Cox be the cause of Brock's demise as a 49er?

I suppose we'll just have to wait and see.