San Francisco 49ers: 3 Traditions for a Super Bowl Run

The San Francisco 49ers finished the regular season with a 13-3 record, won the NFC West and secured the second seed in the NFC Playoff race.

No, it's not 1988 or 1997.

The 49ers have returned after a very forgettable slumber, and now, they're poised to make a run towards their sixth Super Bowl championship.

Such a celebrated occasion calls for a summoning of the 49er memories of yore and how they will culminate into a new wave of nostalgic memories for generations to come.

A Sloppy Field Helps the San Francisco 49ers

Who'll stop the rain?

A better question might be: who'll stop Frank Gore in the rain?

Granted the weather reports aren't necessarily showing rain on the radar in San Francisco for December 14th, but those fans who know 49ers lore and legend have already started their rain dances.

All signs point to the New Orleans Saints riding their high flying, fireworks show of an offense into Candlestick.  If this is the case, then a nice, sloppy field would be just what the doctor ordered.

A muddy field makes those angle routes ran by Sproles in front of the linebackers just a tad bit tougher to plant on.

A muddy field makes that usually dome-dry ball that Brees zings a tad more hard to handle.

But most of all, a muddy field is a memorable field.  

A field with character and grit.

...Perfect for 49ers football.

The Rise of the Rookie: A San Francisco 49ers Treat

In 1981, it was Ronnie Lott and Eric Wright.

In 1994, it was William Floyd, aka "Bar None".

The 49ers have a solid tradition of stud rookies stepping it up to even greater heights in the playoffs.

This year, the torch will be passed to Aldon Smith.

Drafted as a pass-rusher with the seventh overall pick in last year's draft, Aldon Smith proved the head scratchers wrong when he amassed 14 sacks in his rookie season.

With the 49ers poised to face probably two out of the three top quarterbacks in the NFC playoffs in Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees or Eli Manning, Aldon Smith will be crucial factor on the 49ers defense.

And considering how hot and tall the torch he holds burns, Smith is poised for a monster postseason.

Alex Smith Will Become a 49ers Legend with a Signature Play

Joe Montana had "The Catch"...and a few others as well.  Steve Young had his victory over the Cowboys in 1994, followed up by a six-touchdown performance in the Super Bowl.  

Even Jeff Garcia had a memorable moment in his comeback verses the Giants in 2002.  

Signature plays is what the playoffs are all about.

And this year, in Alex Smith's first ever playoff run, he will have his.

We can't say when this will happen or what team it will happen against.  All we know is it will be dramatic and exciting and a lasting image for all to remember and tell their grandchildren about.

A true tearjerker, as the once downtrodden and booed Alex Smith makes the play that wins the game for the San Francisco 49ers at the time when it matters most of all.

It's inevitable.  

It's tradition.