San Francisco 49ers Year in Review: Handing out the Best of and Worst of Awards

The San Francisco 49ers will face off against the New Orleans Saints this Saturday for the right to play in the NFC Conference championship game. 

After amassing a 13-3 regular season record, the 49ers will face their stiffest test to date. They face a high-octane New Orleans offense featuring a record-breaking quarterback, an offensive-minded coach and a slew of dangerous weapons. 

This is not the time for the 49ers to be just happy to be here. They have expectations––likely for the first time in almost a decade, and should give the 49ers faithful a good show. 

No matter what occurs in the postseason, the 49ers should be proud of their accomplishments in the regular season.

A first-round bye, in addition to a national recognition with a rookie head coach at the helm, is impressive to say the least. 

Before the divisional matchup against the New Orleans Saints, I decided to give out awards to commemorate the San Francisco 49ers' success in the 2011-2012 season. 

Best Rookie: Aldon Smith

A no-brainer selection here.

Aldon Smith was phenomenal as a situational pass-rusher and should make a name for himself in the postseason against the pass heavy teams. 

Best Assistant Coach: Vic Fangio/Jim Tomsula

Vic Fangio turned a good defense into a great one.

He was brought over from Stanford and has made fans forget about the work of former defensive coordinator, Greg Manusky. 

Jim Tomsula is another assistant coach that usually receives no pub.

He was a holdover from the Mike Nolan/Mike Singletary staff because of his relationship with the players.

Even with the loss of Aubrayo Franklin in free agency, the veteran coach has the D-line playing top-notch football.

The 49ers have the best front seven in football because they have the best defensive line coach in football in Tomsula. 

Best Offensive Lineman: Joe Staley

Joe Staley has been the model of consistency as the blind side protector—when healthy, at least.

The Niners pass protection would be in shambles without Staley on the left side.

His Pro Bowl nod was well deserved. 

Worst Offensive Lineman: Chilo Rachal

Chilo Rachal is simply terrible.

I've been calling for his head since last season.

Jim Harbaugh started Adam Snyder, and he hasn't looked back.

Rachal will likely be cut after this season. 

Most Improved: Alex Smith

Alex Smith is the unquestioned winner of this award.

His play this season has many believing the former first overall selection has a future with the 49ers. 

Smith has looked decisive and more confident this season under Jim Harbaugh.

If Smith can show up big in the playoffs, a long-term extension (talking 4-5 years) wouldn't be out of the question. 

Best Sophomore: NaVorro Bowman

NaVorro Bowman locks this award up with his stellar play alongside fellow All-Pro linebacker Patrick Willis.

Bowman was snubbed for the Pro Bowl but was recognized as an All-Pro linebacker. 

Bowman still has room to grow and should look downright scary in the years to come. 

Worst Sophomore: Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis made huge strides this season but was still inconsistent in pass protection.

For a top 15 selection, Davis has to make improvements in that area. 

Mike Iupati, who was selected a few spots below Davis, has overachieved and is already considered one of the top guards in football. 

Best Free-Agent Signing: Carlos Rogers

Carlos Rogers played out of his mind this season, and his Pro Bowl nod is proof of that.

He has brought stability and playmaking (surprise, surprise) to a 49ers secondary that was absolutely terrible last season. 

Trent Baalke will likely re-sign the veteran to a three- or four-year contract extension. 

Worst Free-Agent Signing: Donte Whitner

Donte Whitner was a good pickup for the 49ers but was not the difference-maker Baalke envisioned when he signed the veteran to a contract worth a little over $11 million.

The 49ers still need an upgrade at one of the safety spots and possibly both if Pro Bowl safety Dashon Goldson leaves via free agency.    

Most Valuable Player (MVP): Justin Smith/Patrick Willis

I decided to give the award to both Justin Smith and Patrick Willis.

The 49ers defense played a huge part in their success this season, and both players deserve the recognition. 

While Patrick Willis missed a few games, his play—when healthy—was simply dominant.

Justin Smith also deserves some love for his dominating play and will be considered a legit threat to win the Defensive Player of the Year award.