NFL Playoffs 2012: History Is on San Francisco's Side

After a dominating performance against the Saints, the 49ers have become a new favorite to win the Super Bowl this year. Some cite their stifling defense, reliable offense and great coaching. All are good points.

But perhaps the most compelling argument to hear is that the past tells the future. The 49ers are very similar to a past team that has won the Super Bowl: the 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

I'm going to have to ask that 49ers fans try to keep up with me for a while. It's a long connection, and I only fully formed it after the Saint's game. But it is a connection that I hope people see and support.

We need to first establish some history about the 2002 Buccaneers. They had just hired a new, young head coach in Jon Gruden and were not expected to make a difference in the league. It was supposed to be a rebuilding year.

But the Bucs shocked everyone by winning their division and upsetting their rival Eagles in the NFC Championship Game. They would go on to win the Super Bowl in dominant fashion, bringing glory back to Tampa Bay.

San Francisco is on a path to do just that. Nobody expected the 49ers to compete in the playoffs this year. Sure, they hired Jim Harbaugh, fresh off a stint at Stanford, but they hadn't fully formed as a team yet. 

Or so they thought.

The 49ers are currently on a hot four-game win streak heading into the NFC Championship game versus the Giants. This San Fran team seems to have come out of nowhere to beat some of the best teams in the league. 

Now is the fun part. I'm going to break down the multiple similarities between the '02 Bucs and current 49ers, starting with the offense.

Alex Smith has been the shock of the year, having shot down his "bust" status and become a reliable, consistently good part of this offense. It was a huge leap from 2010 to 2011 with his progress as a QB. He has shown up for big plays when needed and can finally be counted upon to help carry this offense.

The Bucs had put Brad Johnson in as their starting QB. He wasn't viewed as a good choice, mainly because he had been so inconsistent and mediocre overall. Johnson would go on to have the best year of his career, appearing when the Bucs needed him and leading them to the Super Bowl. Johnson proved that he was able to compete with the best defenses.

Both these QBs had talented receiving units to boot. For Smith, his main man is Michael Crabtree, who is having a great year as the number one go-to guy for San Francisco. Lined up opposite of him is Vernon Davis, who has appeared big in the postseason with two crucial touchdowns against the Saints. 

Tampa Bay didn't lack for firepower either. Keyshawn Johnson, yet another player experiencing the best season of his career, was the constant target for Brad Johnson. With Joe Jurevicius (isn't his name just awesome to say?) also helping out the receiving game, the Buccaneers didn't have any trouble airing it out when they needed to.

Frank Gore once again came up big for San Francisco this year, pounding his way to over 1,200 yards and eight touchdowns. Gore has already established himself as the 49ers primary choice on offense with his very reliable production. The San Francisco offense is built around his grinding runs and powerful bursts. 

Gore reminds me of another specific ground-and-pound guy named Mike Alstott. Alstott was known for his toughness and power running. The running game for the Bucs rested on his shoulders, which he gladly used to plow through his defenders. He redefined what it meant to "tote the rock" as a fullback.

But I know that we all want to hear about the defenses. The main attractions, if you will. Both teams have outstanding defenses that ranked top in almost all categories. Let's start with those big boys up front. The defensive line will be our first examination. 

The front runners of this 49ers line are Justin Smith and Aldon Smith (when he plays DE). Both are defensive ends that have terrifying turnover abilities. Justin Smith has caused three fumbles and has a very good count of 7.5 sacks and 58 tackles. Aldon Smith has caused only two fumbles, but has a ridiculous 14 sacks with 37 tackles. 

Simeon Rice and Warren Sapp were the only two names you would hear when the Bucs' D-line made a stop. In 2002 they combined for 97 tackles, seven forced fumbles and 23 sacks. It was a rare thing to see opponents getting a rhythm going on the ground with those two always in the backfield.

The 49ers' linebackers are the monsters of this defense, though. NaVorro Bowman and Patrick Willis are two of my favorite players from this year, for good reason. They are extremely productive on their end of the ball. They have combined for 185 tackles, four sacks and four forced fumbles. These guys know where the play is and shut it down.

The Bucs didn't have the best of linebacker units as a whole, but they did have a legendary linebacker in Derrick Brooks. He had 117 tackles, five interceptions and three defensive touchdowns in 2002. Brooks was no doubt the leader of the defense with his experience and skill. 

A surprise for this San Francisco team were the safeties, who have been much better than expected. People like Dashon Goldson and Donte Whitner have had a huge impact on this defense, totaling 104 tackles and eight interceptions. What they lack in total pass defense they make up for with great turnover ability.

The Bucs' secondary was not without its skill. Dexter Jackson, Ronde Barber and John Lynch were all in the prime of their careers in 2002. They combined for 214 tackles and eight interceptions. They were the prime example of shutdown safeties. Jackson was named the MVP of Super Bowl XXXVII with two interceptions. Barber is still playing and you might hear Lynch on a MNF game.

So to summarize the comparisons: Both have tremendous defenses, reliable offenses and unfinished business to attend to.

It is hard to look at these two teams and say that the 49ers won't win the Super Bowl. There are too many comparisons that support San Francisco. I will say with confidence and hopefully no regret:

The 49ers will win the Super Bowl.