San Francisco 49ers: 4 Reasons the 49ers Are Super Bowl Favorites for Next Year

I have said this before, and I will say it again: The San Francisco 49ers are my Super Bowl favorites for next year. I know, I'm a Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tennessee Titans fan, but I have to go with the 49ers.

While their magical year ended in a disappointing way, I have a great feeling about San Francisco for next year. This year was dedicated to finding out what kind of team they would be. So many players came through for them, giving them a newfound confidence.

In my mind, there are four huge reasons the 49ers will be going to New Orleans next year. These are those four reasons:

Nasty Defense

You won't get any buildup or beating around the bush from me; this is why I love this 49ers team. Defense wins championships, and this 49ers team is out to prove that the old adage is true.

Where do I begin?

Perhaps it is the linebacker position that amazes me the most. Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman are the anchors of the defense with a combined 240 tackles. That is a ridiculous stat if I have ever seen one. In linebackers we trust.

That isn't meant to take anything away from the D-line though, which does not get enough credit. Aldon Smith and Justin Smith are the two big boys here, tallying up 95 tackles and a monstrous 21.5 sacks. Let's give a round of applause for the guys up front.

Just for the heck of it, why not add in the safeties to this group? I mean, they certainly did contribute a lot to this team. Dashon Goldson and Donte Whitner had 129 tackles and eight interceptions combined, which is exceptional for safeties. 

This 49ers defense is like cake: The deeper you slice it, the more layers it has to it.

Reliable Passing Game

Wow—that was my reaction to how Alex Smith performed this year. I don't think there was more than a handful of people predicting his breakout this year. If they did, it was probably wishful thinking.

Smith certainly proved that the haters were his motivators, as he passed for a good 17 touchdowns and a great five interceptions. They were not the most gaudy stats, but he was proven to be a reliable quarterback that could lead the offense if given the keys.

Now we are getting to the one thing that the 49ers can improve on, and that is the receiving unit. Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis were great players, have no doubt, but neither could really be called a No. 1 receiver. 

However, like every other problem, the solution is in the NFL draft. The 49ers can (and almost certainly will) draft a wide receiver. Once they do this, the offense will be one of the most solid ones out there.

Tough Running Offense

I was always a fan of the power running backs. I loved them in the 2002 season with the Bucs and I love them on the 49ers team.

While the running game was talked about, it didn't get nearly the amount of attention it should have, especially considering that San Francisco finished eighth in total rushing.

Frank Gore is a strong, powerful, beastly running back; there is really no other way to put it. I don't think I have seen him get tackled by just one guy. If I have, it must have been a dream. This is the guy who gladly carried the offense on his back (mostly).

Kendall Hunter didn't see nearly as much action, but is still a very good running back. A lot of people underestimate him and this entire running corps. Hunter is the second swing in the one-two knockout punch of a running game.

These guys could improve in the red zone though, where they are needed most. Other than that, I don't have any complaints.

Passion

Now don't think this is some sort of cop-out slide that I made just so I could have four reasons. This is a legitimate point that too many people just pass on, thinking it doesn't make a difference.

Well, let me tell you something: I have never seen an exceptional team with no heart win anything. You can stack your team with the No. 1 players at each position, but if they have no reason to perform their best, you will be lucky to make the playoffs. How do you think the New York Giants won the Super Bowl this year?

It has been too long since the 49ers have seen success like this past season. This is a franchise that has been accustomed to success. You can never keep them down for too long.

The city is reinvigorated. Candlestick Park has returned to the glory of being one of the hardest places to play in. The team is excited, and so are the fans. 

All I have to say is this: Welcome back, San Francisco.