San Francisco 49ers: Predicting 5 Problem Spots for the 49ers in 2012

The San Francisco 49ers will enter next season with an improved roster as well as depth at key positions. 

Despite the picture-perfect scene, the 49ers still have a few problems to address. They need help along the offensive line and in the defensive backfield. 

A nice free agency period in addition to a strong draft should give the 49ers an even stronger possibility of winning it all, but certain areas must be addressed. 

1. Crowded Backfield

The 49ers will enter next season with a crowded group at running back. After the signing of Brandon Jacobs this offseason and the addition of LaMichael James through the draft, the 49ers will have four potential playmakers. 

Frank Gore and Kendell Hunter will likely take most of the snaps, but expect Coach Harbaugh to utilize his full personnel at running back. This could cut into Gore's playing time, but I suspect Trent Baalke and Harbaugh have their reasons. 

2. Passing Attack

The 49ers added several weapons to a roster devoid of talented receivers and healthy bodies. The addition of Randy Moss and Mario Manningham should spice up this passing attack, but consistency could still be an issue. 

This is a run-first team, but the 49ers witnessed first hand where an anemic passing offense can take you in the playoffs.

While optimism is at an all-time high, lets see how this new group of receivers meshes with quarterback Alex Smith.

3. Interior of the Offensive Line

The RG position has been a concern, especially after the 49ers lost Adam Snyder in free agency.

The 49ers have a nice prospect in Daniel Kilgore who could possibly step in, but just in case, Trent Baalke drafted guard Joe Looney in the fifth round of the 2012 NFL draft. 

Despite the depth at that position, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle (h/t NFL.com) reported that tackle Alex Boone will have first crack at RG. I trust Harbaugh to make decisions of this nature, but Boone must prove that he can hold up in pass protection. 

The move inside for Boone could be a tricky one. Defending tackles can be far more difficult than defending that outside edge. Expect Boone to struggle early. 

4. Lack of Hunger

After a team experiences success, they tend to get full. The 49ers, under the lead of Jim Harbaugh, look like the exception. 

They are aware of their status. Rather than serving as the hunters, the 49ers are now the hunted. Teams will be looking to destroy the 49ers on a weekly basis. 

While this scenario might not play out, this is still a notable topic, especially if the 49ers look sluggish in the early part of the season. 

5. Handshake-Gate Part II

This is a joke, or is it? Look, the San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions hate each other's guts. Their coaches likely share that sentiment as well. 

After their last encounter, expect Handshake-gate Part II to be a lot more calm. However, with two intense teams like the 49ers and Lions, the emotions of the game can get the better of these knuckleheads.

Expect Harbaugh to eek out another friendly pat; only this time, he'll decide to do it a little more softly.