San Francisco 49ers: Tough Schedule a Good Thing for Super Bowl Contenders

Last year, the San Francisco 49ers won 13 games, but faltered in the playoffs. This time around, the team will be ready for the postseason. 

Most teams would be happy being one overtime loss away from reaching the Super Bowl, but Jim Harbaugh's squad now has lofty goals. They will accept nothing less than raising the Lombardi Trophy at the end of this season.

Even with a young team, the players know the window of opportunity to win a championship is not too long. Defensive captain Justin Smith told Comcast Sportsnet, "The mindset that I've been spreading a little bit to the guys is, you know, your team isn't always stacked forever."

Most players in San Francisco are in the prime of their careers, but they cannot be too patient when it comes to winning.

Unfortunately, the road to the playoffs will be tougher this year. The squad starts the year with a road game against the Green Bay Packers, and it does not get easier with a Week 2 matchup against the Detroit Lions. 

Traveling to New England and New Orleans should also make a playoff bid that much more difficult.

Harbaugh acknowledges the tougher schedule but also notes that his team will be ready for the challenge. Yesterday, the coach said in his press conference to the media (via 49ers.com):

"

I can tell you this, our schedule has got our attention. It’s got all the fellas’ attention. Starting with the opener, and the entirety of the schedule. By the same token, I don’t think that there are a lot of teams that are going to be happy to see us on their schedule either. So, we want to work hard and not disappoint, and fate’s in our hands to make that happen.

"

In 2011, the 49ers faced both the New York Giants and the Lions during the regular season and came out with victories. Unfortunately, they did not match up against either the Packers or the Saints, and it hurt their confidence when the important games started.

This season will provide plenty of competition for this growing team. Even some early losses will force the team to work harder and make adjustments instead of getting complacent.

There are plenty of reasons to believe San Francisco will have a decline from last year's 13-3 record. Besides the schedule, a plus-28 turnover differential is difficult to sustain. Plus, the other teams in the NFC West are certain to improve.

However if the team can reach the playoffs, it will be more prepared to make a run towards the Super Bowl. With a young team, a little confidence can go a long way.