49ers End Season on High Note in Win over Cardinals

The San Francisco 49ers have wrapped up their 2014 season on a high note after defeating the Arizona Cardinals, 20-17, at Levi's Stadium in Week 17.

Storylines surrounded the 49ers heading into the game. The elongated saga of head coach Jim Harbaugh's future came to a close shortly after the contest when an official announcement was made that Harbaugh and the 49ers elected to "mutually part ways" per the team's official website.

CEO Jed York issued the following statement with the announcement:

"

Jim and I have come to the conclusion that it is in our mutual best interest to move in different directions. We thank Jim for bringing a tremendous competitive nature and a great passion for the game to the 49ers. He and his staff restored a winning culture that has been the standard for our franchise throughout its history. Their commitment and hard work resulted in a period of success that should be looked back on proudly by our organization and our fans. We wish Jim and his family all the best.

"

Harbaugh's departure is only a part of the pending story that will surround the 49ers during the upcoming offseason.

A number of critical players also face an uncertain future. 

Running back Frank Gore, wide receiver Michael Crabtree and offensive guard Mike Iupati are all pending free agents. Their prospects for a 49ers return also remain in doubt.

Linebacker Ahmad Brooks—who has seen his play decrease following the emergence of rookie Aaron Lynch—could also be on the way out as a cap casualty. The same could be said for tight end Vernon Davis.

Additionally, veteran defensive end Justin Smith has hinted toward retirement. Alex Flanagan of NFL Network (h/t David Fucillo of Niners Nation) reported that Sunday's contest would possibly be the final game in Smith's storied career:

The conclusion of 2014 could mark the end of an era in San Francisco. But at least the 49ers signed off on this season with a positive note.

Tony Avelar/Associated Press

Gore was one player who left his mark on San Francisco's efforts. He finished with 144 rushing yards on 25 attempts—an average of 5.8 yards per attempt. But Gore also thrust himself into the history books during the game.

The 31-year-old veteran crested the 1,000-yard rushing plateau, which marked the eighth time Gore had done so during his amazing career. Later on, a 20-yard gain ensured Gore would reach 11,000 rushing yards. Gore then became the 20th player in NFL history to reach this mark, per Taylor Price of 49ers.com:

But Gore was not the only member of the 49ers to enter the history books.

Veteran wide receiver Anquan Boldin also made his mark by becoming only the fourth wideout in franchise history to record multiple 1,000-yard seasons, per Price. Boldin now joins 49ers greats Jerry Rice, John Taylor and Terrell Owens to accomplish that feat.

Boldin finished the game with two receptions for 81 yards and a touchdown.

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

The wideout is under contract for next season. Delivering him the ball will fall upon the shoulders of Colin Kaepernick, who enjoyed his first 100-plus quarterback rating since Week 6 against the St. Louis Rams.

San Francisco's signal-caller posted 15 completions on 26 attempts for 204 yards. Kaepernick also completed a touchdown pass to fullback Bruce Miller that, combined with Boldin's score, gave the quarterback two touchdown passes against zero interceptions.

Don Feria/Getty Images

Kaepernick also rushed for 63 yards on seven carries and looked far more like the quarterback fans had hoped for when the 49ers signed him to a long-term deal during the offseason.

Defensively, San Francisco's elongated list of injuries wound up hurting its efforts despite the victory.

The Cardinals had some success running the ball up the middle—an area that would normally be plugged by rookie linebacker Chris Borland. Borland's absence on injured reserve left a hole that backup linebacker Nick Moody struggled to plug.

There was also a general lack of pressure on Cardinals quarterback Ryan Lindley. Despite being sacked twice, Lindley was able to throw for over 300 yards and two touchdowns—both to wide receiver Michael Floyd, who finished the contest with 153 yards on eight catches.

Don Feria/Getty Images

Covering Floyd was problematic for the 49ers secondary. This unit, while thin, was able to make some notable plays . 

Cornerback Chris Culliver—also a pending free agent—finished the contest with one interception and three passes defended. He could have had two more picks during the game.

Backup safety Craig Dahl, starting in place of Eric Reid, had issues in coverage but also iced the game with San Francisco's second interception. Dahl subsequently gave the ball to his head coach, who was later doused with Gatorade as the clock wound down to zero:

With their season over and Harbaugh officially out, the focus will be on how this team maintains its recent success under a new regime. It's a thought process not lost on the players themselves.

"It's bittersweet," noted Kaepernick, via Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News. "Happy we got the win, happy we were able to get Frank [Gore] and Anquan [Boldin] to their milestones and get this win. But Coach Harbaugh is the coach that drafted me. He's the coach that chose to start me. He's the coach that stood behind me through everything."

Kaepernick and the remaining cast of 49ers will have to endure this offseason of uncertainty. While there remains a ton of talent within San Francisco, the looming questions will assuredly cast a lot of doubt on the team and each individual player's future.

Still, the victory is one that caps off a successful period of 49ers football. San Francisco sent off its former head coach with a victory and, perhaps, have done so for a number of key players who have been at the heart of this organization.

As one era closes, a new one begins.

One can only hope that this new phase generates even more success for the Red and Gold.

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com and ESPN.com unless otherwise indicated.

Peter Panacy is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report, covering the San Francisco 49ers. Be sure to check out his entire archive on 49ers news, insight and analysis.

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