San Francisco 49ers Five Biggest Differences Between 2009 and 2010

Similarly, the San Francisco 49ers underwent numerous changes in the past year. Heading into the upcoming season there's a completely different outlook then there was last season. 

So here are the top five differences between 2009 and 2010 for the 49ers.

5. Coaching Staff

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ST. LOUIS - JANUARY 3: Head coach Mike Singletary of the San Francisco 49ers watches on the sidelines during the game against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on January 3, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. The 49ers beat the Rams 28-6. (Photo by

Last year Mike Singletary was heading into his first full season as an NFL head coach and some were still skeptical about what to expect. However, he's clearly demonstrated his team vision and has got the team headed in the right direction. 

Moreover, this will be the first time they have had the same offensive coordinator for back-to-back seasons. That alone should help the unit develop. 

The Pittsburgh Steelers, along with many other successful organizations have validated, continuity is a key ingredient for success. Let's hope that's the case for the 49ers. 

4. Quality Offensive Line

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LOS ANGELES - SEPTEMBER 1: Idaho guard Mike Iupati #77 leads block against USC at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 1, 2007 in Los Angeles, California. The Vandals were defeated by the top-ranked Trojans won 38-10. (Photo by Kevin Terrell/Ge

Last year they had major holes at both guard and left tackle. Luckily, during the draft, they finally addressed those pressing issues by drafting tackle Anthony Davis and guard Mike Iupati with their two first-round selections.

They will be an immediate upgrade over the team's current situation, and should make a significant impact this year. 

3. Proven Playmakers

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL - JANUARY 31: Vernon Davis #85 of the NFC's San Francisco 49ers runs with the ball during the 2010 AFC-NFC Pro Bowl game at Sun Life Stadium on January 31, 2010 in Miami Gardens, Florida. The AFC defeated the NFC 41-34. (Photo by Scott

In order to be successful on offense, there needs to be multiple quality offensive weapons to work with. 

Up until now, that has not been the case in San Francisco. 

Last year, Vernon Davis was widely considered a major disappointment and Michael Crabtree was disgruntled with his contract situation. The only respectable weapon was running back Frank Gore. 

Now, Davis is a Pro Bowler and poses serious mismatch issues for opposing defenses. Meanwhile, Crabtree continues to display tremendous potential and could develop into a legitimate No. 1 receiver in the near future. 

2. Clear Starter at QB

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ST. LOUIS - JANUARY 3: Alex Smith #11 of the San Francisco 49ers listens on the sidelines during the game against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on January 3, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. The 49ers beat the Rams 28-6. (Photo by Dilip Vishwa

Last year, the team was still contemplating between Alex Smith and Shaun Hill. Despite being named the starter, though, Hill was benched midway through the season in favor of Smith. 

Even though he failed to meet his original high expectations, Smith did display a lot of promise. As a result, the 49ers have a clear-cut, quality Day One starter for the first time in years. 

1. Favorites To Win NFC West

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SAN FRANCISCO - NOVEMBER 29: Alex Smith #11 of the San Francisco 49ers talks to his team in the huddle during their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Candlestick Park on November 29, 2009 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Im

Even in a weak division, the 49ers have failed to claim the crown since 2002. 

Last year, after the Arizona Cardinals made an improbable Super Bowl run in '08, the 49ers were expected to finish second at best.

Now that the Cardinals have lost some of their best players, the 49ers have jumped over them and have finally made themselves the front runners in this year's NFC West race.