San Francisco 49ers Season In Review: Top 10 Best Moments of 2010
The year of 2010 is coming to a close and it's time to reflect on the events that made it special. Whether it be reaching a new milestone, meeting a new person or even having an intense night out, I'm sure 2010 was full of memories for all of us.
In the world of football, each NFL team has it's own fair share of special moments as well. As for the San Francisco 49ers, well, let's just say this wasn't any ordinary year. Nope; it was full of surprises and interesting situations.
Sure, it didn't turn out how most of us expected. However, that's not to say it's one that we won't forget for a very long time.
Disclaimer: By 'best' moments, I don't necessarily mean positive moments. These are simply the most significant moments of 2010.
Undefeated In the Preseason
1 of 10
Heading into the season, the San Francisco 49ers were widely considered a much improved team and one that was poised to finally take the NFC West crown.
To add even more optimism, the 49ers went undefeated in the preseason. Unfortunately, that clearly didn't translate to success in the regular season.
I guess it just goes to show the preseason, for the most part, is virtually meaningless.
Firing Jimmy Raye
2 of 10
This may have been the best decision the San Francisco 49ers front office made all season long. One of the primary problems I diagnosed the team was facing was poor play-calling, particularly on the offensive end. Therefore, I was a strong believer that offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye had to go. That is why when he was fired after Week 3, I was glad to see the organization cut their losses and make the wise decision.
Glen Coffee/Brian Westbrook
3 of 10
Anyone still remember the surprise Glen Coffee retirement? It seems like such a haze now, but at the time it was certainly a big deal.
For ambiguous reasons, Coffee opted to retire after just one season in the NFL.
As a result, the depleted depth at running back led to the signing of two-time Pro Bowler Brian Westbrook.
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Nate Clements Fumble INT
4 of 10
Nate Clements surely cost the 49ers a game, and looking at the grand scheme of things, he may as well have cost them a better shot at qualifying for the playoffs.
After intercepting an errant pass from Matt Ryan, the 49ers were just moments away from beating the Atlanta Falcons.
However, on the return the ball was stripped and he coughed up the fumble thus ending their chances of pulling off an upset.
NFL Draft
5 of 10
With two first round selections in this year's NFL Draft, what the San Francisco 49ers were going to do with them was undoubtedly a hot topic leading up to the big event.
Personally, I felt the best route to take was to draft a pair of offensive linemen in order to strengthen the team's biggest weakness.
Interestingly enough, they did exactly that as they took Rutgers OT Anthony Davis and Idaho G Mike Iupati both of whom are currently starters in the trenches.
Not to mention, when they were able to snatch USC safety Taylor Mays in the 2nd round it did nothing but spur excitement all throughout the franchise.
Re-Signing Vernon Davis and Patrick Willis
6 of 10
One important aspect of building a team is keeping around the members who have proven to be high achievers and valuable contributors. That is why when the San Francisco 49ers decided to re-sign tight end Vernon Davis and middle linebacker Patrick Willis, both of whom were coming off Pro Bowl seasons, we were all ecstatic.
We hoped that they would continue to be cornerstones to the franchise, and while they haven't been spectacular, their production this season has been solid.
Beating Oakland Raiders
7 of 10
The San Francisco 49ers are currently 5-10, four wins coming against divisional opponents and the lone other coming against the Oakland Raiders
That aside, this is the proof which 49ers fans can provide as to why their team is superior to their Bay Area rival.
Switching Quarterbacks
8 of 10
For various reasons, the San Francisco 49ers have gone back and forth from quarterback to quarterback. One game it was Alex Smith, their former No. 1 overall pick. The other, it was Troy Smith, a former Heisman Trophy winner. Unfortunately, neither proved to be the answer which is a crucial reason why they are 5-10 today.
All in all, their situation at the position was absolutely horrendous.
Saints Monday Night Football
9 of 10
If there's a morale killer in the NFL it's allowing a last second field goal alter the entire outcome of the game.
To the San Francisco 49ers demise, that exact fate fell upon them in Week Two when they faced off against the defending Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football.
I was at the game so I can honestly say I know what the mood was like after the play.
Fire Mike Singletary
10 of 10
The San Francisco 49ers fired Mike Singletary immediately after they were officially eliminated from playoff contention due to a 25-17 loss to the St. Louis Rams last week.
Singletary clearly lost reigns over the team and his vision of how the team was supposed to play certainly didn't pan out as planned.
Therefore, the move had to be made and I'm glad it was.
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