Merry Christmas TT readers and 49ers fans everywhere! For a team that’s going nowhere fast, the San Francisco 49ers sure have had a busy news week. It got me thinking that I have a few Niner Christmas wishes from the last few days. Keep an eye out in a month or so for an in-depth analysis on San Francisco’s offseason shopping list, but for now, enjoy Five Fun 49ers Wishes to End the Season.
- Finishing with a record of 8-8 – In August I would have said winning the NFC West and home field advantage in the playoffs, but clearly, that was not to be. So, this year, I would love to end the season with a win and a .500 record. Man that sounds weird.
- That Aldon Smith is telling the truth when he says he didn’t have anything to drink at ex-teammate Ray McDonald’s house – Although an affidavit in the sexual assault case against McDonald says that Aldon Smith drank with McDonald and the accuser, Smith and his agent vehemently deny this. I’m hoping that they are telling the truth, and for some reason, I believe Smith. He seems to have turned a corner and seems committed to staying on the straight and narrow for his young son. Hopefully, he doesn’t make me look like a fool for saying this.
- San Francisco keeps RB Frank Gore on the roster for one more season – Frank Gore is 31, and although running back years are a little like dog years, he’s still got it. It’s been a rough season for the entire offense, but Gore has had moments of brilliance, most notably with 158 rushing yards and a 52 yard TD run last week against the San Diego Chargers. He’s also 38 yards away from his fourth straight 1,000-yard season. Word on the street – and by the street I mean word from 49ers GM Trent Baalke – is that Baalke told Gore they want him back another year. Gore said he wants to come back. Let’s make this happen Santa!
- Raise the Kap – QB Colin Kaepernick has not had a great season, and I’ve heard the word regressed in reference to him one too may times. Personally, I think it’s tough to put it all on him with an offensive line that has more than struggled and a receiving corps who has let him down time and again. That being said, there are issues that need to be addressed. Kaepernick said this week that he’s considering working with an outside mechanics coach in the offseason. I love it and I appreciate his willingness to admit to deficiencies that need to be worked on. He had a better game against Seattle two weeks ago and a more Kaplike game against the Chargers. Santa, let’s unleash the Kap on Sunday and have him finish strong.
- The Jim Harbaugh of it all – Last but certainly not least, the 49ers are going to lose a talented and successful coach next week. Please send us someone awesome and smart that will lead us to Super Bowl 50 which will be played in our own Levi’s Stadium. And while I should ask for a Jim Harbaugh trade that sends the Niners a high draft pick or an elite wide receiver, the Maize and Blue Michigan girl in me asks that Jim goes to the Big House to coach my Wolverines and stay in my football family.
Unrelated to Christmas wishes, I want to send congratulations to Antoine Bethea for being named MVP of the 49ers this season – very well deserved. Merry Christmas and Go Niners!