Niners Will Face Tough Task in Divisional Round

US PRESSWIRE

“Who’s Got it Better Than Us?… NOBODY!”

Well, the Packers, Seahawks, or Redskins might have something to say about that in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. Led by a very distinguished second-year coach in Jim Harbaugh and nine Pro-Bowlers, it appears the San Francisco 49ers look to make their first Super Bowl appearance since 1995.

Their No.2 ranking in the NFC gave them a first round bye and home field advantage. Colin Kaepernick’s first career playoff start will be played at Candlestick Park, a venue he should be very comfortable playing at.

The 6’4, 240 pound, second-year quarterback from Nevada, will mostly likely match up against the Packers, who will be battling the Vikings in the Wild-Card round of the playoffs.

San Francisco has played both of these teams earlier in the season but Kapernick was still playing back-up to quarterback Alex Smith. Since his first NFL start against the St. Louis Rams in week 10, Kaepernick has obtained a passer rating of 98.3, throwing for 1,814 yards, 10 touchdowns and just 3 interceptions. He will need to utilize his receiving core. Targeting Michael Crabtree and Randy Moss might get the job done but, Vernon Davis has had limited productivity since Kaepernick’s received the title as starting quarterback. Kaepernick has given Davis two things since week 10; 1 touchdown catch and a kill shot from Seattle Seahawks Safety Kam Channcellor which resulted in a concussion. You mad bro? I would be if I were Vernon Davis. While Kaepernick needs to perform throughout the playoffs, the fate of the team does not entirely rest on the shoulders of the young quarterback.

San Francisco will have its work cut out for them. The Packers offer tremendous offensive power that the 49ers defense must contain. They will play the 2011 NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers, who has a Passer Rating of 108.0, with 39 touchdowns and eight interceptions. The 49ers are well prepared though. Allowing less than 300 yards per game, the defense is anchored with some of the most athletic players to ever play in the NFL with Justin Smith, Aldon Smith, Patrick Willis, and Navarrow Bowman just to name a few.

Some coaches consider special teams as one-third of the game. This statement holds true for the 49ers. Ray Finkle David Akers has started all year for the 49ers but has this season been one of the most unproductive years in his career. ESPN currently ranks Akers as one of the least accurate field goal kickers in the NFL this year, making just 69% of his field goals. He has gone 2-6 for attempts over 50 yards, and 7-13 for kick attempts from 40-49 yards. Coach Harbaugh clearly has had enough of Akers poor performance and has signed Billy Cundiff to compete for the starting spot.

Will the 49ers make it to the NFC Championship and keep their Super Bowl hopes alive?

If they don’t, be prepared to see more videos like this.