The 2012 San Francisco 49ers season is one we’ll never forget. It was a year of high expectations and after falling short in the 2011 NFC Championship we all believed this was our time. Hopes were skyhigh and we were hungry for a Super Bowl appearance. Jim Harbaugh looks like the coach that was so hungry that he was finally going to get it done for us. There were a lot of surprises during this season and we really wanted them to work out.
Roster
This roster was stacked and it felt like we had all the pieces in place. At quarterback we started with Alex Smith who had shown real growth under Jim Harbaugh. But after a concussion early in the season we saw Colin Kaepernick step in and man did he change everything. Colin Kaepernick broke out as the starting quarterback, leading the team with both his arm and legs. Frank Gore continued to dominate as a running back, while Michael Crabtree and Anquan Boldin were key contributors in the passing game. Tight end Vernon Davis provided a deep threat, and the defense was anchored by standouts like Justin Smith, Aldon Smith, Patrick Willis, Navarro Bowman, and Dante Whitner, who formed one of the best defensive units in the league.
Star Players:
Dante Whitner (S)
Colin Kaepernick (QB)
Frank Gore (RB)
Michael Crabtree (WR)
Anquan Boldin (WR)
Vernon Davis (TE)
Justin Smith (DE)
Aldon Smith (OLB)
Patrick Willis (ILB)
Navarro Bowman (ILB)
Season
Our season began with a strong start. We were 6-2 halfway through with a defense that was suffocating and an offense that was starting to click. The transition to Kaepernick after Alex Smith’s concussion was a huge turning point. We saw a new energy on offense and it didn’t take long to realize this team was something different. Kaepernick’s running ability kept opposing defenses guessing and his strong arm made us a threat downfield. Our offensive identity was evolving and it was exciting to watch.
We finished the regular season at 11-4-1 claiming the NFC West title and securing the second seed in the playoffs. The team felt poised and ready for the postseason. We knew we had the talent and now it was time to show the world what we could do.
Divisional Round
Our playoff journey began with a matchup against the Green Bay Packers who were led by the incredible Aaron Rodgers. It was a frigid day at Candlestick Park and we were ready to make a statement. Kaepernick took over rushing for an astounding 181 yards and throwing for two touchdowns. It was one of the most memorable playoff performances in 49ers history. We won 45-31 and it felt like everything was falling into place. We were headed to the NFC Championship for the first time in years.
NFC Championship Game
The NFC Championship Game was set against the Atlanta Falcons and it was a game we would never forget. The Falcons came out hot jumping to a 17-0 lead by halftime. But we weren’t going down without a fight. Kaepernick kept his cool and we stormed back in the second half. Down by 7 with less than 5 minutes to go Kaepernick led us on a 9-play 80-yard drive that ended with a touchdown to Michael Crabtree. With the game tied the Falcons couldn’t respond and we walked away with a 28-24 victory.
Super Bowl
The Super Bowl matchup was against the Baltimore Ravens coached by John Harbaugh, Jim’s brother. From the start it felt like something wasn’t right. The Ravens jumped out to a 21-6 lead in the first half. But then as if by fate the power went out in the stadium. That unexpected break gave us a chance to regroup and we came out of the break strong. Kaepernick led us on a 17-point rally to tie the game and we were back in it. But in the end it wasn’t enough. A crucial fourth quarter goal-line stand by the Ravens’ defense combined with missed opportunities and some questionable decisions left us with a bitter taste. The Ravens won 34-31 and our dreams of a Super Bowl were shattered. This especially hurt because we didn’t have to go through any powerhouse teams. We were close to ending the drought but fell short.