Raiders and 49ers 2011 Season Review

     Last year the Oakland Raiders went 8-8 not having a winning season since 2002. They brought in Jason Campbell hoping for better results from their quarterback position. After Campbell went down Raider Nation was preparing for a lost season once again. There were reports of Carson Palmer becoming a raider but most fans were skeptical. When the Raiders traded for Carson Palmer the NFL community were shocked that the raiders gave up so much for him. The Raiders suffered another set back with the injury of DMC, which then many people around the NFL thought 2011 was a wash for the Raiders. At the  end of the year many Raider fans looked at the bigger picture. The Raiders went 8-8, with a QB who was new to the offense, and their star player was out for most of the year. With a full training camp and a healthy DMC, Raider nation is looking toward a very bright future in Oakland. 

    In 2011 the San Francisco 49ers at last escaped mediocrity and now find themselves in the Elite category in the NFL.  When Jim Harbuagh came to San Francisco not many people thought they would make it to the playoffs, but they shocked the nation going 13-3 and entering the playoffs as the second best team in the NFC.  Alex Smith who was taken number one overall in the 2005 didn’t live up to expectations the 49ers had set for him when he was drafted. He had a solid year throwing for 3,144 yards and 17 touchdowns. The major factor in the 49ers epic run in 2011, was their pro bowl defense. They were considered as one of the top defenses in the NFL. They had 3 starting defensive players at the pro bowl in Justin Smith, Patrick Willis, and Carlos Rogers. Also, the 49ers had a rookie linebacker who flashed his immense potential. Rookie Aldon Smith registered 37 tackles with an impressive 14 sacks, and was a big contributor to their stout defense. In 2012 the 49ers addressed their WR needs adding Mario Manningham and Randy Moss. Coach Jim Harbaugh is hoping to improve their passing game to create a powerful offense that can compliment his stout defense. The 49ers are primed for another deep playoff run, but  many believe that if the 49ers want to win a Superbowl  Alex Smith is going to need to step up bigger than he ever has. 2012 is going to be an exciting year for bay area teams!

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