They've done it. The drought is finally over.
With their 26-0 defeat of the 2-10 St. Louis Rams on Sunday, the 49ers (10-2) clinched their first division title since 2002, when Jeff Garcia was at the helm and Terrell Owens was actually part of the team (and not that much of a prima-donna either).
The 49ers have been one of the best teams all season long, featuring players such as running back Frank Gore, tight end Vernon Davis and linebacker Patrick Willis, arguably the best in the league at that position.
It's been a long time since the 49ers have been to the playoffs and they finally have the opportunity to make some noise in the postseason behind their defense, which has been one of the best groups in the NFL all season.
First-year head coach Jim Harbaugh has instituted and taught something to this team that has done nothing but flounder in recent memory. Now, all of a sudden, they have been on a considerable hot streak and are currently one of the best teams in the NFL, not just in the NFC.
Harbaugh became the third rookie head coach in 49ers history to win the division, joining George Seifert (1989) and Steve Mariucci (1997).
Harbaugh said after the game, "It's not a Hollywood team. It's a blue-collar team."
Once a marquee franchise in the league that has featured players such as Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Steve Young, among others, they have been a humongous disappointment over the last decade.But they have finally come back to playing great football and are currently the second best team in the NFC - yes, even in front of the high-powered offense of the New Orleans Saints.
After the game, tight end Vernon Davis put on a hat that read "NFC West Champions" - the first time he has won such a hat in his NFL career. Clearly, Davis was one of the happiest guys in the locker room and said after the game, "We want to make it to the championship. It's something we've been wanting for a long time. This is the reason why I'm here. It means a lot to me."
Running back Frank Gore finished the game with 73 yards on the ground and in the process, he passed Hall of Famer Joe Perry as the team's all-time leading rusher.
Quarterback Alex Smith, who looks to have finally found his groove after being selected with the No. 1 overall pick in 2005, completed 17 of 23 passes for 274 yards and two touchdowns. Both of his touchdowns were over 50 yards, going to Michael Crabtree (52) and Kyle Williams (56).
Michael Crabtree finished the game with four receptions for 96 yards and a touchdown.
Safety Dashon Goldson registered an interception in the game, successfully picking off A.J. Feeley after the Rams' franchise quarterback Sam Bradford did not start.
Kicker David Akers added four field goals as well to help the 49ers post their fourth biggest shutout since 2000.
It was the 49ers' first shutout since Oct. 4, 2009 since they coincidentally shut out the Rams.
The 49ers are moving on to the playoffs and I am happy to see them finally reach the postseason again.
