What do we need to improve on to make the playoffs next year?

I think we are very, very close. We need to shore up the O-line, pick up an extra DB, have an AVERAGE return game, and give Alex a full-offseason at QB to get his timing down with Crabtree & Co.

1. O-Line - Definitely need a new Right Tackle, and probably a new guard. I would prefer a free agent RT so we don't have to rely on a rookie next year and devote the draft to a speedy Corner or a playmaker

2. Extra DB - Injuries really hurt our secondary this year -- we need depth. One option is to move Nate to Safety and bring in a rookie like Joe Haden at corner...don't know if that's the solution. We could also keep Nate at CB and put a rookie at nickel (brown would play Dime).

3. Return game - Probably lost two games this year due to shoddy return skills, and definitely one game (Seattle). Morgan looks good as a KR, but we don't have anybody on the roster for punts. This needs to be addressed through FA or the Draft. In FA, we could bring in Reggie Bush or Sproles. Tons of great returners in the draft.

4. Continuity - Alex Smith really, really, needs a full offseason in an offense he already runs. He doesn't have to blow all his time re-learning numbering schemes and he can get 100% of the snaps to establish rapport with Crabtree, Morgan, and Davis.

Beyond these four areas, 49er shortcomings are trivial.

5. Pass Rush - We do a pretty good job of applying pressure, despite fan criticism. 11th in sacks, 13th in passes defended, 10th in INTs (the latter two provide a glimpse of the pressure applied). Personally, I think the 3-man pass-rushing platoon works well.

6. Replacement for Takeo Spikes -- getting old...can't really cover anymore. Might have one more good year in him. Is McKillop really the answer?

Consistency.

Originally posted by NineFourNiner:
Consistency.

I think the offseason will fix that...with Smith taking all the snaps.

Converting 3rd Downs!!! We would be in the playoffs this year if we had done this.

Originally posted by nickbradley:

Originally posted by NineFourNiner:
Consistency.

I think the offseason will fix that...with Smith taking all the snaps.

Lets hope it is as simple as that.

This team has not been a winner for the better part of six seasons and that may play into the team's overall mentality. The culture needs to change and that starts with not getting too high after an insignificant win.

Relieve Alex Smith from the QB position.

Originally posted by prime21:
Relieve Alex Smith from the QB position.

Yes.

Originally posted by robduce42:
Converting 3rd Downs!!! We would be in the playoffs this year if we had done this.

QFT

I do not like ANY of our return guys. Battle on punts is just terrible and Morgan on Kickoffs is as slow as an hour glass (in slow motion). It is painful watching this guys run. I even question him as a starting receiver. Has skills to remind you of T.O when he is running except (HE IS NOT GOING ANYWHERE) lol ...

Originally posted by prime21:
Relieve Alex Smith from the QB position.

Shocked it actually took over an hour for someone to say this lol

With that said offseason priorities as far as positions should go like this:
1. RT
2. LG
3. KR/3rd down back
4. CB
5. SS

Obviously some are much more important then others and need to be the focus.

Other then that consistency on offesne especially on 3rd downs and the defense coming up with a big stop when the team needs it.

Originally posted by kelpie70:
I do not like ANY of our return guys. Battle on punts is just terrible and Morgan on Kickoffs is as slow as an hour glass (in slow motion). It is painful watching this guys run. I even question him as a starting receiver. Has skills to remind you of T.O when he is running except (HE IS NOT GOING ANYWHERE) lol ...

I think morgan just has an extremely long stride which makes him appear to be slower. He still has a lot of upside as a returner and at WR in my opinion. He's done' better as a KR than anyone else this year on the team that I can remember. That said I wouldn't mind seeing a certain CJ waiting for the ball to drop (no pun intended) in Candlestick next year.

Protect our QB and sack the other teams QB.

anthony davis and mike lupati in draft, and peppers and OJ atogwe in free agency.

consistency and an o-line

Without question the number 1 issue is O-line. This offense NEEDS a right tackle and a legit veteran guard. Either left or right guard, doesn't matter cause both Baas and Rachal have been below average. I'd love to see Scotty use 2 of the teams first 3 picks on the O-line.

Either a WR,RB,DB that is fast and excels at kick/punt returns is also a must. Either in FA or the draft, just don't bring Battle or Jones back to return punts.

The team should use the draft to get younger and faster on defense. SS, OLB, TED, and CB could all use a "player in waiting" or a guy that can contribute right away.