The San Francisco 49ers failed to make it back-to-back appearances in the Super Bowl in 2013 as their season was ended by an NFC championship game defeat to the Seattle Seahawks.
Jim Harbaugh's side missed out on top spot in the NFC West for the first time in three years, but clinched a wildcard spot in the playoffs before making their third straight appearance in the championship game.
2013 also saw the 49ers play their final game at Candlestick Park, ahead of this year's move to the Levi's Stadium.
Sport Mole looks back at their 2013 season.
Pre-season expectations
Although the Seattle Seahawks were the trendy pick to win the NFC West title heading into the 2013 season, the 49ers remained among the favourites for the Super Bowl, having narrowly missed out on lifting the Lombardi Trophy for the sixth time in their history in 2012. San Francisco were able secure Anquan Boldin in a trade with the Baltimore Ravens to boost their receiving corps, while trading up the Draft to secure the services of promising safety Eric Reid. However, their hopes were dealt a blow during their off-season minicamp when leading wide receiver Michael Crabtree tore his Achilles, while Mario Manningham was also ruled out for the start of the season as he continued his recovery from an ACL tear, leaving the side short of receivers at the start of the campaign.
Highlight of the season
Having suffered heavy defeats in their two previous games against divisional rivals the Seahawks, the 49ers will relish December's victory over the eventual Super Bowl winners, which brought them back into contention in their division. Phil Dawson's late field goal helped them secure a 19-17 victory in their penultimate game at Candlestick Park.
Biggest disappointment
Their third meeting of the season against the Seahawks almost saw the 49ers clinch their second straight appearance in the Super Bowl, having led at half time in the NFC championship game. However, the 49ers gave up two touchdowns after the break and quarterback Colin Kaepernick threw a late interception as Seattle came from behind to set up their meeting with the Denver Broncos. Having beaten the Seahawks just over a month earlier, it was a bitter blow for San Franicisco.
Player of the season
While the 49ers offense blew hot and cold throughout the regular season, the defense was consistently strong. NaVorro Bowman stood out with 145 tackles, five sacks, four forced fumbles and two interceptions during the regular season, before leading the team in tackles in the playoffs. However, the linebacker faces a tough off-season after tearing his ACL and MCL in the NFC championship game.
Unsung hero
Tramaine Brock was made a restricted free agent at the end of a quiet 2012 with the 49ers, but signed the tender keeping him with the team, and proved a key contributor on defense throughout the year. The cornerback replaced Nnamdi Asomugha when he picked up an injury, before claiming his first NFL pick six during the team's win over the Houston Texans. Brock later took over from Tarell Brown as a starter for the NFC West side, and finished the season as their interceptions leader.
Off-season changes
It will be a busy few weeks for the team's administrative staff as several of the 49ers' starters from the 2013 season enter free agency next month, including wide receiver Anquan Boldin, kicker Phil Dawson and safety Donte Whitner. The 49ers should be active bringing new players in as well, holding 11 picks in this year's Draft.
2014 prospects
The 49ers looked stronger as the season progressed, particularly once Crabtree returned from his Achilles injury, so should continue to challenge in 2014. Most of their defensive stars are tied up to long-term contracts, but they will need to bolster their offense, which let them down at times in 2013, if they are to regain the NFC West crown from the Seattle Seahawks.
Sian Cowper
