A playoff spot seems feasible in San Francisco, where the 49ers avoided a seventh consecutive losing season by going 8-8 last season.
“It’s a very good feeling to know that there can be some continuity,” said Singletary, entering his second full season as coach. “I think that would be the word that connects everything that we did last year and take in the positives and beginning to build on those things and let this be a continuation of building and learning.”
The only team to go undefeated in the preseason, San Francisco could have some of the best young talent in the league.
Entering his sixth season, Frank Gore joins Steven Jackson and Thomas Jones as the only players to rush for 1,000 yards in each of the last four seasons. Gore, who scored a career-high 13 TDs in 2009, posted his only two 200-yard games against Seattle.
He rushed for 207 yards and two scores in a 23-10 home win over the Seahawks on Sept. 20, but was held to 25 yards on nine carries in a 20-17 loss at Seattle on Dec. 6.
Alex Smith threw a career-high 18 touchdowns last season, but also was intercepted 12 times. Vernon Davis was a Pro Bowl selection after tying Antonio Gates’ NFL record for touchdowns by a tight end with 13 in 2009.
Receiver Michael Crabtree hopes to blossom during his first full season in the league. The 10th overall pick last season, Crabtree didn’t sign until Oct. 7 yet caught 48 passes for 625 yards and two TDs in 11 games.
Led by star linebacker Patrick Willis, the 49ers’ defense looks to build on last season when the unit held opponents to 97.0 rushing yards per game – sixth best in the NFL.
However, the 49ers must play better on the road if they hope to end their postseason drought. San Francisco went 2-6 away from home last year, and has split its last four trips to Seattle.
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