For us 49ers fans, the NFC Championship game was a case of déjà vu. Another big game down to the wire and another agonising loss.
This was the 49ers third straight NFC Championship game under third year coach Jim Harbaugh.
In 2011 the post season was a welcome sight after an eight-year hiatus.
It was also when the heartbreak set in against the New York Giants.
The Niners were a muffed Kyle Williams punt from a trip to the Super Bowl.
Last season they went one better making it to the Big Dance. They were favourites to lift the Lombardi Trophy against the Baltimore Ravens.
After a disastrous first half the Niners made an incredible come back only to fall agonisingly short 34-31.
Fast forward to this season and the Niners were determined to go one better. However division rival Seattle Seahawks were the front runners all season.
San Francisco qualified as a wildcard and went on the road to qualify for the much anticipated NFC Championship Game.
This game had everything and once again another last minute 49ers attempt at an improbable win fell short. This loss stings, the 49ers played pretty well for three quarters and an upset was on the cards.
However the start of the fourth quarter saw the Hawks take the lead they would never relinquish. This coincided with Colin Kaepernick’s implosion turning it over three times in a 10-minute span. It was very tough to watch the game slip away.
Credit to the Hawks, they made some huge plays when it mattered and owned the fourth quarter.
The 49ers three post-season losses in the last three years have been by a combined 12 points. This is one of the most talented rosters in the NFL, laden with Pro Bowl and All Pro players.
I still think they have a window of one to two years to win that elusive ring.
However for this to happen quarterback Colin Kaepernick needs to improve his passing game, decision making in the pocket and game management.
I think next year could be make or break for this gifted yet raw talent if he is to be the franchise quarterback.
His coaches must simply get his game up to speed and improve their own short comings in crunch time scenarios on the biggest stage.
Kaepernick is a physical freak, has a cannon of an arm and incredible work ethic. However he must be viewed as a passer first and foremost.
The team also needs to address the secondary issues particularly at cornerback. A speed receiver would also be useful and re-signing veteran Anquan Boldin is a must.
However the 49ers quest for six will come down to the development/refinement of the most important position in all of sport, the quarterback.
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