"Many years have passed since we've seen such a disparity between our local NFL teams. They're flying in opposite directions these days, destinations unknown.

In the season of Cam Newton and Tim Tebow, you're not so crazy if you think Alex Smith can lead the 49ers past New Orleans. Raiders fans are wondering if Jason Campbell might be able to win back the quarterback job next season.

Jim Harbaugh has a crazy, almost maniacal brand of confidence, but rarely says anything controversial in public. Hue Jackson, attempting to channel Al Davis and force developments through his words, wound up on his keister.

The 49ers made a series of personnel moves that sent Trent Baalke into Executive of the Year consideration. Despite Jackson's bold proclamations, the Carson Palmer deal might not have been the best NFL trade that month.

As the most athletic receiver on the 49ers, Michael Crabtree was sort of a Nowhere Man until midseason, when he suddenly arrived. The mercurial Denarius Moore (mostly because of injuries) was nearly an afterthought by season's end."