When the last play of the Super Bowl ended, I immediately thought about how hard the path would be to just get back to that stage again. So many things have to go right to get that far. Injuries are always a critical variable that have to be dealt with. You just hope that when they happen they aren't severe and to key personnel. Unfortunately, we now have this double negative to deal with.  But great teams find ways to compensate for injuries and the season is still months away. There will be veterans available after the training camp cuts and others receivers who may be acquired through trade or other means. Management now has to work overtime, but at least there is plenty of forewarning.  Without Walker, Crabtree and Moss, the receiving options will be very different than they were during the Super Bowl. But if Williams and Manningham can return in decent form then some of the depth will be accounted for, and the new tight end will also have to pick up some of the slack. Boldin obviously will have to be utilized in a featured role. I think there could be enough overall talent at receiver, but maybe they'll have to play more conservatively.

The quarterback is the most important position, and the best quarterbacks get the most adulation and money. For good reason. A great quarterback finds ways to score points with whatever personnel he has to play with. Kaepernick really has a challenge ahead of him. Not only does he have to develop chemistry with players he never or hardly played with, he loses the guy he was most in sync with. But I have a hunch we'll see some unexpected pleasant surprises. You play the hand you're dealt, and one misfortune can lead to another's opportunity. Remember Wally Pipp!