49ERS, ONCE AGAIN, THE BEST IN THE NFC WEST!!!

Ever since 2002, the 49ers faithful have waited for another playoff shot. It was long and frustrating but the faithful knew it would only be a matter of time before the 49ers were relevant again. That day of relevancy has come back.

Earlier today, the 49ers came into Candlestick to face a long time rival in the St. Louis Rams. The 49ers defense set a early tone that the Rams could not break, even when Patrick Willis had to come out of the ballgame due to a hamstring injury. It was slow starting for the 49ers as they only had a 9-0 lead at halftime. The team came alive in the 2nd with a big TD pass to Michael Crabtree for 52 yards in the early 3rd quarter and then another big TD pass from Alex Smith in the 4th quarter, this time to Kyle Williams for 56 yards. 49ers would win this one and shut out the Rams, 26-0.

You know what that means? THE 49ERS HAVE CLINCHED THE NFC WEST DIVISION TITLE!!! They do that with a record of 10-2 and Alex Smith at the helm. 9 years and 4 head coaches later, the 49ers finally get back to the postseason. Man, it feels good to say that. Most of the credit, if not all, goes to Jim Harbaugh who got this team winning again. As for actual level of play, defense and Alex Smith were the difference. The defense is one of the best in the NFL and Alex Smith, who might not be the best QB we'll ever have, is playing much better and being used in a way where he is not causing us to lose games. Sure, things like the rushing game spearheaded by the now all time rushing leader for the 49ers, Frank Gore, helped get us wins but that was always there the last few seasons.

While I am ecstatic that the 49ers have won the division, there is still much the team can accomplish. They have to keep the pressure on the Packers and hope they slip up for a chance at home field advantage. If that's not possible, they are situated right now for the #2 spot in the NFC which means a bye week. And, of course, there is that prize at the end of the postseason tunnel to think about.

P.S. Catch the season finale of the Sports Khan Radio Show this Thursday at 4 PM on KSUNradio.com... Pretty Good.

P.P.S. Don't worry. Planning to have the show back in January.