The San Francisco 49ers are widely considered one of the best teams in the National Football League--but you wouldn't know that by the dismal preseason they're having.

Under head coach Jim Harbaugh, the 49ers have made it to the NFC Championship all three years during his tenure. In 2012, he led them to a Super Bowl appearance against the Baltimore Ravens. Even last year, the 49ers fell just a few yards short of making it back to the big game, until Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman made the play of the year.

So far this preseason, the 49ers offense has looked absolutely horrendous. In three preseason games, the 49ers starting offense hasn't scored a single touchdown. None whatsoever. The biggest highlight of the 49ers starting offense so far this preseason has been a Phil Dawson 25 yard field goal against the Baltimore Ravens.

Of course people (mostly 49ers fans) will argue, "It's only preseason," and it "doesn't even count." Former offensive lineman and three time Super Bowl champion Mark Schlereth summarizes NFL preseason best when he says, "It doesn't count, but it does matter."

Starting quarterback Colin Kaepernick has been starting for the 49ers since 2012, and he's shown he's fully capable of leading them to the promise land. His 31 touchdowns, 11 interceptions and 93.8 rating backs that up. This off-season, the 49ers rewarded Kaepernick with a new seven year $126.97 million contract. Despite the big contract and past success, this preseason hasn't been good for the 49ers quarterback.

Against the Ravens, Kaepernick saw very little action only throwing one pass. In his second preseason game, against the Denver Broncos, Kaepernick wasn't very impressive at all. He completed five of nine passes for just 39 yards. Constant punts led to a decisive 34-0 Bronco victory. The third preseason game is always the one in which we see the most playing time from the starters. Kaepernick saw a lot of playing time against the San Diego Chargers throwing 12 passes for only 59 yards. His lost fumble and inaccurate throws highlighted much of the first half for the 49ers offense.

Kaepernick is still battling a foot injury from last season, which looks to be affecting his running game.

Another factor to consider is Frank Gore. Gore has been one of the best running backs in the NFL since being drafted by the franchise in 2005. Although Gore is one of the most consistent backs in the league, he is now 31 years old. Running backs aren't typical very effective after the age of 30.

NaVorro Bowman is one of the best defensive players in the league, but he is still recovering from a torn ACL from last season. His return date is not yet been set. Aldon Smith is still waiting to hear on his likely suspension. Smith has had multiple run ins with the law, most recently including an incident at Los Angeles International Airport.

With Anquan Boldin, Brandon Lloyd, Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree as his top targets, there's no more excuses for Kaepernick. His rival quarterback in Seattle, Russell Wilson, is doing more with less.

Luckily for the 49ers offense, they will be facing what was worst defense in the NFL last season week one, the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys don't have a great pas rush or run defense, and they can't defend the deep ball. If there was a great opportunity to end an offensive drought, facing the Cowboys is just what the doctor ordered.

Again, it's only preseason. The games don't officially count, but concerns will grow and evaluations will be made. The new stadium (Levi's Stadium) has also brought up some slipping issues. The 49ers don't play on natural grass anymore. The turf sod that is being laid down hasn't worked out as well as planned.

Feel free to vote in our NFL poll below and tell us if you think the 49ers are in trouble or not.

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