It feels like so long ago that the San Francisco 49ers were just a five yards away from winning the 2013 Super Bowl against the Baltimore Ravens.

Last season, the 49ers were the most disappointing team in the NFL, missing the playoffs with an 8-8 record despite having one of the best rosters in the league. Owner Jed York decided to fire Jim Harbaugh in the offseason, even though he led the team to three consecutive NFC Championship games. Before Harbaugh became the coach of the 49ers, the team missed the playoffs every season from 2003 to 2010.

Veteran running back Frank Gore decided to leave in free agency to the Indianapolis Colts. Gore is one of the best running backs of the 21st century having rushed for over 11,000 yards since 2005. Gore was also the team leader on offense, and he will be missed big time. The 49ers did acquire Reggie Bush, but somewhat like the 2000 election, San Franciscans preferred Gore over Bush.

On defense, the hits have been even harder.

All Pro linebacker Patrick Willis decided to retire recently ending his eight year career with the team. Willis is still just 30 years old, and he guided the 49ers to the fifth-ranked defense last season. Willis is one of the best linebackers in recent memory, and he will be extremely tough to replace. To make matters worse, defensive end Justin Smith also chose to retire. Smith was one of the most underrated players in the league when he played.

Losing Smith and Willis in the same offseason unexpectedly is extremely upsetting for 49ers fans.

To add even more surprise and disappointment by the Bay Area, linebacker Chris Borland recently announced his retirement. Borland was a third round draft pick just last year by San Francisco. His impact was felt immediately as he led the 49ers in total tackles last season. Borland was supposed to be the franchise player on defense for the 49ers for the next 10 years. His retirement is by far the most surprising and disappointing of all. Borland cited health as the chief concern for retirement.

San Francisco also has to upgrade their offense, which ranked 25th in points scored last season. Not only will the team be without Gore, but Michael Crabtree and Brandon Lloyd are still free agents.

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick has accuracy issues, and tight end Vernon Davis isn't getting any younger. With the Seattle Seahawks now having acquired Jimmy Graham, it may just be time for the 49ers to consider rebuilding. They have tremendous losses on the defensive side of the ball, as well leadership in the locker room. You could very well argue their biggest loss was coach Harbaugh, who is now at Michigan. Kaepernick is going to have to take the next step and prove is worth his elite contract.

Next season won't be easy for the 49ers playing in the tough NFC West. The Seahawks are the best team in the NFC, and the St. Louis and Arizona Cardinals continue to improve.

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