In 2010, under Mike Singletary, the San Francisco 49ers entered the season with high expectations, but those hopes quickly dissolved as the internal strife took the team down to the tune of a 6-10 record.

So expectations were much lower when Jim Harbaugh took over in 2011. But San Francisco rebounded, using a rock-solid, fundamentally-sound defense, a great running game and solid-to-sometimes spectacular play from quarterback Alex Smith to take control of the NFC West early.

The 49ers went 13-3, earning a first round playoff bye, on route to the NFC Championship game where only a couple untimely turnovers kept the team from advancing to the Super Bowl.

So how does San Francisco keep the momentum going? Steve Spooner, team editor at the website 49ersgab.com, shared his thoughts with Zoneblitz. Here’s what he had to say:

Zoneblitz: With expectations low heading into 2011, San Francisco came seconds short of a Super Bowl berth. What changed between 2010 and 2011 that allowed for the run?

Spooner: Well the biggest change was in coaching, instead of a guy who none of the players respected and constantly fought with, you had a guy in Jim Harbaugh who brought a winning attitude to the team and supported his players. This led to a high level of morale and energy on the team, and helped them to have a great season.

Zoneblitz: Had there not been a lockout, there’s a good chance Alex Smith wouldn’t have been on the team in 2011. Yet he stayed and had a great season. Is he back in 2012? And if not, who is the 49ers’ quarterback in 2012?

Spooner: I believe that Alex will be back with the team in 2012. While the team has said they would be interested in Peyton Manning, I don’t believe he ends up in San Francisco. If Smith doesn’t come back they do have Colin Kaepernick on the roster, but could either draft someone or go after a guy like Kyle Orton to fill the need.

Zoneblitz: Vernon Davis was a stud in the playoffs and has, at times, been an elite player. But the wide receivers have been inconsistent. Who on the roster could step up in 2012 and how will the team address that position going forward?

Spooner: Well the person that really needs to step up at the wide receiver position is still Michael Crabtree. He didn’t exactly have a great season. And while I understand they run the ball more than they pass, Crabtree was the number 10 pick in 2009, so he needs to step it up. As far as free agency goes they are looking into Mike Wallace from Pittsburgh, but he does carry a hefty price tag. If they sign him they also have to give up their first round pick this year. And don’t be surprised if they pursue guys like Robert Meachem and Roy Williams.

Zoneblitz: Adam Snyder is a free agent and Chilo Rachal wasn’t particularly effective at right guard. What will the 49ers do at that spot in 2012 and how does the rest of the offensive line look?

Spooner: Look for the team try to sign Snyder, but they also will go after guys in free agency and the draft to give the team depth on the offensive line. They could go after Ben Grubbs who is a very solid lineman, but I think they will address the need in the draft.

Zoneblitz: I wasn’t sure how seriously to take San Francisco until I saw the defense a couple times. What was the difference between that unit in 2011 and in 2010, when the team didn’t play well?

Spooner: The team may not have but the defense was still ranked 13th in the league. The biggest difference was turnovers. In 2010 the defense only forced 10 turnovers, while in 2011 they forced 38, which was the biggest reason for the change. It also doesn’t hurt to have a guy like 2011 rookie linebacker Aldon Smith now on the roster.

Zoneblitz: The 49ers won the NFC West by a decisive margin in 2011, but Seattle and Arizona both lost a lot of close games. How big is the gap between the 49ers and their competitors and what do they have to do to make another deep playoff run in 2012?

Spooner: The gap is still pretty big for now. Depending on how free agency goes that gap could close, especially if the Cardinals come through and sign Peyton Manning. If the 49ers want to make another deep run they need to sign another wide receiver and keep Alex Smith.

Zoneblitz: What is the status of the team’s push for a new stadium?

Spooner: As of right now the stadium will be built by 2014, and may also house the Oakland Raiders.

Zoneblitz: What did you think of the Randy Moss signing?

Spooner: The signing of Randy Moss is great for the club. It gives the team an extra element in the passing game, and with him it really opens up the field for Michael Crabtree and others. This will also help them stay on top in the division, especially if Randy can return to the form that we saw most of his career, but don’t think that they are done adding talent at the wide receiver position.

Zoneblitz: What would you like to see the 49ers do in free agency and the draft?

Spooner: Well I think they are going to sign Mike Wallace, and if they do they lose their first rounder this year, but if they don’t look for them to draft a wide receiver like Rueben Randle, or possibly an offensive lineman if there’s one on the board when they draft.

Zoneblitz: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Spooner: Just look for the team to be active in free agency come Tuesday as they will make a huge push to improve the holes on the team to make a run at the Super Bowl.

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