Week 17 - the exclamation point

A season that began with high expectations, fell flat on its face by week 7, and resulted in the firing of once-popular head coach Mike Nolan, turned completely around once head coach Mike Singletary and quarterback Shawn Hill took over. Sunday was the exclamation point of that turnaround - a last second 27-24 win over the Redskins.

Shawn Hill played extremely well in the second half after what can only be called an aggravating first half. The defense played exceptionally well in the second half after a somewhat sloppy first half. It was an exciting game, and it set the tone for next year's expectations. Trust me, playing in the stank division that the Niners play in, nothing less than a division crown will be acceptable.

Frank Gore came back from his ankle injury to rush for 58 yards, putting him over 1,000 for the third straight year. He's the first 49ers running back to ever accomplish that feat.

Mike Singletary started out 0-2 in his first two games as interim head coach. He won 5 of his last 7 games to finish 5-4. Not too shabby. FINALLY the York's pulled their heads out of their butts and took the 'interim' tag off of his title. He's the man now, as well he should be. It's a different team with him as head coach.

The only thing still hanging in the wind is the fate of Mike Martz, the offensive coordinator. I know that he is not Coach Singletary's preference -- Coach S wants to go smash mouth. Martz is a razzle-dazzle finesse kind of coach. But I really hate the idea of changing offensive coordinators AGAIN. It will be the 4th different coordinator in 4 years. But I trust Singletary to do the right thing. He hasn't let me down yet.

This is the last 49ers update of the season (I know you're glad to hear that, Toes). But wait til next year! It'll be huge! You'll see!