NEW ORLEANS — In the grim aftermath of Super Bowl XLVII, Colin Kaepernick made a promise and Frank Gore made it, too.
They said the 49ers weren't done with Super Bowls, and they had the right and maybe even the responsibility to make that kind of pledge Sunday night.
Because this whole 49ers season was a promise, wasn't it?
Super Bowl XLVII: San Francisco 49ers vs. Baltimore Ravens
Jennifer Hudson sings America the Beautiful with the Sandy Hook Elementary school Choir prior to Superbowl XLVII in New Orleans, Sunday Feb. 3, 2013. Baltimore beat San Francisco 34-31. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat)
Forty Niners fans at the Superbowl, Sunday Feb. 3, 2013. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2013
Ravens fans at the Superbowl, Sunday Feb. 3, 2013. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2013(Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2013
Ravens fan at the Superbowl, Sunday Feb. 3, 2013. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2013
Forty Niner fan at the Superbowl, Sunday Feb. 3, 2013. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2013
Chris Culliver just misses an interception on the Ravens Torrey Smith during Superbowl XLVII in New Orleans, Sunday Feb. 3, 2013. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat)
Jacoby Jones of the Ravens sprints downfield in a 108 yard kickoff return for a TD during the 49ers loss to the Ravens in Superbowl XLVII in New Orleans, Sunday Feb. 3, 2013. Baltimore beat San Francisco 34-31. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat)
Forty Niners fan at the Superbowl, Sunday Feb. 3, 2013. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2013
Forty Niners fans at the Superbowl, Sunday Feb. 3, 2013. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2013
David Akers celebrates his first field goal during the 49ers loss to the Ravens in Superbowl XLVII in New Orleans, Sunday Feb. 3, 2013. Baltimore beat San Francisco 34-31. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat)
Chris Culliver just misses and interception on the Ravens Torrey Smith during Superbowl XLVII in New Orleans, Sunday Feb. 3, 2013. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat)
Michael Crabtree can't hang on to a pass in the fourth quarter as the Ravens Corey Graham puts heavy pressure on in the 49ers loss to the Ravens during Superbowl XLVII in New Orleans, Sunday Feb. 3, 2013. Baltimore beat San Francisco 34-31. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat)
Michael Crabtree looks for more yardage during the 49ers loss to the Ravens during Superbowl XLVII in New Orleans, Sunday Feb. 3, 2013. Baltimore beat San Francisco 34-31. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat)
The 49ers Tarrell Brown recovers a C.J. Spillman fumble during Superbowl XLVII in New Orleans, Sunday Feb. 3, 2013, which led to a field goal. Baltimore beat San Francisco 34-31. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat)
Ravens QB Joe Flacco gets away from Ahmad Brooks of the 49ers during their loss to the Ravens in Superbowl XLVII in New Orleans, Sunday Feb. 3, 2013. Baltimore beat San Francisco 34-31. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat)
The 49ers get in to a brawl in the second quarter during the 49ers loss to the Ravens in Superbowl XLVII in New Orleans, Sunday Feb. 3, 2013. Baltimore beat San Francisco 34-31. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat)
Ted Ginn Jr. runs for a first down in the third quarter during the 49ers loss to the Ravens in Superbowl XLVII in New Orleans, Sunday Feb. 3, 2013. Baltimore beat San Francisco 34-31. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat)
Frank Gore is clotheslined by Dannelle Ellerbe during the 49ers loss to the Ravens in Superbowl XLVII in New Orleans, Sunday Feb. 3, 2013. Baltimore beat San Francisco 34-31. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat)
Coach Jim Harbaugh disagrees with a referee's call in the first quarter during the 49ers loss to the Ravens in Superbowl XLVII in New Orleans, Sunday Feb. 3, 2013. Baltimore beat San Francisco 34-31. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat)
Chris Culliver commits pass interference on Raven defender Torrey Smith in the fourth quarter during Superbowl XLVII in New Orleans, Sunday Feb. 3, 2013. Baltimore beat San Francisco 34-31. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat)
Jacoby Jones scores on aTD pass near the end of the half as the Ravens take a 21-6 lead in to the second during Superbowl XLVII in New Orleans, Sunday Feb. 3, 2013. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2013
Michael Crabtree celebrates a Colin Kaepernick touchdown in the fourth quarter during their loss to the Ravens in Superbowl XLVII in New Orleans, Sunday Feb. 3, 2013. Baltimore beat San Francisco 34-31. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat)
Colin Kaepernick runs for room in the second quarter during the 49ers loss to the Ravens in Superbowl XLVII in New Orleans, Sunday Feb. 3, 2013. Baltimore beat San Francisco 34-31. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat)
Joe Flacco is hit by Ahmad Brooks, left and Aldon Smith of the 49ers, bu the play was called back because of offsetting penalties during Superbowl XLVII in New Orleans, Sunday Feb. 3, 2013. Baltimore beat San Francisco 34-31. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat)
Ted Ginn Jr. is overthrown in the end zone in the third quarter during the 49ers loss to the Ravens in Superbowl XLVII in New Orleans, Sunday Feb. 3, 2013. Baltimore beat San Francisco 34-31. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat)
Anquan Boldin celebrates the Ravens first TD during the 49ers loss to the Ravens in Superbowl XLVII in New Orleans, Sunday Feb. 3, 2013. Baltimore beat San Francisco 34-31. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat)
Ray Rice is group tackled by Chris Culliver, left and Dashon Goldson during the 49ers loss to the Ravens in Superbowl XLVII in New Orleans, Sunday Feb. 3, 2013. Baltimore beat San Francisco 34-31. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat)
Colin Kaepernick runs for room in the second quarter during the 49ers loss to the Ravens in Superbowl XLVII in New Orleans, Sunday Feb. 3, 2013. Baltimore beat San Francisco 34-31. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat)
Vernon Davis hangs on to a pass despite pressure from Ed Reed of the Ravens during the 49ers loss in Superbowl XLVII in New Orleans, Sunday Feb. 3, 2013. Baltimore beat San Francisco 34-31. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat)
Colin Kaepernick runs for room in the second quarter during the 49ers loss to the Ravens in Superbowl XLVII in New Orleans, Sunday Feb. 3, 2013. Baltimore beat San Francisco 34-31. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat)
Vernon Davis misses a pass on the 49ers last drive as the Ravens Corey Graham defends during Superbowl XLVII in New Orleans, Sunday Feb. 3, 2013. Baltimore beat San Francisco 34-31. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat)
Justin Tucker of the Ravens kicks a field goal late in the fourth quarter against the 49ers during Superbowl XLVII in New Orleans, Sunday Feb. 3, 2013. Baltimore beat San Francisco 34-31. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat)
Frank Gore of the 49ers stiff arms Cary Williams for a long gain in the fourth quarter during Superbowl XLVII in New Orleans, Sunday Feb. 3, 2013. Baltimore beat San Francisco 34-31. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat)
Beyonce performs at halftime during Superbowl XLVII in New Orleans, Sunday Feb. 3, 2013. Baltimore beat San Francisco 34-31. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat)
Beyonce takes the stage during halftime entertaiment in Superbowl XLVII in New Orleans, Sunday Feb. 3, 2013. Baltimore beat San Francisco 34-31. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat)
A controversial call in the end zone of incomplete, not pass interference as Jimmy Smith and Ed Reed defend Michael Crabtree in the end zone on fourth down, dooming the 49ers comeback during Superbowl XLVII in New Orleans, Sunday Feb. 3, 2013. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat)
A controversial call in the end zone of incomplete, not pass interference as Jimmy Smith and Ed Reed defend Michael Crabtree in the end zone on fourth down, dooming the 49ers comeback during Superbowl XLVII in New Orleans, Sunday Feb. 3, 2013. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat)
A controversial call in the end zone of incomplete, not pass interference as Jimmy Smith and Ed Reed defend Michael Crabtree in the end zone on fourth down, dooming the 49ers comeback during Superbowl XLVII in New Orleans, Sunday Feb. 3, 2013. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat)
The Superdome loses power resulting in a blackout during the 49ers loss to the Ravens in Superbowl XLVII in New Orleans, Sunday Feb. 3, 2013. Baltimore beat San Francisco 34-31. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat)
The Superdome loses power resulting in a blackout during the 49ers loss to the Ravens in Superbowl XLVII in New Orleans, Sunday Feb. 3, 2013. Baltimore beat San Francisco 34-31. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat)
Ray Lewis of the Ravens retired in style with a Superbowl victory as he celebrates with Cary Williams during Superbowl XLVII in New Orleans, Sunday Feb. 3, 2013. Baltimore beat San Francisco 34-31. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat)
49er quarterback Colin Kaepernick walks off the field after they lost to the Baltimore Ravens 34-31 in Superbowl XLVII in New Orleans, Sunday Feb. 3, 2013. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat)
Ravens head Coach John Harbaugh celebrates a Superbowl victory against the 49ers during Superbowl XLVII in New Orleans, Sunday Feb. 3, 2013. Baltimore beat San Francisco 34-31. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat)
Michael Crabtree is hammered by Jimmy Smith, left and Corey Graham on a third down play on the 49ers last possession in 49ers loss to the Ravens during Superbowl XLVII in New Orleans, Sunday Feb. 3, 2013. Baltimore beat San Francisco 34-31. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat)
Forty Niner head coach Jim Harbaugh wants a holding call on a fourth down play in the end zone involving Michael Crabtree on the niners last possession during Superbowl XLVII in New Orleans, Sunday Feb. 3, 2013. Baltimore beat San Francisco 34-31. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat)
Suoerbowl MVP Joe Flacco celebrates the Ravens victory over the 49ers during Supberbowl XLVII in New Orleans, Sunday Feb. 3, 2013. Baltimore beat San Francisco 34-31. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat)
Dehard 49er fan Dan Bakovich of Chicago laments his teams loss to the Ravens during Suberbowl XLVII in New Orleans, Sunday Feb. 3, 2013. Baltimore beat San Francisco 34-31. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat)
San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis (85) reacts to a play against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl XLVII football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Baltimore Ravens cornerback Corey Graham (24) tackles San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl XLVII football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Anquan Boldin (81) makes a 13-yard touchdown reception against San Francisco 49ers safety Donte Whitner (31) during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl XLVII football game, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
San Francisco 49ers kicker David Akers (2) makes a 36-yard field goal during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl XLVII football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis (85) runs with the ball as Baltimore Ravens safety Bernard Pollard (31) and cornerback Cary Williams (29) give chase during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl XLVII football game, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) is hit by San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith (99) after throwing the ball during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl XLVII football game, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
The Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers line up during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl XLVII football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) shakes hands with offensive lineman Joe Staley (74) during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl XLVII football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) passes the ball against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half of NFL Super Bowl XLVII football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) and quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) celebrate after Gore scored a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens in the third quarter of the NFL Super Bowl XLVII football game, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Marcio Sanchez)
San Francisco 49ers defensive back Chris Culliver (29) breaks up a pass intended for Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith (82) during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl XLVII football game, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Beyonce performs at halftime during Superbowl XLVII in New Orleans, Sunday Feb. 3, 2013. Baltimore beat San Francisco 34-31. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat)
San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh reacts during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl XLVII football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Not just about the 2012 season or Super Bowl XLVII, but about the next several years, and maybe the next era of Super Bowls.
That's where this has to be headed, even if the 49ers feel like they left a title on the table this season.
Unless this unravels under the weight of frustration, because of dramatic injury, or because of some other football bane, the 49ers are young enough and smart enough to compete for many more championships.
And, with Kaepernick growing into excellence and the 49ers defense maintaining it, they should win a few of them, too.
The 49ers were the rightful favorites on Sunday but lost 34-31 to Baltimore after a slew of early 49ers' mistakes, an incredible comeback, and then failure in the final minutes.
Coach Jim Harbaugh, Kaepernick and the rest did not fulfill their apparent destiny this time; they had every opportunity, and they came up short for now, just as they came up short against the New York Giants a round earlier last season.
(And yes, this means the 49ers have had their seasons ended by the eventual champions the last two years.)
(page 2 of 4)
But Harbaugh, Kaepernick, Gore & Co. should have several more chances together.
They were built to have many chances, all stemming from Kaepernick, who started his 10th NFL game Sunday and almost fashioned the greatest comeback victory in Super Bowl history.
Las Vegas agrees. The odds for next season are already up and the 49ers are the second favorites to win Super Bowl XLVIII, behind only the Denver Broncos and tied with the New England Patriots.
That doesn't mean the 49ers are guaranteed anything next season, especially if the hangover from this defeat lingers.
Sunday proved that they could use some upgrades in the secondary and at wide receiver — and this season's draft class has so far been a complete non-starter, a huge falloff from general manager Trent Baalke's great 2010 and 2011 classes.
But this franchise is set up with several crucial elements for long-term contention, from the coach to the quarterback to the defense to the new stadium to the vast talent level.
The current model: The New England Patriots, with coach Bill Belichick, quarterback Tom Brady, constant cash flow from a great stadium, and a roster that is reloaded every draft.
The classic model: The 1981-94 five-title dynasty of the 49ers, with Bill Walsh (and then George Seifert), Joe Montana (and then Steve Young), and Eddie DeBartolo Jr.'s determination to win.
Take it for what it's worth, but there's a clear echo here: Walsh won Super Bowl XVI in his third 49ers season, when he'd just turned 50.
Harbaugh will turn 50 next December, in his third 49ers season.
(page 3 of 4)
Back in 1981, Walsh was leaning on a young quarterback named Joe Montana, who was 25 at the beginning of the 1981 season and entered it with just eight career NFL starts.
Now, Harbaugh has staked the franchise on Kaepernick, who will be 25 at the beginning of next season and has 10 career starts.
It goes beyond the quarterback. The 49ers' defensive pillars, except for 33-year-old Justin Smith, are all just entering or in their prime years. It's the same situation for the 49ers' crunching offensive line.
But the straight line to multiple Super Bowl appearances always starts with the quarterback.
Basically, if you get to the big game with a young quarterback with a high growth trajectory, you have a good chance of repeat trips and possibly repeat titles.
The one-hit-wonder Super Bowl teams usually carry one, or more, of these markings:
An older or declining quarterback such as Arizona's Kurt Warner four years ago, Philadelphia's Donovan McNabb eight years ago or the Raiders' Rich Gannon 10 years ago. None of those teams have been close since.
An aging talent base, such as Indianapolis three years ago (despite having Peyton Manning), Miami 28 years ago (despite having Dan Marino in his prime) and many teams in between.
A coach who didn't seem destined to win it all, such as Arizona's Ken Whisenhunt, Indianapolis' Jim Caldwell and the Raiders' Bill Callahan.
The 49ers have that young defense, and they have Harbaugh, who didn't have his greatest game Sunday but who clearly has shoved the 49ers onto this path.
NEW ORLEANS — In the grim aftermath of Super Bowl XLVII, Colin Kaepernick made a promise and Frank Gore made it, too.
They said the 49ers weren't done with Super Bowls, and they had the right and maybe even the responsibility to make that kind of pledge Sunday night.
Because this whole 49ers season was a promise, wasn't it?
Not just about the 2012 season or Super Bowl XLVII, but about the next several years, and maybe the next era of Super Bowls.
That's where this has to be headed, even if the 49ers feel like they left a title on the table this season.
Unless this unravels under the weight of frustration, because of dramatic injury, or because of some other football bane, the 49ers are young enough and smart enough to compete for many more championships.
And, with Kaepernick growing into excellence and the 49ers defense maintaining it, they should win a few of them, too.
The 49ers were the rightful favorites on Sunday but lost 34-31 to Baltimore after a slew of early 49ers' mistakes, an incredible comeback, and then failure in the final minutes.
Coach Jim Harbaugh, Kaepernick and the rest did not fulfill their apparent destiny this time; they had every opportunity, and they came up short for now, just as they came up short against the New York Giants a round earlier last season.
(And yes, this means the 49ers have had their seasons ended by the eventual champions the last two years.)
But Harbaugh, Kaepernick, Gore & Co. should have several more chances together.
They were built to have many chances, all stemming from Kaepernick, who started his 10th NFL game Sunday and almost fashioned the greatest comeback victory in Super Bowl history.
Las Vegas agrees. The odds for next season are already up and the 49ers are the second favorites to win Super Bowl XLVIII, behind only the Denver Broncos and tied with the New England Patriots.
That doesn't mean the 49ers are guaranteed anything next season, especially if the hangover from this defeat lingers.
Sunday proved that they could use some upgrades in the secondary and at wide receiver — and this season's draft class has so far been a complete non-starter, a huge falloff from general manager Trent Baalke's great 2010 and 2011 classes.
But this franchise is set up with several crucial elements for long-term contention, from the coach to the quarterback to the defense to the new stadium to the vast talent level.
The current model: The New England Patriots, with coach Bill Belichick, quarterback Tom Brady, constant cash flow from a great stadium, and a roster that is reloaded every draft.
The classic model: The 1981-94 five-title dynasty of the 49ers, with Bill Walsh (and then George Seifert), Joe Montana (and then Steve Young), and Eddie DeBartolo Jr.'s determination to win.
Take it for what it's worth, but there's a clear echo here: Walsh won Super Bowl XVI in his third 49ers season, when he'd just turned 50.
Harbaugh will turn 50 next December, in his third 49ers season.
Back in 1981, Walsh was leaning on a young quarterback named Joe Montana, who was 25 at the beginning of the 1981 season and entered it with just eight career NFL starts.
Now, Harbaugh has staked the franchise on Kaepernick, who will be 25 at the beginning of next season and has 10 career starts.
It goes beyond the quarterback. The 49ers' defensive pillars, except for 33-year-old Justin Smith, are all just entering or in their prime years. It's the same situation for the 49ers' crunching offensive line.
But the straight line to multiple Super Bowl appearances always starts with the quarterback.
Basically, if you get to the big game with a young quarterback with a high growth trajectory, you have a good chance of repeat trips and possibly repeat titles.
The one-hit-wonder Super Bowl teams usually carry one, or more, of these markings:
An older or declining quarterback such as Arizona's Kurt Warner four years ago, Philadelphia's Donovan McNabb eight years ago or the Raiders' Rich Gannon 10 years ago. None of those teams have been close since.
An aging talent base, such as Indianapolis three years ago (despite having Peyton Manning), Miami 28 years ago (despite having Dan Marino in his prime) and many teams in between.
A coach who didn't seem destined to win it all, such as Arizona's Ken Whisenhunt, Indianapolis' Jim Caldwell and the Raiders' Bill Callahan.
The 49ers have that young defense, and they have Harbaugh, who didn't have his greatest game Sunday but who clearly has shoved the 49ers onto this path.
And they have Kaepernick, who replaced Alex Smith because Harbaugh believed Kaepernick was probably the better player now and now is convinced that he's absolutely the better player for the future.
That's the promise. They let one get away Sunday, which only makes the promise most urgent for 2013.
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