‘The other big difference was that San Francisco’s talent recruitment was far more stable than Buffalo’s. Despite all the losing, the Niners kept rounding up genuine talent and nurturing it. Three of their starting offensive linemen were first-round draftees, two of them pro sophomores. Two of their young players, linebacker Patrick Willis and tight end Vernon Davis, are already superstars. Willis is the best linebacker in football. They may be joined by wide receiver Michael Crabtree, who blossomed this season.’