When the 49ers advanced to Super Bowl XLVII at the end of the 2012 season, many thought that the appearance would be the first of many for the 49ers this decade.
The 49ers had just found their "quarterback of the future" in Colin Kaepernick, who they protected with a young, rock-solid offensive line and a committee of running backs. The team also boasted a defensive front that dominated just about every opponent it faced as well as a coaching staff that was widely respected throughout the league
But in just a few short seasons, that potential "dynasty" turned into the full-blown rebuild that the 49ers are currently in the process of.