WR Randy Moss is going to work out for the San Francisco 49ers today in an attempt to resurrect his football career. Moss last played in the NFL in 2010 when he had stints with the Minnesota Vikings, Tennessee Titans and New England Patriots.

The wideout showed last week that he's still got speed. During a workout for the New Orleans Saints he allegedly ran the 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds.

The 35-year old receiver caught 954 passes over a span of 13 NFL seasons, which ranks 9^th among NFL career receptions leaders. He also ranks 5^th with 14,858 receiving yards and needs 350 yards to move into 3^rd spot or 1,076 yards to claim the spot behind Jerry Rice. Randy Moss is joint-second with 153 receiving touchdowns and ranks 5^th all time with 154 total touchdowns.     

The Niners currently have Michael Crabtree, Kyle Williams and Brett Swain under contract. The NFC Championship game against New York Giants in particular revealed how receiver-needy the team is when Crabtree was the only wideout to catch a pass for three yards.

49ers owner Jed York announced on twitter who's going to throw to Randy Moss during the workout and took full advantage of the current hype surrounding Peyton Manning: "Former Colt Pro Bowl QB throwing for #49ers tomorrow. Just to clarify, Coach Harbaugh is turning into Capt Comeback to throw to Randy Moss."

The San Francisco 49ers seemed set at the receiver position with WR Braylon Edwards and WR Michael Crabtree as the projected starters in 2011. Edwards got injured, never fully recovered and was cut eventually. WR Josh Morgan was emerging as a slot receiver when a leg injury ended his season prematurely. WR Ted Ginn Jr. was hampered by injuries as the season went on and had to sit out a couple of games without making much of an impact in the passing game. WR Kyle Williams played remarkably well but does not have the potential to be a starter yet. WR Brett Swain and WR Joe Hastings were called up as stand-ins and were just that.

The 49ers have an effective receiver corps to work with but the depth is thin and it lacks playmaking ability. This became painfully obvious during the loss to the New York Giants in the NFC Championship game, when Michael Crabtree was the only wide receiver to catch a pass, though it only gained three yards.

Josh Morgan and Ted Ginn Jr. are free agents and may or may not be on the roster in 2012. Morgan is an internal priority to be re-signed. He may not fetch much interest on the free agency market, as he didn’t get enough opportunities to perform due to the early season-ending injury. Ginn Jr. took a pay cut in 2011, though he had an incentive-laden contract. He is an important returner on special teams but is used as a diversion rather than a weapon on offense. Re-signing him will be a question of his asking price.

Should the Niners lose Ted Ginn Jr. they will likely look for a wide receiver in the upcoming draft in April, who can return kick-offs and/or punts. Some six weeks earlier, on 13 March to be precise, the 49ers can add free agents to their roster, who are currently with another team. It is to be expected that the Niners will make some serious inquiries and add depth to the position through free agency. Here is a list of the most talented receivers available:

Dwayne Bowe (27 years, Kansas City Chiefs) had 81 receptions for 1,159 yards and 5 touchdowns in 2011. Bowe earned $2.76m last season and is in for a pay rise, as the Chiefs would give him the franchise tag if this is what it takes to keep him. D-Bowe is a strong receiver who can make difficult catches. He is tough to tackle and able to gain yards after the catch. He is a red zone threat and would help the Niners greatly, though chances seem slim to land him.

Deion Branch (32, New England Patriots) recorded 702 yards on 51 receptions in 2011 and scored 5 touchdowns. He is past his peak and makes less of an impact compared to previous years. He can beat the zone coverage but age and injuries have slowed him down. Branch earned $2.2m last season and won’t be able to demand more money going forward. His lack of blocking ability may put head coach Jim Harbaugh off but Branch’s experience and success could benefit Michael Crabtree and help Josh Morgan’s transition into a number-two.

Plaxico Burress (35, New York Jets) scored 8 touchdowns last season but it is safe to say that he won’t return to the Jets. Burress is a dangerous receiver in the red zone and could help the Niners, who have struggled to score touchdowns from 20 yards or less. On the other hand, Burress hasn’t always been a positive influence in the locker room and his gun shot incident is legendary. Burress would also have to settle for less money because it is doubtful anyone would pay the $3.017m he made in 2011.

Marques Colston (28, New Orleans Saints) caught 80 passes for 1,143 yards and 8 touchdowns in 2011. The Saints let it be known that they want to bring him back, whether they’ll succeed is a different story. Colston is a big physical receiver in his prime and will try to cash in on his next contract. If the Niners were ready to open up the passing game Colston would be an ideal fit, though his price tag might scare them off.

Early Doucet (26, Arizona Cardinals) had 689 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns in 2011. Doucet is physical and a good blocker but his lack of speed doesn’t make him a deep threat. He is also affordable in terms of salary. Midway through the season I considered him an interesting free agent but as the number-three receiver in Arizona he would hardly become a starter in San Francisco.

Pierre Garcon (25, Indianapolis Colts) missed the 1,000 yard-mark by 53 yards last season and scored 6 touchdowns. The Colts are rebuilding and Garcon will certainly explore the free agency market. Pierre Garcon is an all-around receiver with adequate speed and would be an upgrade for the Niners and pretty much any other team as well. Considering that he earned just $555k last season he will look for a considerable pay rise. The Niners should talk to him, as he might still be affordable regardless.

DeSean Jackson (25, Philadelphia Eagles) scored 4 touchdowns and compiled 961 yards on 58 passes. The Eagles aren’t yet decided on bringing him back. There is no doubt about his talent. He is fast, athletic and has playmaker ability. There are doubts about his attitude, though. Like Garcon he only earned $555k last season and is most definitely after a whole lot of money. It is doubtful that he would fit into Harbaugh’s team-first philosophy. Turning the team into the DeSean 49ers would be the more likely scenario and I don’t think the Niners need another T.O.

Vincent Jackson (29, San Diego Chargers) caught 60 passes for 1,106 yards and 9 touchdowns. He is one of the most athletic wide receivers and is very capable of gaining yardage after the catch. V-Jax and the Chargers have a love-hate relationship and both have indicated that they would like to come to an agreement. Jackson is after a long-term contract and an increase of the $1.14m he was paid in 2011. The Buffalo Bills are reportedly interested in him. Consistency is an issue with Jackson, which makes it doubtful the 49ers would participate in a bidding war.

All season long the 49ers demonstrated that winning the turnover battle wins ballgames. The Niners committed two turnovers that proved costly as the New York Giants advanced to the Super Bowl after a 20-17 win in overtime.

It was a rainy and windy afternoon in San Francisco and both teams showed that they wanted to take a different approach on the muddy surface to beat the elements. The 49ers mostly ran on their first drive, whereas the Giants were predominantly passing.

The 49ers struck fast on their second drive. After an incomplete pass QB Alex Smith found TE Vernon Davis for a 73-yard touchdown and the first points of the game.

The New York Giants moved 35 yards downfield on their next possession but couldn’t overcome a yard on San Francisco’s 34-yard line and turned the ball over on downs. 

The G-Men were more successful on their next possession. WR Victor Cruz’ reception for 36 yards got the Giants to San Francisco’s 29-yard line. Play by play the offense kept moving closer to the end zone until QB Eli Manning found TE Bear Pascoe for a 6-yard touchdown to tie the score.

With 1:36 minutes left in the first half Eli Manning got one more opportunity to move the chains. Manning connected with Victor Cruz on 4 passes for 56 yards to lead the offense to San Francisco’s 13-yard line with 5 seconds to spare. Lawrence Tynes made the 31-yard field goal attempt to give the Giants a 10-7 half-time lead.

The 49ers regained the lead in the third quarter. WR Kyle Williams returned a punt for 24 yards to San Francisco’s 46-yard line. A 24-yard pass to RB Frank Gore set up Vernon Davis’ second touchdown of the game, a 28-yard pass from Alex Smith. The Niners were back on top 14-10.

New York’s first possession of the fourth quarter ended after just three plays, or so it seemed. Steve Weatherford punted for 56 yards to San Francisco’s 29-yard line and Kyle Williams inexplicably decided to stay in the vicinity of the hopping ball. The ball touched his knee and WR Devin Thomas recovered the ball for the Giants. Six plays later Eli Manning found WR Mario Manningham for a 17-yard touchdown.

Kyle Williams, seemingly unaffected by the mistake, returned the ensuing kick-off 40 yards to San Francisco’s 45-yard line. The Niners reached the red zone after a 17-yard run from Alex Smith and an 18-yard run from RB Kendall Hunter but eventually had to settle for a 25-yard field goal from David Akers to tie the score at 17, with 5:43 minutes left to play.

The next four drives were threes-and-out, the final two minutes of the game saw three changes of possession and the game was headed for overtime.

The New York Giants were threatening to move into Niners territory on their second possession but RE Justin Smith sacked Eli Manning on 3^rd and 3, which forced the Giants to punt. Steve Weatherford kicked the ball to San Francisco’s 19-yard line, where Kyle Williams was set to return the punt. Five yards later Williams fumbled another punt return and it was Devin Thomas again who recovered the loose ball.

The Giants were at the 13-yard line four running plays later and had to attempt a 31-yard field goal. Lawrence Tynes made it and sent the New York Giants to Super Bowl XLVI, where they will face the New England Patriots.

Game Tidbits

Alex Smith completed 12 of 26 passes for 196 yards, 2 touchdowns and a passer rating of 97.6.

Vernon Davis caught 3 passes for 112 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Frank Gore (6), Vernon Davis (3), TE Delanie Walker (2), WR Michael Crabtree (1) were San Francisco’s only players to catch a pass.

LCB Carlos Rogers recorded 11 tackles.

LE Ray McDonald had 2.5 sacks for a loss of 19.5 yards.

San Francisco allowed Eli Manning to pass for 316 yards.

The 49ers surrendered 142 yards on 10 catches to Victor Cruz.

The Niners converted only 1 third down for a conversion percentage of 7.7%. On the other hand, the Giants converted 7 of 21 third downs.

San Francisco ran for 150 yards and held the Giants to 85 yards on the ground.

The 49ers outsacked the Giants 6-3.

The Niners lost the turnover battle 2-0.

The San Francisco 49ers meet the New York Giants to determine the NFC representative in Super Bowl XLVI. The 49ers reached the NFC Championship game with a 36-32 win over the New Orleans Saints. The Giants qualified for the third round of the playoffs by dismantling the Green Bay Packers 37-20 at Lambeau Field. Both teams faced each other 35 times, including seven times in the postseason. The 49ers lead the series 18-17 overall and won four of the seven playoff encounters. Both sides met in the NFC Championship game in 1990, with the Giants winning 15-13. This is San Francisco’s 13^th NFC Championship game and the first since 1997. On five occasions they advanced to the Super Bowl. Both teams last met in week 10, with the Niners winning 27-20 at The Stick.

The 49ers listed six players as questionable on their final injury report. C Jonathan Goodwin (calf), RCB Tarell Brown (thigh), RILB Patrick Willis (knee), FS Dashon Goldson (ankle) and TE Delanie Walker (jaw) are expected to play. WR Ted Ginn Jr. (knee) didn’t practice all week and will likely be unavailable. WR Kyle Williams will start alongside WR Michael Crabtree and return punts. RB Kendall Hunter will be responsible for returning kick-offs.

TE Jake Ballard is New York’s only concern. He is suffering from a knee injury and will be a game-time decision. TE Travis Beckum and TE Bear Pascoe would replace him if he couldn’t play. C David Baas (illness), RB Ahmad Bradshaw (foot), LE Justin Tuck (shoulder), RE Osi Umenyiora (ankle, knee), CB Corey Webster (hamstring), WR Hakeem Nicks (ankle) and QB Eli Manning (illness) are listed as probable and expected to play.

The New York Giants improved in all aspects of the game in the postseason and finally found a running game. Ahmad Bradshaw and RB Brandon Jacobs share the workload and average 4.9 yards per carry and 5.0 yards respectively, as opposed to 3.9 yards and 3.8 yards in the regular season. Pro Bowler Eli Manning completed 67.7% of his passes and has thrown for 6 touchdowns and 1 interception in the playoffs. Hakeem Nicks (13 receptions), Ahmad Bradshaw (8), WR Victor Cruz (7) and WR Mario Manningham (7) are his favorite targets. Victor Cruz, who had 1,536 receiving yards in the regular season, and Hakeem Nicks, 1,192 yards, are a constant threat to make a big play. New York’s offensive line did a good job protecting Eli Manning in the regular season and continues this trend in the postseason as well. New York’s ferocious pass rush hasn’t slowed down in the postseason either, though Justin Tuck and Pro Bowl RE Jason Pierre-Paul are still without a sack. Osi Umenyiora, who had 9 sacks in the regular season, leads the team in the postseason with 3 sacks. CB Corey Webster (6), SS Kenny Phillips (4) and CB Aaron Ross (4) recorded the most interceptions for the Giants in the regular season but S Deon Grant is the only Giants player who intercepted a pass in the postseason.   

Keys to Success

Mix the passing plays up and use slants, play action and screen passes to beat the pass rush.

Establish a running game with RB Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter as one-two-punch and wear the defense down.

The tight ends will play a big role in the passing game as well as additional blockers against the pass rush.

Win the battle in the trenches and contain the pass rush.

Stop the run and make New York’s offense one-dimensional.

LE Ray McDonald and LOLB Ahmad Brooks should get opportunities to put pressure on Eli Manning.

Play the safeties deep to prevent Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz from making big plays.

Special teams has to nail down New York deep in their own territory and generate good field positions for the Niners.

Control the clock.

Force turnovers.

Probable Starters

Offense: QB Alex Smith, RB Frank Gore, FB Bruce Miller, WR Michael Crabtree, WR Kyle Williams, TE Vernon Davis, LT Joe Staley, LG Mike Iupati, C Jonathan Goodwin, RG Adam Snyder, RT Anthony Davis.

Defense: LE Ray McDonald, NT Isaac Sopoaga, RE Justin Smith, LOLB Ahmad Brooks, LILB NaVorro Bowman, RILB Patrick Willis, ROLB Parys Haralson, LCB Carlos Rogers, SS Donte Whitner, FS Dashon Goldson, LCB Tarell Brown.

Prediction

San Francisco 49ers v New York Giants 24-20

The San Francisco 49ers released their final injury report for the NFC Championship game against the New York Giants. As it has become customary for the past six weeks, all players on the report are listed as questionable.

WR Ted Ginn Jr. did not practice all week because of a knee injury and appears unlikely to play. WR Kyle Williams will start alongside WR Michael Crabtree. He will also be responsible for the punt returns. RB Kendall Hunter will return the kick-offs.

C Jonathan Goodwin (calf) did not practice on Wednesday and Thursday, and was a limited participant in practice on Friday, but his start is not in jeopardy. In the unlikely event of him missing the game or a few snaps RG Anthony Snyder would move to center and G Chilo Rachal would play at right guard.

CB Tarell Brown (thigh) and RILB Patrick Willis (knee) did not practice on Thursday but returned on a limited basis on Friday. Both are expected to play and to start. CB Chris Culliver and LB Larry Grant would be the next men up if Brown or Willis were to miss some action.

FS Dashon Goldson did not practice on Wednesday due to an ankle injury but was a limited participant in practice on Thursday and Friday. He is expected to start but S Madieu Williams could see more playing time if the injury becomes more serious.

TE Delanie Walker returned to practice after missing two games with a jaw injury. He was a limited participant in practice but was cleared for contact. Walker will resume his role as the number-two tight end if the doctors give the green light. Blocking tight end Justin Peele will continue to replace him if Walker can’t play.

The New York Giants listed TE Jake Ballard as questionable. Ballard is suffering from a knee injury and did not practice on Friday. TE Travis Beckum and TE Bear Pascoe would see an increased playing time if Ballard couldn’t play. C David Baas (illness), RB Ahmad Bradshaw (foot), LE Justin Tuck (shoulder), RE Osi Umenyiora (ankle, knee), CB Corey Webster (hamstring), WR Hakeem Nicks (ankle) and QB Eli Manning (illness) are all listed as probable and expected to play.

San Francisco’s return to the postseason could not have been more dramatic and exciting, as they defeated the New Orleans Saints 36-32 to advance to the NFC Championship game for the first time since 1997.

On New Orleans’ first drive of the game it seemed business as usual for the Saints. The offense marched 78 yards downfield, helped by a 23-yard pass interference call on SS Donte Whitner, and had a 3^rd and 6 at San Francisco’s 7-yard line. QB Drew Brees passed to RB Pierre Thomas, when Donte Whitner administered a hard hit to cause a fumble, which was recovered by RILB Patrick Willis. The Niners could not capitalize on this turnover and had to punt eventually.

San Francisco was more successful on their next drive. Starting at their own 46-yard line, it took the Niners two plays and a 49-yard pass to TE Vernon Davis to score the first touchdown of the game.

FS Dashon Goldson intercepted Drew Brees on New Orleans’ following drive and carried the ball to their 4-yard line. After two incompletions QB Alex Smith found WR Michael Crabtree for a touchdown and a 14-0 lead.

S Madieu Williams tackled WR Courtney Roby on the ensuing kick-off and LB Blake Costanzo recovered the fumble at New Orleans’ 13-yard line. The Saints’ red zone defense made a successful stand and the 49ers had to settle for a 25-yard field goal from David Akers at the start of the second quarter.

New Orleans needed to respond and they needed to do it fast. The Saints were in 49ers territory after a 20-yard catch from WR Marques Colston. 6 plays later Drew Brees found TE Jimmy Graham for a 14-yard touchdown to cut the deficit to 10.

The Saints got the ball back after a 49ers three-and-out and scored again. Starting at their own 39-yard line, it took Drew Brees 7 plays to find Marques Colston for a 25-yard touchdown and a score of 17-14.

The Saints couldn’t make it three scores in a row. Instead, CB Tarell Brown intercepted Drew Brees for the MVP-candidate’s second pick of the game.

The final two minutes of the first half saw three changes of possession but no more scores. Alex Smith lost a fumble after a sack from LB Martez Wilson but it didn’t leave the Saints with enough time to score before half time.

Although the Niners had to punt on the opening possession of the second half they basically kept the drive alive. Punter Andy Lee kicked the ball 57 yards and Blake Costanzo forced a fumble, with S Colin Jones recovering the loose ball at New Orleans’ 27-yard line. The Niners could only gain 3 yards and had to settle for a 41-yard field goal from David Akers to extend the lead to 20-14.

It was the only score in the third quarter but the final quarter of the game may have produced one of the greatest shows on grass ever.

The Saints started their drive at their own 34-yard line but it came to a halt at San Francisco’s 29-yard line. John Kasey made the field goal from 48 yards to cut the lead to 20-17.

The 49ers got the ball back after an exchange of threes-and out. The Niners were at New Orleans’ 22-yard line after a magnificent 42-yard run from RB Frank Gore. San Francisco entered the red zone on the next play but this was as far as they got. David Akers' 37-yard field goal made it 23-17 for the Niners.

The New Orleans Saints earned their first lead of the game on the next drive, when Drew Brees connected on a touchdown pass of 44 yards with RB Darren Sproles.

The Niners had a little over 4 minutes left to strike back. Vernon Davis caught a pass for 37 yards to New Orleans’ 30-yard line. San Francisco gained two more yards before Alex Smith took matters in his own hand and rushed for a 28-yard touchdown. The two-point conversion failed but the 49ers were back on top 29-24.

Drew Brees had 2:07 minutes left, but only needed 30 seconds to find Jimmy Graham for a 66-yard touchdown. The Saints successfully went for two points and took a 32-29 lead.

There were 1:32 minutes on the clock when San Francisco’s offense re-entered the field. Vernon Davis made another big play for 47 yards to get the Niners into field goal position. Moments later San Francisco had a 3^rd and 4 on New Orleans’ 14-yard line. Do you remember “The Catch” between Joe Montana and Dwight Clark from 30 years ago? If you watched yesterday’s game you witnessed “The Grab”. With 14 seconds to go Alex Smith found Vernon Davis who caught the pass on the edge of the end zone and fell backwards for the game-winning touchdown. The 49ers secured a 36-32 win over the favored New Orleans Saints.

Game Tidbits

Alex Smith completed 24 of 42 passes for 299 yards, 3 touchdowns and a passer rating of 103.2.

Vernon Davis caught 7 passes for 180 yards and 2 touchdowns. His 180 yards are an NFL record for a tight end in a single postseason game.

San Francisco converted only 27% of third downs.

The 49ers were outsacked 4-3.

The Niners allowed Drew Brees to pass for 462 yards.

San Francisco allowed Marques Colston (136), Darren Sproles 116) and Jimmy Graham (103) 100+ receiving yards.

The 49ers held the Saints to 37 yards on the ground.

The Niners won the turnover battle 5-1.

San Francisco became the first team in NFL history to score two lead-changing touchdowns in the final three minutes of the 4^th quarter in a postseason game.