49ers overcome adversity, enter postseason with hardened resolve

"We know what it's like to lose in the Super Bowl," said tight end Vernon Davis. "It's a horrible feeling. Don't really want to have to go through it again.

Jim Trotter | Dec 29, 2013

49ers overcome adversity, enter postseason with hardened resolve /

For the wild card game, the 49ers will head to Green Bay to face the Packers, who Harbaugh is 3-0 against. — For the wild card game, the 49ers will head to Green Bay to face the Packers, who Harbaugh is 3-0 against :: Matt York /AP

"We know what it's like to lose in the Super Bowl," said tight end Vernon Davis. "It's a horrible feeling. Don't really want to have to go through it again. Our ultimate goal is to get back and win it. Guys are really cognizant of that and they're going into it with more poise. We're relaxed. Last year I think we were a little anxious in the beginning. This year we know what to expect. We're ready."

Published Dec 29, 2013

JIM TROTTER

Senior Writer, Sports Illustrated Followers of the NFL have long relied on Jim Trotter for his dogged reporting and astute insights. Trotter joined Sports Illustrated as a senior writer in September 2007. Before that he spent nearly 18 years at the San Diego Union-Tribune, where he climbed the ladder from preps reporter to lead NFL writer. He spent nine years covering the San Diego Chargers, who did not have a winning record or reach the playoffs in his first eight years on the beat. The team finally ended the drought in 2004, after which Trotter began covering the league at large. Trotter cites three stories as the most memorable of his SI career: a 2007 piece on the death of Sean Taylor because, "It allowed us to examine his life beyond the stereotypes that had been attached to him"; a 2011 feature on Tim Tebow and the Broncos, whose run to the playoffs was nearly as indescribable as it was improbable; and a 2012 piece on the remaking of the Raiders following the death of longtime patriarch Al Davis. Born in San Francisco, Trotter graduated from Howard University in 1986 with a degree in communications and is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame selection committee. In addition to his SI duties, Trotter has made appearances on numerous national media outlets, including CNN, Fox News, ESPN, NFL Network, and The Jim Rome Show. He also has been a guest on radio shows across the country. Trotter resides in San Diego.