NEW ORLEANS -- Throughout his NFL career, San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh says he's never been around a team as focused as his current team.
"I think it's really genuine," Harbaugh said. "I think it's the best focus on unity and winning that I've ever seen or been a part of."
Harbaugh was lucky to inherit a fairly veteran team full of talented players when he arrived. Guys like tackle Joe Staley, linebacker Patrick Willis, defensive end Justin Smith, running back Frank Gore, safety Dashon Goldson and tight end Vernon Davis were starving for leadership.
They were also starving to win. Staley believes the way the team has been put together has been key.
"I think (general manager Trent Baalke) has been terrific, the entire front office staff. Not only bringing in great players, but good people, a good locker room," Staley said after arriving in New Orleans for Super Bowl XLVII. "Great character guys. It's important to bring in talented players but you can have all the talent in the world and be, you know, an ass----."
Staley went on to say the 49ers' front office did a great job avoiding those guys.
This isn't a team full of choir boys, though. There's a great mix of different characters like Randy Moss and Goldson along with example-setters like Willis and Gore. Staley would like you to know there's also a shortage of (expletives). Yes, that's the first time I've ever censored myself.
Follow Gregg Rosenthal on Twitter @greggrosenthal.
