49ers Focus
By Robert Haugh

It wasn’t pretty. But a win is a win and the 49ers improved to 2-1 and lead the NFC West.

QB Alex Smith had several moments of flashy brilliance and a few moments of sheer idiocy, but finished 20-for-30 for 201 yards (no TDs, no INTs) in the 49ers’ 13-8 triumph Sunday in Cincinnati, including going 11-for-13 in the second half, completing 66.7 percent of his passes for the third consecutive week.

Showing poise and confidence despite battling all day, as the O-Line allowed six sacks and committed several pre-snap penalties, Smith was marred by penalties, six coming in the first half, many hindering the 49ers’ ability to move the chains.

Trailing 6-3 in the fourth, Smith led the 49ers on a 72-yard drive capped by rookie RB Kendall Hunter’s 7-yard TD run.

TE Vernon Davis was Smith’s pivotal offensive weapon, amassing 114 yards on eight catches, the most yards by a TE thus far in 2011.

Though the Offense managed only 226 total yards, the 49ers Defense kept the 49ers in the game, holding the Bengals to 1-for-10 on third down, and limiting the Bengals’ rushing attack, once again not allowing a 100-yard rusher. The Defense recorded two crucial INTs and a critical sack, stepping up to control the game.

In three games, Smith has improved each week, maintaining poise and accuracy. With Davis lighting up for over 100 yards this week, the 49ers are just a few key steps from being an elite NFL team, one of which is getting struggling RB Frank Gore better involved in the game, perhaps with some screen and play action passes.