49ers Focus
By Robert Haugh

Trailing 23-3 in the third quarter, QB Alex Smith had what many will call his best game ever, leading the 49ers to a come-from-behind triumph over the Eagles in Philly on October 2, finishing 21-for-33 for 291 yards, two TDs and no INTs, including 179 yards in the third quarter alone where he was 9-for-9 as the 49ers came fighting back from the 20-point deficit. Smith finished with a 112.1 passer rating, 13-for-17 for 201 yards in the second half.

Struggling early-on in the season, RB Frank Gore had a breakout game, amassing 127 yards and a rushing TD.

Helping Smith was the 49ers’ stellar Defense, forcing three turnovers (two fumbles recoveries, INT) giving the 49ers 11 takeaways on the season. Having notched an INT in each of their first four games and having only three turnovers, they possess a stellar +8 turnover ratio through four games.

The Defense once again held the run attack, limiting LeSean McCoy, who was the NFC’s leading rusher up to Sunday’s game to just 18 yards on nine carries. The 49ers have not allowed a 100-yard rusher in 26 games, the longest active streak in the NFL.

Defensive play of the game goes to veteran DT Justin Smith who stripped Eagles WR Jeremy Maclin as the Eagles were driving with just over two minutes remaining. Safety Dashon Goldson recovered the fumble; from there the 49ers ran the clock out for the huge road victory.

Despite the win, there are many kinks in the armor of the Jim Harbaugh-led 49ers, including allowing three sacks, several costful penalties, two missed field goals (one blocked), and mental collapses in a few situations. Another huge kink has been allowing several huge plays - the Defense is allowing far too many plays of 15-plus yards, many going for 40-or-more yards.

The 49ers have a talented cast and should easily win the NFC West, but that’s why the game is played.