49ers Focus
By Robert Haugh

Crushing Tampa Bay 48-3 Sunday, October 9 at Candlestick Park, the 49ers made a huge statement - they are an impressive team with the capabilities of rolling into the Super Bowl.

Showing incredible poise and confidence, QB Alex Smith threw for 175 yards and three TDs, going 11-for-20, giving him a 127.2 QB rating, his second straight game with a QB rating greater than 100. Of his nine incompletions, the majority were wise throwaways while scrambling out of the pocket. Through five games, Smith has the third best QB rating in the NFL, with a 104.1 QB rating on the year.

The 49ers’ Offensive line made huge strides, not allowing a single sack while creating gaps for the RBs, who combined for 213 yards on the day, including Frank Gore who compiled 125 yards and a TD.

Starting fast, the 49ers scored swiftly scored on their opening offensive drive, when Smith connected with TE Delanie Walker for a 26-yard TD. Smith also connected for two scores to TE Vernon Davis.

The run defense once again held strong, not allowing a 100-yard rusher for the 27th consecutive game.

CB Carlos Rogers returned an INT for a TD, his third INT of the season, tied for first in the NFL. The 49ers have an INT in all five games this year, with eight INTs on the season, tied for second in the NFL.

Unlike weeks past, the 49ers didn’t show any huge kinks in their armor this week, but there are things to work on before squaring off with a 5-0 Lions team this weekend in Detroit. If the 49ers can march past Detroit with a 5-1 record, they are well on their way to locking up the NFC West title.