49ers Focus
By Robert Haugh

The 49ers rocked the Arizona Cardinals 23-7 Sunday, November 20 at Candlestick Park, increasing their record to 9-1, with only Green Bay (10-0) compiling a better record.

Though the 49ers were impressive in the dominating win over the Cards, they also showed weakness in a number of aspects of the game, facing several tasks ahead of them if they hope to dethrone the Packers atop the NFC.

Despite cruising to a huge 23-0 fourth quarter lead, the 49ers easily could have been up 45-0 at that point, failing to score points on multiple occasions, with two blocked field goals, one wide right field goal, and multiple dropped and mistimed potential TD pass plays, with the team going 2-for-6 in the red zone. The 49ers struggled on third down, going 8-for-21, but also went 2-for-2 on fourth down.

Penalties hurt the 49ers late in the game - seeing seven yellow flags for 87 yards, including two personal fouls in the fourth that helped keep the Cardinals driving on their lone TD drive.

The 49ers’ Defense once again played stellar, recording three INTs, two sacks and two fumble recoveries, while the Offensive Line controlled the game, allowing zero sacks and controlling the game clock, controlling time of possession by nearly a three-to-one margin, 44:16 to just 15:44.

QB Alex Smith was, once again, poised and consistent, going 20-for-38 for 267 yards, two TDs and an INT, hooking up with wide outs Michael Crabtree and Kyle Williams, as well as TE Vernon Davis on huge passing plays.

The 49ers have a short week ahead, as they travel to play in the "HarBowl" as Jim Harbaugh and the 49ers play one of the AFC’s top teams, the Baltimore Ravens, coached by Jim’s brother John, on Thanksgiving Day.