49ers Focus
By Robert Haugh

The 49ers were looking to make a statement on a national platform, and they did, defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers 20-3 on Monday Night Football at Candlestick Park.

Playing a stellar all-around game, with the Defense, Special Teams and Offense all playing exceptionally well, and scoring in each quarter, the 49ers methodically beat up on the Steelers, one of the NFL’s best teams.

On Special teams, Punter Andy Lee, David Akers and the kick coverage teams played phenomenally well, constantly pushing the Steelers’ starting field position to inside the 20, and four times inside the 10.

The Offensive Line gelled, not allowing a sack, limiting pressure on QB Alex Smith, who had been sacked 18 times in the prior three weeks. On the other side of the ball, the Defense applied pressure on QB Ben Roethlisberger, compiling three sacks, three INTs and two fumbles.

The 49ers rush defense continues to be the best in the NFL, once again limiting their opponents’ rush attack, allowing the Steelers only 84 total yards rushing, not having allowed a rushing TD or 100-yard rusher all season. The 49ers also shut down the Steelers’ offense, allowing them to reach the red zone only once.

Though they dominated one of the NFL’s best teams, the 49ers still have things to improve on with the playoffs looming. The 49ers again struggled on third down, going only 4-for-13. The 49ers also were host to penalty gremlins as well, getting flagged seven times for 49 yards, two of which cost the 49ers critical first downs.

The 49ers improved in the red zone, going 2-for-3 in the red zone, far better than they have fared all year. If the 49ers can continue to improve in the red zone, and capitalize on opportunities, the 49ers can make it to the Super Bowl.