Coming off only their second defeat of the season against the Ravens and their first since their week 2 loss in overtime to the Cowboys, the 49ers played host to a St. Louis Rams team many thought would pose the biggest threat in the NFC West. But at 2-10 mainly due to an injury sustained coupled with a sub-par season from last year's Rookie of the Year Sam Bradford, the Rams have been anything but. And with a trip to San Francisco's Candlestick Park where the 49ers were hoping to put a seal on the NFC West and make their first trip to the Playoffs since 2002, the Rams' woes would continue.
Coming into the game, 49ers running back Frank Gore was within striking distance of the franchise's all-time rushing record held by the great Joe 'The Jet' Perry who passed away in April at the age of 84. Needing only 1 yard in the second quarter, Gore eclipsed Perry's mark of 7,344 career rushing yards with a 2-yard run up the middle, giving him sole possession of the record before finishing the day with 73-yards. Though it's been San Francisco's running game that has shined and carried the team on offense this year, it was QB Alex Smith who dazzled during the second half much like he did several weeks ago against the New York Giants. After a number of trips to the red zone and only three field goals to show for, the 49ers went into the half with a 9-0 lead. In need of an adjustment on offense, the 49ers were able to capitalize after a Dashon Goldson interception as Smith found WR Michael Crabtree 52-yards out for a 49er touchdown.
Up 16-0 following their first trip to the endzone, the 49ers would add to their lead on their next drive with David Akers splitting the uprights from 34-yards out for his fourth field goal of the day. After a series of punts, Alex Smith and co. would put the game away for good as he connected with wide-out Kyle Williams for a season-long 56-yard touchdown as San Francisco completed their first shutout of the season and the team's first since 2009 which also came at the expense of the Rams. Alex Smith finished the game with a total of 274 passing yards to go along with a pair of touchdowns. With the 26-0 blowout, the 49ers were able to clinch their first division title in nine years, something the 49er faithful have been anticipating for quite some time.
Normally a team that clinches the division as early as week 13 will take a step back and ease off the gas by relaxing and resting it's starters in preparation for the playoffs, but head coach Jim Harbaugh appears to have his mind set on keeping his foot on the gas in hopes of keeping pace with the NFC leading Green Bay Packers who are yet to be beaten. One player who can definitely use the rest however, is Pro Bowl linebacker Patrick Willis who left Sunday's game during the first quarter with a pulled hamstring. Willis was seen on the ground grabbing at his right hamstring after a rare missed tackle. Willis' absence would be detrimental to the team, but according to team trainers the All-Pro LB could be back within 2-4 weeks and should be ready come playoff time.
49er greats Joe Montana and Dwight Clark were also on hand to witness their former team capture the west and become division champs, something they became a fixture at back in the 80's. With the NFC West title already under his belt in only his first season at the helm, coach Harbaugh joined George Seifert and Steve Mariucci as the only rookie head coaches in 49ers history to win the division.
Week 14 Preview & Prediction: Other than Willis' injury, the day was filled with nothing but positives. San Francisco plans to keep the good vibes flowing as they get set to pay a visit to the desert where the division-rival Arizona Cardinals who currently sit at 5-7 are coming off their biggest win yet, an overtime thriller against the Dallas Cowboys. With an already clinched division, many are crying out upset and have the Cardinals coming out victorious this Sunday. I on the other hand think the 49ers will continue to roll with their dominant defense and have San Francisco coming out on top, 20-10.
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