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As is customary, the Bay Area media got a chance to speak with with the head coach and a key player from the visiting Detroit Lions.  The two men on the conference call this week were Jim Schwartz and linebacker Julian Peterson.

Peterson knows the 49ers very well, having played in San Francisco from 2000-2005.  He also had plenty of opportunities to suit up against the 49ers while playing with their NFC West rival Seattle Seahawks from 2006-2008.  The Pro Bowl linebacker had positive things to say about Alex Smith, who Peterson said is playing better than he ever has.

Schwartz talked about some of the challenges his team has faced this season as well as his decision to give Drew Stanton his first-career start this Sunday against the 49ers.  The rookie head coach was also a candidate for the 49ers vacancy in 2005 when the organization ultimately hired Mike Nolan.  He described the 49ers coaching search as very professional and was pleased to get his first head coaching interview with San Francisco.

Make sure you listen to the conference calls with Peterson and Schwartz.

On Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24 at 8:00 PM ET with an encore at 10:00 PM PT, NFL Network will televise for the first time since its original airing one of the most historic playoff games in league history, as NFL Classic Games encores the 1981 NFC Championship Game between the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers.

In a matchup of teams with the best regular-season records in the NFL, the San Francisco 49ers hosted the Dallas Cowboys in the 1981 NFC Championship Game on January 10, 1982. In one of the most iconic plays in NFL history, San Francisco receiver Dwight Clark caught the game winning six-yard scoring pass from Joe Montana with 51 seconds remaining as the 49ers won 28-27. It was the sixth and final lead change in this back-and-forth game.

The 49ers won Super Bowl XVI two weeks later. It was the first of San Francisco’s four Super Bowl titles in the 1980s.

This NFL Classic Games telecast features the complete CBS broadcast with announcers Vin Scully and Hank Stram calling the action along with all of the network’s original graphics. 

With the playoffs out of the picture, the 49ers are vowing to finish the 2009 season on a strong note.

“You’re disappointed, but we still have two games left. We’re going to prepare just like we have a chance of going [to the postseason],” outside linebacker Parys Haralson said. “When you play this game, you always play like you’re going to give it your best all the time. We’re upset about the playoff situation, but we still have two games to play. We enjoy playing football and we want to go out and play for each other.”

Head coach Mike Singletary elaborated that point even further by emphasizing the importance of the 49ers finishing the season 8-8. The team can do that with wins at home this Sunday over Detroit and the following Sunday on the road in St. Louis.

Asked if he would use the final two weeks to evaluate backups on the 53-man roster, Singletary said that would not be on top of his agenda.

“The last message I want to send is: we want to evaluate before we want to win. We want to win. Every time we step on the field, I want our guys to know we want to win and we want to compete.”

However, Singletary said young players could get valuable experience in limited playing time without having to sacrifice for the greater good of the team. According to Singletary, backups could be involved for a series at a time, but not at the cost of winning.

“Both these games are definitely important, no question,” quarterback Alex Smith said. “I’ve been here five years now and [8-8] would be the best record.”

Despite the frustration of losing another game because of “self-inflicted wounds,” Smith said he undoubtedly feels something special developing in the 49ers locker room.

“I’m not just saying this to say this, but I do feel like there’s been a bit of a mindset change around here, an expectation level, a confidence in what we can do,” Smith added.
More Monday Notes

-Singletary opened his press conference by sharing an exchange he had with quarterback Alex Smith last night. “I owe him an apology,” Singletary said a day after he was critical of his quarterback’s performance in a 27-13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. “I talked with him after the game and we had a conversation where I really kind of challenged him on some things, some of those throws or whatever. After looking at it, I have a better perspective.”

-Smith said the talk between the two was a positive one for him as well. “He did [apologize]. He doesn’t owe me an apology though,” Smith added. “We were all disappointed with yesterday. That wasn’t the only thing we talked about. The point is to get better moving on. It was a good talk. I did take a lot away from it.”

-Singletary went on to detail each of Smith’s first-half interceptions. According to the head coach, tight end Vernon Davis could have made a better play on Smith’s first interception that was picked off deep over-the-middle by Eagles safety Quintin Mikell. “I think the ball was there. It’s just one of those situations where Vernon either has to make that play, or either he has to stop that DB from making that play. He’s got to help the quarterback as well,” Singletary said.

-The second interception was due to a “trap coverage,” in which the Eagles baited Smith into throwing to Davis. “It’s a trap coverage where you’re throwing the ball on timing, and it looks like the receiver, or the defender is going with that receiver, and you come back and get in front of the second guy that the quarterback is going to try and throw the ball to because he feels that either the corner or the safety has run off, but they come back.”

-Singletary had no grandiose explanation for the final Smith turnover, other than it “was just a poor decision.” Smith tried to dump the ball off while he was getting hit in the pocket. Singletary said it was Smith’s fault for trying to force the issue.

-The 49ers head coach expressed remorse for not getting the ball in the hands of Frank Gore more often, who finished with a game-high 16 carries for 107 yards. ‘I thought Frank ran the ball well when he had the opportunity,” Singletary said. “It’s a shame we couldn’t have gotten him the ball more last night. That’s kind of the way we were built in thinking this week, running the ball a little bit more this week because they’re a smaller front. When we got behind – which is what they’re built for, coming from behind, rushing the passer, stunting, those kinds of things – they got to do what they do more than we did. That’s kind of the situation there.”

 -The game’s injury report included, kicker Joe Nedney who re-injured a hamstring injury on a kick-off following his 25-yard field goal. Nedney underwent an MRI on Monday, with results to be determined. Singletary said if Nedney can’t play against Detroit, the team would likely bring someone in to handle the kicking duties. Singletary noted that he didn’t think punter Andy Lee could handle duel kicking responsibilities.

-Other than Nedney, rookie running back Glen Coffee had a thigh strain and also underwent an MRI on Monday. Singletary noted that left tackle Joe Staley was feeling fine after his first start in months.

-In other injury news, cornerback Nate Clements is unsure if he’ll return this season. He has been rehabbing diligently to return to the 49ers lineup, but isn’t sure if he’ll be able to participate in either of the final two games of the season. He’ll have to undergo one last MRI to make sure his fractured scapula is completely healed. “I’m taking it one day at a time, just doing what the trainers having me doing for rehab. I’m trying to get my shoulder back right,” Clements said. “Right now the range of motion is good, strength-wise; I’m kind of weaker there. I think it comes with time and the healing of the bone.”

-It’s been the longest period of games missed in Clements’ nine-year NFL career. “I missed one game last year, but this is the first time where I’ve been out a consistent period of time. It’s been frustrating not being out there to help the team.”

Whew, we made it!  It snowed 23 inches yesterday in Philadelphia, which is the most in one day in the city since 1909.  So, I guess I’m glad to have been a part of history.  It would have been nice to see some of this historic sites on Saturday.  We were next to them, we just couldn’t see them in the white-out weather conditions.  I posted this picture on Twitter yesterday when we braved the storm to grab lunch.

We still have a little over two hours until kickoff and it’s a scene seeing all of the stadium staff frantically trying to clear the piles of snow from the seats.  Just outside of the stadium, they were filling up dump trucks with snow to try to clear parking spaces.  Unbelievable!  The field looks to be in great shape though so the playing surface shouldn’t impact the game.  It’s actually a pretty nice day, a little cold, but that’s about it.

Check out the 49ers and Eagles injury reports.  Joe Staley should play for the first time since injuring his knee against the Colts.  He’s listed as questionable.  I’ll also post the inactives around 90 minutes prior to kickoff.

49ers Inactives: QB Nate Davis (3rd QB), CB Keith Smith, CB Nate Clements, LB Diyral Briggs, C Cody Wallace, T Chris Patrick, DT Baraka Atkins, WR Isaac Bruce

Eagles Inactives: QB Kevin Kolb (3rd QB), WR Jeremy Maclin, CB Geoffrey Pope, RB Brian Westbrook, G/T Stacy Andrews, G Mike McGlynn, TE Martin Rucker, DT Trevor Laws

FIRST QUARTER:

The Eagles won the coin toss and will receive to start the game.  Quentin Demps got a good return to open things up out to midfield.  Donovan McNabb hit Leonard Weaver on a screen to the left for a 6-yard gain.  2nd and 4, McNabb bought time as he got out of the pocket to the right.  The pass was incomplete as it appeared to hit the ground.  The Eagles are challenging the ruling though that the ball hit the ground.  The call was reversed, giving Philly the 1st down.  It was a gain of 12.  1st and 10 from the 32, Weaver took the pitch and he was able to get around the edge for a pickup of 7.  2nd and 3, McCoy plunged ahead for a gain of 6 and a 1st down.  1st and 10 from the 19, McNabb bought some time and hit DeSean Jackson who got free on a crossing route.  Jackson outran Willis to the corner of the end zone for the touchdown.

Eagles 7 – 49ers 0

Josh Morgan fielded the kickoff and ran left out to the 29-yard line.  1st and 10, Alex Smith hit Delanie Walker on a quick out to the right side for a gain of 7.  2nd and 3, Gore got the carry from the shotgun and ran inside for a gain of 6.  1st and 10 from the 42, Smith put the ball right on the money as Vernon Davis turned back for the ball in between defenders for a gain of 19.  1st and 10 from the PHI 39, Gore had a small hole right up the middle and made the most of it to pick uo 6.  2nd and 4, Smith’s pass was deflected at the lone by Juqua Parker and fell incomplete.  3rd and 4, Smith hit Jason Hill for what would’ve been close to the 1st down.  Hill couldn’t hang on and Nedney will attempt the 51-yard field goal.  Nedney’s kick would have been good from even further back as he drilled it

Eagles 7 – 49ers 3

After Demps’ return, Philly will start from the 18.  1st and 10, McCoy ran ahead and was taken down by Spikes after a gain of 5.  2nd and 5, McNabb’s pass was nearly picked off by Justin Smith who dropped into coverage.  Smith appeared to see it late.  3rd and 5, McNabb’s pass was a bit low for Avant who couldn’t adjust.  Good 3 and out for the 49ers defense.

Battle was met immediately on the punt.  1st and 10 from the 30, Gore picked up 4 on the carry up the middle.  2nd and 6, Smith threw the ball away as the pressure came from the right side.  There was a flag on the play as Asante Samuel was called for illegal contact.  1st and 10 from the 39, Smith tried to hit Davis on the seam.  He floated it up too high and Demps came over the top for the interception.

1st and 10 from the 32, McCoy ran straight ahead without much room for a gain of 2.  2nd and 8, Vick lined up at QB and ran the wildcat straight up the middle for a short gain.  Good defense by the 49ers on the play as they stayed in their gaps.  3rd and 7, Spencer had great coverage as McNabb tried to hit Reggie Brown on the left sideline.  Prefect coverage and here comes the punt team.  Battle couldn’t get much on the return though as the Eagles had good coverage.

1st and 10 from the SF 27, Smith tried to hit Walker deep, but the pass was just a bit long and the TE couldn’t catch up to it.  2nd and 10, Gore had a great run up the middle.  He broke some tackles and nearly broke it for a huge gain.  It will move the chains though after a gain of 12.  1st and 10 from the 38, Gore couldn’t go anywhere as Parker dragged him down as he tried to get around the right side.  2nd and 9, Gore again plunged ahead and was stopped by Patterson for no gain.  3rd and 9, the Eagles brought pressure from the left side with a defensive back.  Smith got outside the pocket and threw it away.  Lee avoided Jackson’s return as he drilled one low that rolled into the end zone for the touchback.

1st and 10 from the 20, McNabb had some time, but he was flushed as the pocket collapsed and his pass was too high for Weaver.  2nd and 10, Weaver picked up a couple yards on the second effort for a gain of 4.  3rd and 6, Ahmad Brooks was called for a neutral zone infraction.  3rd and 1, Vick was under center and bounced out right where Spikes stopped him close to the line of scrimmage.  The spot was a bit short and the Eagles are going for it.  McNabb ran out to the huddle late and had to burn a timeout as the play clock was winding down.  Weaver was rocked by the former Eagles Takeo Spikes and that’ll give the 49ers outstanding field position!

49ers ball, 1st and 10 at the PHI 29, with an empty backfield, Smith hit Walker quick for a gain of 13.  1st and 10 from the 16, Gore got the carry from the offset I, but was stopped for no gain.  *** Michael Vick is headed to the locker room *** That’s the end of the first quarter.

SECOND QUARTER:

Smith’s hit Delanie Walker who was stripped from behind – Eagles ball.

*** Michael Vick has a thigh injury and his return is questionable.

1st and 10 from the PHI 6, McNabb hit Jackson who was pushed out by Spencer after a 3-yard gain.  2nd and 7, the 49ers called timeout.  2nd and 7 from the 9, McNabb threw for Celek, but Michael Lewis was called for pass interference.  1st and 10 from the 24, Brooks came around the edge and up the middle to bat McNabb’s pass down with some authority – good play.  2nd and 10, McNabb had all the time in the world and hit Celek who got behind Spikes for a 43-yard gain.  1st and 10 from the SF 33, McNabb hit Jackson on a comeback for a gain of 10.  The 49ers NEED to get more pressure on McNabb or he’s going to have drives like this all night.  1st and 10, McCoy carried up the middle for 5 yards.  2nd and 5, McNabb his Curtis out left for 5 yards and a 1st down.  1st and 10 from the SF 11, McNabb hit Smith who was tracked down by Willis after a gain of 3.  2nd and 7, McNabb turned and called timeout.  2nd and 7, McNabb hit McCoy on the shovel pass, but Spikes sniffed it out for no gain.  3rd and 7, McNabb scrambled and got in for the score.  The 49ers were called for illegal contact, but that won’t matter and the 49ers get the score.

Eagles 14 – 49ers 3

Coffee let the kickoff bounce into the end zone for a touchback.  1st and 10 from the 20, Smith hit Gore on the screen who was just tripped up by Bunkley after a gain of 6.  2nd and 4, Gore showed patience after the handoff from the shotgun and allowed his blocks to develop up front for a gain of 9.  1st and 10, from the 35, Smith hit Morgan who couldn’t get by Samuel on the outside to pick up 1.  2nd and 9, Smith threw it away as the Eagles came with the corner blitz.  3rd and 9, Smith threw it right to Samuel instead of Vernon Davis for the easy interception.

1st and 10 from the 28, McNabb hit Celek who turned back over the middle to pick up 5.  2nd and 5, McCoy got some room up the middle for 8 yards.  1st and 10 from the 15, Weaver strung the run out wide right for a 5-yard gain.  2nd and 5, Franklin dropped and leaped in the passing lane to knock down the pass.  3rd and 5, Bly was called for holding – a tough, tough call.  1st and goal from the 5, the 49ers defense did a nice job to string Weaver out to the right side as he only picked up 1.  2nd and goal from the 4, McNabb couldn’t fine anyone open and threw it out of the end zone over the head of Celek.  3rd and goal from the 4, Lawson had McNabb in his grasp, but the QB escaped and then threw it away as the 49ers maintained coverage.  Akers hit the 22-yard field goal to put his team up by 14.

Eagles 17 – 49ers 3

Morgan took the kickoff and leaped over one man who was down and got hit hard, but held onto the ball.  1st and 10 from the 23, Gore took the direct snap and followed some good blocks on the right side (kudos to Adam Snyder) for a nice gain out to the SF 40.  1st and 10, Smith hit Josh Morgan quick left who spun and got 10 yards.  Sndyer was called for illegal man downfield though so that’ll back things up.  1st and 15, Gore took the inside handoff for a gain of 2.  2nd and 13, Smith got out of the pocket as the pressure got there and threw it away.  3rd and 13, Smith looked for Vernon who couldn’t get up for the catch.  Brown closed on Jackson who let the ball bounce.  It stopped right there and the 49ers downed it at the 16.

1st and 10 for Philly from their own 16, McCoy wiggled up the middle for a gain of 6.  TWO MINUTE WARNING. 2nd and 4, McNabb looked for Curtis along the right sideline, but his pass was low.  3rd and 4, McNabb hit Jackson crossing who sprinted ahead for a gain of 39.  1st and 10 from the 39, McNabb hit McCoy on a screen pass for a pickup of 11.  1st and 10 from the 28, McNabb tried to hit Jackson on a go route on the right sideline, but dropped it as Goldson closed in on him.  2nd and 10, Haralson got in the backfield to tackle Weaver for a loss.  3rd and 11, Spencer undercut the route and picked it off and took a knee in the end zone.

1st and 10 from the 20, Smith hit Gore over the middle for a gain of 7.  Philly helped out the 49ers as they stopped the clock with a timeout. (:36) 2nd and 3, Smith floated it for Gore as he was pressure by Parker and that pass was picked off by Tracy White.

1st and 10 from the SF 29, McNabb hit Avant down to the 8.  McNabb spiked the ball to stop the clock with 5 seconds left.  Akers will come on for the 26-yard field goal.

Eagles 20 – 49ers 3

Morgan took the kickoff on a bounce out near midfield as the clock will wind down on the 1st half.

THIRD QUARTER:

Josh Morgan got things on track early with a nifty return down the right sideline to the PHI 43.  Gore had nowhere to go on first down as Patterson got in the backfield and stopped him for a loss.  2nd and 11, Delanie Walker was called for a false start.  2nd and 16, Gore got up the middle for a gain of 2.  3rd and 14, Smith hit Crabtree crossing short for a gain of 11.  4th and 3, Smith hit Morgan in the right flat who turned and got upfield for a gain of 22.  1st and 10 from the 14, things weren’t on the same page as Smith rolled and had nobody on that side so he threw it away.  2nd and 10, Gore ran to the right side and lowered his head for a gain of 3.  3rd and 7, Smith hit Morgan in the flat, but he was stopped after a gain of 4.  Nedney’s 25-yard field goal is good.

Eagles 20 – 49ers 6

Marus Hudson tripped up Macho Harris on the return at the 30.  1st and 10 from the 30, McNabb looked for Jackson as Bly undercut him and picked it off.

1st and 10 for the 49ers from the PHI 35, smith was sacked by Cole who came untouched.  2nd and 20, Smith rolled right and hit Gore short for a gain of 6.  3rd and 14, Smith hit Morgan on a quick slant, but he’ll be short of the 1st despite the gain of 9.  4th and 5, Smith hit Davis who made a nice leaping grab on the crossing route.  The 49ers are now 0 for 7 on 3rd downs and 2 for 2 on 4th downs.  1st and 10 from the 15, Gore cutback as he bounced it to the right side for a 3-yard gain.  2nd and 7, Smith hit Morgan who was all alone on the crossing route.  Morgan split the defenders and got in for the score.

Eagles 20 – 49ers 13

The kickoff was short and the Eagles will begin their drive from the 34.  1st and 10 from the 34, Weaver got the carry up the middle and gained 3.  2nd and 7, McNabb found Jackson who was wide open on the right sideline for a gain of 10.  1st and 10 from the PHI 47, McNabb had Jackson deep, but the throw was a bit long.  2nd and 10, McCoy got around the right side and was tackled by Sopoaga after gaining 8.  3rd and 2, McNabb scrambled for a big gain, but there was a flag in the backfield for holding so that play will come back.  3rd and 12 from the PHI 45, McNabb hit Celek who was stopped just short of the sticks so out comes the Eagles’ punt team.  The punt was downed at the 1, but there’s laundry on the field.  One was for illegal touching on the Eagles and the second was for a hold on the 49ers.  Those will offset and they Eagles will have to punt again.  This punt looked good from the start, but a good bounce for the 49ers allowed it to roll into the end zone for the touchback.

1st and 10 from the 20, Gore got loose up the middle for a huge gain past midfield for a gain of 37.  1st and 10 from the PHI 43, Gore had another nice run, but Rachal was called for a hold.  1st and 14 from the PHI 47, Robinson was met in the backfield and stopped for a loss.  2nd and 14, Smith hit Crabtree crossing who cut back, but was tripped up.  3rd and 8, Smith was pressured and threw it away.  The punt was fair caught at the 11.

1st and 10 from the 11, McCoy got the carry and picked up 6.  That wraps up the 3rd quarter.

FOURTH QUARTER:

2nd and 4 from the 17, McCoy escaped the tackle of Franklin, but couldn’t escape Willis and gained 2.  3rd and 2, McNabb hit Jackson deep for a huge gain as he ran by the corner and was pushed out by Lewis.  1st and 10 from the SF 22, McNabb hit Avant in the right flat and he was stopped quickly by Brown.  2nd and 6, weaver bounced to the left side for a gain of 7.  1st and 10 from the 11, Weaver ran threw a big hole down close to the 1st down marker.  2nd and 1 from the 2, Spikes got in the backfield and hit Weaver who looks to be just short of the sticks.  3rd and 1 from the 2, McCoy got the carry and plowed in for the score.

Eagles 27 – 49ers 13

The kickoff was very short and was muffed by Norris, but was able to fall on it and maintain possession.  1st and 10 from the 33, Smith rolled right and tried to hit Vernon Davis short, but the pass fell incomplete.  2nd and 10, Smith was hit as he threw and it was incomplete.  3rd and 10, Smith was sacked for a loss of 8. Lee hit a bomb of a punt and good coverage held Jackson in check.  The Eagles were called for a block in the back so that’ll back them up 10 yards.

1st and 10 from the 15, Willis shot into the backfield and stopped Weaver for a gain of about a half a yard.  2nd and 9, Spencer dove and tipped the pass, but it stayed up for Avant who made the grab and picked up the first down.  1st and 10 from the 29, McNabb hit Avant again as he found a hole in the zone for a gain of 19.  1st and 10 from the PHI 48, Spikes sniffed out the screen to McCoy and dropped him for a loos of 3.  2nd and 13, Jackson took the end around for a gain of 9.  3rd and 4, McNabb’s pass skipped low and the Eagles will have to punt.  The punt will roll to the 13 where the Eagle downed it.

1st and 10 from the 13, Smith hit Crabtree quick for a short loss.  2nd and 14, Smith hit Crabtree along the left sideline for a gain of 12.  3rd and 2, Smith floated it deep for Crabtree who was interfered with as he came back for the ball.  That’s a spot foul so the 49ers move out to the PHI 35.  1st and 10, Smith floated it for Hill, but the ball was tipped away at the last moment.  2nd and 10, Baas was called for a false start.  2nd and 15, Smith hit Davis over the middle on the cross for a gain of 9.  3rd and 6, Smith hit Morgan who made the grab at the chains and was then pushed back.  4th and 1, Smith called his own number and picked up the first down.

That’ll be it for me as I have to run down for postgame.  Stay tuned on Twitter.

The kickoff time for this Sunday’s San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles game at Lincoln Financial Field has been moved to 1:15 PM PT from 10:00 AM PT due to the threat of a major snowstorm in Philadelphia.

In anticipation of the storm and as a public safety concern, the change was made to accommodate fans and allow more time for city and stadium personnel to clear streets and walkways in and around the stadium.

The game will be televised on FOX as originally scheduled.

Two current players on the 49ers who were both former teammates of the late Chris Henry, made statements earlier today on his passing. Both Justin Smith and Ahmad Brooks were teammates of Henry with the Cincinnati Bengals.

“It’s sad. He was a talented guy. When I played with him he was a good guy, quiet in the locker room. He kept to himself for the most part. From everything that it sounded like, he was getting back on track and this happens. My feelings go out to him and his family.” – Justin Smith

“I was sad to hear. You hate to see somebody go. He was a good guy. We’ve all made bad decisions throughout our life, but he grew from it, he learned from it and he had a family, so I’m definitely sad to hear that happen. I knew him very well. I’m just sad to hear that and I’ll pray for him, I’ll pray for everybody.” – Ahmad Brooks

Pro Bowl balloting is open so make sure you go to nfl.com/probowl to send you favorite 49ers to South Florida.  For the first time since 1980, the Pro Bowl is being held somewhere other than Hawaii.

Several players are having great seasons such as Vernon Davis, Patrick Willis and Aubrayo Franklin, but don’t forget to vote for special teamers like Andy Lee and Michael Robinson.  You can vote as many times as you want, so make sure to vote often!  Here’s a look at what some of the 49ers standouts have done so far:

TE VERNON DAVIS - Davis is having a career-year, leading the team with 66 catches for 815 yards and 11 TDs. His 11 TD receptions rank 1st in the NFL among all pass catchers and are the most by a 49ers tight end in a single-season in franchise history. He ranks 1st among NFC TE’s in yards. and tied for 3rd in receptions.

-“There should be no excuse for him not making the Pro Bowl this year because he is definitely, in my eyes, far and beyond any tight end in the league,” – 49ers Head Coach Mike Singletary, 11/30/09.

LB PATRICK WILLIS - Willis leads the 49ers in tackles to go along with 4.0 sacks, 2 INTs (1 returned for TD), 3 FFs and 11 PDs. According to NFL stats, Willis ranks 2nd in the NFL in tackles (132).

P ANDY LEE - Lee leads the NFC and ranks 2nd in the NFL with a 41.5 net punting avg. and 47.8 gross punting avg.

LB MANNY LAWSON- Lawson ranks 4th in the NFC among LBs with 5.5 sacks, while his 3 FFs rank tied for 2nd in the NFC among LBs.

NT AUBRAYO FRANKLIN - Franklin leads the D-Line with in tackles and TFLs. He recorded a crucial INT against Chi. (11/12) and has a career high 2 sacks. Franklin has helped limit opponents to 3.7 yards per carry (3rd in NFL) and the 5th-fewest rushing yards per game (95.0).

RB FRANK GORE - Despite missing nearly 3 games due to an ankle injury, Gore has still managed to rush for835 yards and 7 TDs, while ranking tied for 2nd in the NFC in scoring among running backs (60 points).

After he picked up 167 yards on 25 carries including a 2-yard touchdown run on “Monday Night Football”, Frank Gore was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week and was also nominated as one of FedEx’s Ground Players of the Week for Week 14. You can vote for Gore by clicking right here!

Eagles head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Donovan McNabb called in to the 49ers media room today for their game week conference calls.  Both Reid and McNabb described the 49ers as a “dangerous” football team and stressed the importance of Sunday’s matchup to both clubs.

McNabb also said that the 49ers middle linebacker tandem of Takeo Spikes and Patrick Willis has the makings of a Hall of Fame combination.  He also spoke glowingly of his former teammate Michael Lewis who in his opinion, is a natural leader.

Reid reflected on the team’s decision to draft DeSean Jackson in 2008.  The coach said he didn’t have any reservations about Jackson after being well-informed by California head coach Jeff Tedford.

Take a listen to the entire conference calls of Reid and McNabb and be sure to check back each week as we’ll post the audio of the opposing coach and one key player.

There was no locker room talk the day after the 49ers 24-9 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, only podium talk.

Players normally have Tuesdays off, and that meant an empty locker room following Singletary’s day after the game press conference.

But the 49ers head coach had plenty of quality notes and quotes to share with the gathered Bay Area media, including praise for his pass rush and his offense’s performance against Arizona.

Singletary began his presser by announcing the injuries suffered against the Cardinals. Running back Michael Robinson suffered a shoulder stinger in the game and is listed as day-to-day. Rookie wide receiver Michael Crabtree suffered a hip contusion. Tackle Barry Sims will undergo an MRI after he complained of knee pain. Lastly, tackle Joe Staley remains day-to-day with a knee injury.

Staley worked out on Sunday, but Singletary said it was a “good idea to give him a little rest time.” Staley remains a day-to-day situation.

Singletary revealed that a point of the 49ers defensive game plan versus Arizona was to get Kurt Warner to move in the pocket. After sacking Warner four times, Singletary said the reason was due to the get-offs of the 49ers defensive line.

In particular, Singletary highlighted the performance of outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks who had a career-high 3.0 sacks and two forced fumbles against Warner.

“It was nice to see Ahmad step into his own on a national stage,” Singletary said. “All the guys really got after the quarterback and made him move.”

Asked if Brooks could push for playing time as a starter at the outside linebacker position, Singletary responded, “Don’t know. That’s a next offseason question.”

Offensively, Singletary pointed to the balance established by the 49ers offense. Alex Smith threw two touchdown passes and Frank Gore rushed 25 times for 167 yards, including a 2-yard touchdown run.

“I was happy to see our offense strike a balance,” Singletary said. “For the first time, we struck a nice balance with the run and the pass.”

Singletary was even happier to see a big smile on the face of his star running back.

“I thought Frank did a nice job running the ball. It was nice to see him smiling last night after the game.”

It was a perfect 50-50 split, with the 49ers running 36 times out of their 72 offensive snaps.

The only downside to the offense’s performance was two interceptions thrown by Smith. However, the first was not placed on Smith’s shoulders. Singletary credited Cardinals defensive end Darnell Dockett with making a great play at the line to tip the ball up in the air to himself. Smith’s second interception could be chalked up to “miscommunication,” Singletary said.

Smith thought tight end Delanie Walker would cut across the face of Cardinals strong safety Adrian Wilson, but instead ran up the field.

The 49ers hope to have those issues ironed out before they travel out to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles in an important mid-December meeting this Sunday. The 49ers need help in order to pass the Cardinals in the division race, but also remain alive in the Wild Card race too.

Knowing that, the 49ers will give their best performance against the Eagles and let everything else play out.

“All I know is if we win out we have a chance. It’s a small chance, but we have a chance,” Singletary said. “I don’t really care about the other stuff, the tiebreakers. I don’t get into that. Let’s just see what happens.”