More importantly, the 49ers dominant defenders want nothing more than to win the ultimate prize together.

The tight-knit relationship of San Francisco’s play-making linebackers came into greater focus in our latest Gameday magazine cover story. The cover, designed by team graphic designer Ben Mayberry, depicts the bond between two of the NFL’s most versatile defenders.

In true fashion, both primetime players brought their best effort in the 49ers 45-31 Divisional Playoff win over the Green Bay Packers. The tandem combined to make 12 tackles with Willis leading the team with seven tackles and a crucial sack on Aaron Rodgers. It stood as San Francisco’s only sack of the game and forced a Packers punt to start the second half.

Get to know more about the tight bond between the two linebackers and their all-out approach to this year’s postseason in our latest Gameday feature.

We Live for This

The only thing better than competing for a Super Bowl is doing it next to someone you truly respect. Good thing Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman have formed a common bond on the San Francisco 49ers defense as the franchise embarks on the postseason.

By Taylor Price, 49ers.com

They want it bad. They want it more than you. And more importantly, they’ll do just about anything in their power to get it done. Make no mistake; Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman are on a mission. The Pro Bowl tandem of inside linebackers for the San Francisco 49ers are on a quest to win the sixth Super Bowl title for the proud franchise. The journey starts Saturday night against the Green Bay Packers, the NFC North Champions, who the 49ers defeated 30-22 to open up the 2012 regular season. It’s also a welcomed challenge for San Francisco’s stout defense, especially for the linebackers who love the game, but more importantly, appreciate each other’s consistent efforts. “It’s like your brothers from another mother,” says Willis of playing alongside Bowman, San Francisco’s other elite play-maker at the middle linebacker position. “It’s something I don’t take for granted at all.”

San Francisco is undoubtedly at the forefront of the National Football League’s first-class defensive play thanks to Willis and Bowman. But individually, the standout defenders will let you know just how important the other All-Pro performer on the 49ers defense is to their success. Make no mistake, both are great players, but when together, it’s a whole different beast. The linebackers are dynamic. They’re electric. They inspire. They hit. They run. They lead. They play the game the right way. And they do it together.

Why? Because they live for it. They’ve trained for it. They’ve set their sights on the prize, the Vince Lombardi Trophy, the prize that only one team gets to proudly hold at the end of a year-long grind. To get there, these two have battled. They worked. They hustled. They competed. And now, they’ve entered the ultimate competitive arena together standing three games away from calling themselves “Champions.” It’s not an easy task, but it’s a competitive challenge they take on willingly. And best of all, they will do it together. It’s go-time now for Willis and Bowman. It’s time for the linebackers to set out to become the best on the planet and add a new chapter to the proud history of 49ers postseason football.

TOWN & COUNTRY

For a linebacker tandem raised in completely different upbringings, Willis and Bowman are actually much alike. Sure, they share similar interests, but the Pro Bowl tandem separates themselves from their unique backgrounds with personal taste. Willis is from the South – Bruceton, Tenn., to be exact. Bowman, on the other hand, hails from the North – Forestville, Md. Willis stands out to Bowman for many reasons, but mostly with his southern accent, passion for bass fishing and southern food. However, there is one clear-cut difference in the mind of Bowman, the third-year pro. “It’s probably from the stuff he wears,” says Bowman, the linebacker who recently signed a five-year contract extension through 2018. “Pat’s a little more conservative, but when you hang around young guys you get used to what’s hot at the time…” A smile flashes on Bowman’s face as he indirectly refers to himself and his flashier attire.

Meanwhile, Willis recognizes the differences in their backgrounds, but also finds appreciation for how it similarly shaped their hunger for success. “It’s funny,” Willis says, “I listen to him talk about his story and I’m like, ‘Man! I’m glad I grew up where I grew up at.’ And he’ll say the same thing, ‘I’m glad I grew up where I grew up at!’ We come from similar paths, but he’s city and I’m country. It’s crazy how some of the things we went through were so much alike.”

Both men dealt with personal hardships way before they met at the 49ers training facility in the 2010 offseason. At the age of 16, Willis and his siblings were separated from their biological father and moved into their guardian’s house. As a senior in high school, Willis dealt with the unthinkable, the loss of his older brother Detris, who drowned in a swimming hole when he was 17. Bowman, too, suffered unimaginable tragedies before making it to the NFL. Two of the most influential people in his life, his father and high school football coach, both passed away before he was drafted in the third-round of the 2010 NFL Draft.

The parallels between the two players extend way beyond the game where both are considered by coach Jim Harbaugh to be “five-tool” linebackers, capable of making any play on the field. They might hit the same when a running back tries to turn the corner in the open field. They might blitz identically through the A-gap to disrupt the quick-timing throws of an opposing quarterback. And when it comes to hometown pride, the inside linebackers believe their upbringing and personal experiences equally shaped their motivation to become the best at their chosen craft.

“It just goes to show, it doesn’t matter where you come from,” says Willis, one of 17 players in NFL history to make six consecutive Pro Bowls to start his career. “When you truly have someone that has the same mindset as you, same goals as you, it’s really a blessing. It’s really something special.”

TRULY GENUINE

It’s not fake. Nope. Not in the slightest bit. Willis and Bowman are close friends, legitimately.  So much so, Bowman asked his teammate to be the godfather to his recently born twins at the end of training camp. Willis, 27, is three years Bowman’s senior. Yet, the two feel similar in spirit. “When I first met him it was reassuring,” says Bowman, who immediately found his teammate to be a lot alike in mindset at a young age. “With me, coming from where I come from, trying to be different, trying to be a leader, when I met him, I saw similar things in him. I saw he was doing the same thing and that I was doing the right thing.”

Through Willis, Bowman saw an identical path to his proffered destination. In Willis, Bowman recognized a leader, but also someone he could relate to. “For me to come here and see him doing the things I saw myself doing,” says Bowman, “it showed me the way to do it at this level.” What’s more, Bowman found Willis’ humble approach to not only be refreshing, but inspiring.

“He’s the type who always wants to learn something, never thinks that he knows it all,” says Bowman, San Francisco’s leading tackler of the past two regular seasons. “He realizes what he has and wouldn’t ruin it or change who he is for the world. I know every time I come in here he’s going to be the same person and that’s great for him to be the godfather of my children.” Willis considered the gesture to be involved in the lives of Bowman’s children as a blessing. “It speaks highly and says a lot,” Willis says. “I’m truly thankful I can be a guy like that (for his family).”

To them, the friendship and brotherhood is real. It also means being on Gameday’s Divisional Playoff cover even more special because they’re on it together. “It’s a blessing. It really is. It’s probably cliché, people will say, ‘That’s what you’re supposed to say,’ but it really is,” says Willis, who finished second on the team with 171 tackles, 12 stops behind Bowman’s 183 tackles. “When it’s truly genuine like it is with him and me, it’s a blessing to be playing with a guy like that, to be on a cover like that, really, to do anything.”

Even chasing after opposing quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers is appreciated by the tandem, even if they don’t have nicknames for each other.  “Whenever I called my brother or cousin by name it was like, ‘Hey!’” says Willis, raising his quiet voice several decibels. “You never really said the name, so I don’t really have a nickname for (Bowman), but I know he’s an incredible player and he’s only going to continue to get better. I know we’re going to continue to get better and strive to get better every time we get the opportunity to play together.”

“YOU & ME”

It’s third down. The 49ers defense needs to make a play – tackle the ball carrier short of the first-down marker and make the other team punt. Enter the All-Star linebacker duo. The defensive play call is in. Willis makes the call and the defensive huddle breaks out. Next, Willis looks at Bowman, extends his fist and says, “You and me.” Bowman reaches out with his fist towards Willis, taps it on his fellow linebacker’s out-reached knuckles and responds, “You and me.”

The third-down play is a screen. It goes Willis’ way just as he correctly predicted to Bowman. Willis makes the tackle short of the first-down. The opponent punts. That’s when the linebackers truly amaze each other. It’s when their mental side of the game sparks the physical play. “When we know a play is coming,” Bowman details of Willis’ situational instincts. “He’ll say, ‘Bo I’m going to get it.’ And I’ll say, ‘Alright, I got your back.’”

So when it came time to making the key third-down tackle against the New England Patriots like Willis did in a key Week 15 road victory – the tandem relied on its preparation. “We knew the screen was coming,” Bowman says. “They ran it to Pat’s side and he just did a great job of beating the block and making a play on the screen. He tackled the running back for loss and it was a great play – something a linebacker lives for.”

The symbolic scene spoke to the linebackers’ tight relationship translating to big-time plays. Above all, it took place in the team’s much-needed wins and the 11-4-1 record that led to consecutive NFC West titles and NFC No. 2 seeds. The “you and me” dialogue also further emphasized their leadership on the defense. On any given play, Willis and or Bowman, expect to be in on the tackle.

“Our defense is our defense,” Willis says. “It’s all of us together. It’s not his defense. It’s not my defense. It’s all of our defense. But we also know that we are that centerpiece amongst the rest of the defense in the sense that we’re in the middle. It’s up to us. We control that middle. We control everything that’s happening from the inside and out. That’s not saying we’re doing other people’s jobs, it starts with ourselves first – making sure we hold each other accountable at a high level.”

Even better than being accountable is being versatile. The linebacker tandem prides itself on being able to do anything the other can do on the field. It also gives defensive coordinator Vic Fangio more options in play-calling and schemes. “It’s us being able to stay in one place being able to do a lot of the same things,” Bowman says. “Coaches might say, ‘This position does this and that position does this,’ but the word linebacker, no matter who has the position, we can say, ‘Me or you’ and kind of stay in the same place. It also allows us to disguise a lot of things and share the blitzes a little bit.” Bowman laughs again, cracking himself up with the shared-blitz comment. “It’s not having the same person blitzing all the time. It just works out for us.”

So do the 49ers inside linebackers expect to make every single tackle? Even on a defense with four other Pro Bowl starters? “Oh yeah, definitely,” Bowman says without hesitation. “I feel like we’re the heart of the defense. If it’s between the whistle and between those white lines, Pat and I can definitely make the play. As you see, we’re the two leading tacklers on our defense. We make the most calls, we keep everyone straight and we’re the generals on the defense. I think that’s what you have to be.”

LEGACY QUEST

Contract extensions are nice. So are Pro Bowls and first-team All-Pro selections. Willis and Bowman already have all that though. What eludes them, however, is a Super Bowl ring. That alone unites the linebackers toward the ultimate goal in professional football. “Everyone watches the Super Bowl,” Bowman reasons. “Everyone knows about the Super Bowl. Even if you’re not a football fan, you want to tune in to the Super Bowl.”

Bowman doesn’t want to watch it from the cushy confines of his own residence. He wants to get back to New Orleans (where the 49ers won on the road in Week 12) to be in the Big Game (Super Bowl XLVII) and of course, be victorious. “To win it, would just mean you’ve accomplished something everyone in the world is watching,” says Bowman on the task at hand, winning the sixth Super Bowl in San Francisco’s proud history. “It’s something everyone who ever put on a helmet wanted to be a part of. It means so much and it goes way back in history with a lot of guys who came through this game and never even got a chance to play in a Super Bowl. It’s a special thing.”

To Bowman, it matters even more knowing the city and organization he’s representing. “To be a 49er – to add another trophy to the trophy case – knowing you can come back and say I had a job to do and helped them get that trophy – it would mean a lot,” says Bowman. “It would feel like you did what you were put on this earth to do. It’s just a great thing. We’re on the right track. I feel like we can do it.”

Having Willis next to you certainly fuels that confidence, but it’s not like the tandem takes its status too seriously. Their humble approach to the game has only helped them reach their level of play. It also makes them appreciate how they’ve carved out a defensive reputation for a 49ers franchise, known for its offensive supremacy.

“We don’t sit around and talk about if we’re better than the old-school (49ers) or if they’re better than us,” Willis says. “We talk about the things that are happening now, what we can control now. We know we can be our own team, but can also respect the ones who came before us. We also know we have a chance to be some of those guys later down the road that other guys talk about when they play after us.”

Wills and Bowman live for the opportunity they’ve created along with 51 other teammates on the active roster. “It’s truly a blessing, the opportunity we have in front of us: just the opportunity to go out each day and compete and be a part of this 49ers organization,” Willis says. “To me, it’s been a blessing since day one. I just want to make the most of it. I know at some point in time… I’ll hang up these cleats. But right now, I still want to make the best of it. I’m still playing, still having fun, enjoying life and enjoying teammates. And this winning thing, it’s kind of fun.”

When it comes to the San Francisco 49ers safety tandem of Donte Whitner and Dashon Goldson, both are very like-minded when it comes to playing the game of football.

The duo resembles one another in the fact that both are extremely passionate, hard-nosed, intelligent players who play the game the right away. They also deliver some of the most jarring open-field hits in the National Football League.

The hard-hitting safeties were the subject of our latest 49ers Gameday Magazine cover story, a Holiday-inspired shoot photographed by team photographer Terrell Lloyd and designed by team graphic designer Ben Mayberry. A poster version of the cover is also available just in time for stocking-stuffers.

Find out how much fun the 49ers safety tandem has playing beside one another and the respect they have for playing physical football the right way.

WHITNER & GOLDSON LUMBER CO.
A physical brand of football sets San Francisco’s safeties apart from the rest.
By Taylor Price, 49ers.com

WHOOOOOOOOOOO!

You know the sound. You remember it well. It’s the reverberation of a sold-out stadium going ballistic over an open-field hit. It’s a familiar sound, too, one where the 49ers Faithful instantaneously reacts to a moment of physical eruption. It’s also the sound routinely made after Donte Whitner and Dashon Goldson deliver a textbook tackle that brings you out of your seat and that reaction from out of your gut. It’s only natural to react that way. It’s the phenomenon known as a “Whoo-lick,” the reaction to a crushing tackle once coined by Hall of Fame safety Ronnie Lott.

This year’s safety tandem is a lot like the feared 49ers defensive back whose menacing stare made him one of the game’s all-time fiercest combatants. Whether they realize it or not, Whitner and Goldson have carved out a unique style of football, vicious, yet, righteous. Never will they go out of character to make a dangerous tackle. The duo plays the game the right way, setting an example for young players on how to play tough, smart, hard-nosed football. It’s also something they take immense satisfaction in doing every time they step on the field.

“Dashon and I take pride in being physical safeties,” says Whitner, a seventh-year pro who ranks fourth on the team with 90 tackles. “We understand how to do it. You have to hit with your eyes up at all times. A lot of guys go in there and they close their eyes, cringe and drop their head, but we don’t do that. We keep our head up, our eyes up and we wrap up. But we also play physical and we bring it when we hit.”

They sure do. Just ask many of their NFC contemporaries who have coughed up the football when Whitner and Goldson apply force in between the hashmarks. The key to it all, according to Goldson, is playing the game fundamentally sound with intelligence and toughness.  “I think I was coached a certain way growing up, how to do things properly,” says the 2011 Pro Bowl safety, who leads the team with three interceptions to go with 82 tackles, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. “I was always a fundamentally-sound kind of guy. I was coached well growing up in that aspect, but the rest of it is want-to. I really just look at it like that – it’s want-to. Some guys talk about tackling doing this, but when they get in that position, that situation, there’s no turning back. Some guys turn it down or duck their heads. It’s just want-to; you want to get it done.”

It truly makes a difference when you look at the 49ers rankings against the pass in its second full season under coordinator Vic Fangio. The unit currently ranks No. 2 in the league, allowing 189 yards per game while holding opposing quarterbacks to a paltry 77.2 quarterback rating. Fangio recently noted that opposing players should be alarmed when looking to attack the deep middle of the 49ers defense. “If they watch enough film,” Fangio said, “they’ll see that there are some landmines in there that they might step on.”

No guts, no glory. That’s how Goldson explains it. Relentless football at its finest is his calling card. It’s impressive, too. So much so, the 49ers six-year veteran drafted by the club in the fourth round of the 2007 NFL Draft, says he fields texts from former safeties congratulating him for his recent accomplishments with the 49ers. “I’m getting calls from vets, no longer in the game, like, ‘I really respect what you’re doing out there – you’re a heck of a player,’” says Goldson. “Stuff like that is real cool.”

Whitner certainly respects it. In fact, the hard-hitting safety says Goldson is the best player he’s played beside in his football career. “He’s free-spirited,” says Whitner, “He comes to work and has fun playing the game. You can see it when he’s out there.  It’s a pleasure to play with him, he’s someone that you know is going to be ready game in and game out, practice in and practice out.”

The respect is more than mutual. Both gifted players share the same passion for the game. Whitner says it’s his No. 1 hobby and the same can be said for Goldson. Both safeties love the game pure and simple. “He’s a real student of the game,” Goldson says of Whitner. “He’s really into his study habits and making the game easy, especially in practice and it shows. You look at his notepad and it’s full. He’s studying film on his way to the stadium and when we’re in the locker room, before we even get on the field.”

Goldson shares a similar passion for film review, but also considers himself to be more an instinctual player. Both methods have led to the 49ers producing consistent performances on Sunday. Through 13 weeks of the NFL season, San Francisco has played five games without allowing a touchdown. Much of that success is a credit to the players thriving in Fangio’s detailed vision for the defense.

“His system is now our system,” says Goldson, who has nine interceptions in 28 games playing for Fangio. “As the safeties, we have to get guys lined up, we have to make calls. We play a big part in it, just like everyone on our defense. I think with it being our second year in it, we’re real comfortable. It allows us to play fast because we know what we’re doing.”

So while the 49ers safeties continue to thrive the longer they play together in Fangio’s system, it’s only natural that their style of play be acknowledged for its contributions to the team’s recent success. It also serves to be a teaching ground for young football players who aspire to be in Whitner and Goldson’s shoes one day.

“If I had to say anything to the young kids out there that watch me and Dashon and watch our defense, the first thing is to be safety-conscious,” says Whitner. “We want the kids to know you have to play the game safe. I’m saying be smart, keep your head up, keep your eyes up. You never want to compromise your neck or your spine or anything like that.”

Being the modern day Ronnie Lotts for the 49ers Faithful isn’t really a problem to the tandem, even if Goldson is quick to downplay similarities to the legendary safety. “I know a lot of guys try to compare to me but there’s no way I can compare to him,” says Goldson. “I’m just trying to make a path for myself and do what I’ve got to do. What he did here was awesome. What I’m trying to do here is win football games and get to his status.”

There’s no question the 49ers safeties are some of the most passionate football players you will find in the locker room, or in any city for that matter. It’s infectious and translates on Sundays. Whitner can’t fake it. He loves the game.

“Grinding for one common goal,” he says, “that’s where my passion comes from.”

And from hearing that “WHOOOOOOOOOOO!” on Sundays.

The San Francisco 49ers have one of, if not the, best rush defenses in the NFL. Filled with multiple All-Pro and Pro Bowl players, it’s hard for all 11 deserving players to get recognition.

One of the most unheralded defenders is defensive tackle Ray McDonald, a hard-working lineman who’s earned the respect of his teammates and coaches with his consistent approach.

McDonald continues to be at the forefront of San Francisco’s tough defense and maintains his role as one of the locker room’s favorite players. This week’s Gameday Magazine cover story touched on McDonald’s respect amongst his peers in their words only.

The cover imagery of McDonald running out of the cover was shot by team photographer Terrell Lloyd and designed by team graphic designer Ben Mayberry.

Find out why everyone loves Ray McDonald.

Everyone Loves Ray
[Just not the opposition.]

By Taylor Price, 49ers.com

This isn’t a story for stats or analysis – it’s a collection of real-life words about a dominant San Francisco 49ers defender. The anecdotes, descriptions and opinions come directly from the people who know Ray McDonald best, his teammates and coaches. That’s it. Pure and simple.

San Francisco’s 6-foot-3, 290-pound defensive tackle continues to endear himself to those who know him well. McDonald does it all while distancing himself from those who have the unenviable assignment of blocking one of the strongest players in the National Football League. McDonald’s come a long way when you consider that the 49ers third-round pick in the 2007 NFL Draft entered the league with health questions. But what many viewed as a concern, McDonald has used as fuel. The defensive tackle has missed two games in five seasons; all while becoming one of the most underrated players in the game today.

The people who spend the most time with McDonald know that and so do the people who break down his game tape. That’s why they wrote this story. In it, teammates and the San Francisco defender himself, discuss everything on McDonald’s rise from a National Championship experience at the University of Florida, to him overcoming major knee injuries (both in college and his rookie season), to evaluating his exceptional game tape, to mastering the no-sack dance, to his diverse musical interests and lastly, a breakdown on the mutual respect that’s prevalent in the 49ers locker room.

Everyone loves Ray (McDonald). Here are the reasons why, from the people who know him best.

“Everyone Loves Ray”

STARRING:
RM: 49ers Defensive Tackle – Ray McDonald.

CO-STARRING:
VF: Defensive Coordinator – Vic Fangio.
JT: Defensive Line Coach – Jim Tomsula.
JS: All-Pro Defensive Tackle – Justin Smith.
DG: Pro Bowl Safety & 2007Draft Class Member – Dashon Goldson.
TB: Starting Cornerback & 2007 Draft Class Member –Tarell Brown.
PH: Outside Linebacker & Six-Year Teammate –Parys Haralson.
RJF: Defensive Tackle & Understudy – Ricky Jean Francois.

SCENE 1 – MOVING UP THE RANKS.

“I don’t want to take anything for granted when it comes to this game. Before my injuries, I loved football, but I didn’t appreciate it as much as I should have. When I had that (season-ending) injury my rookie season, it opened my eyes like, ‘Hey, this game can be taken away from you at any point or time.’ Every day I wake up, I’m thankful to God and I appreciate the opportunity I’ve been given. I don’t take anything for granted so I give it 110-percent each day.” –RM

“I remember him still driving the same car that he’s had for many years. He’s very low-key, really not flashy or flamboyant. What you see is what you get.” –TB

“He’s the type of guy who makes sure you don’t feel sorry about the draft. He’ll tell you it’s just another way to get into the league – ‘You got drafted; it’s over with, now you have to show the teams what you’re about.’ That’s one thing he showed me – don’t put a third-round tag over his head. Don’t look at him like a third-rounder. Look at him as a starter on a great defense. He basically can do everything for us and he teaches us at the same time. He shows us a lot on the field.” –RJF

“Ray McDonald has been given nothing and Ray McDonald has had to overcome big things. And he has. The one thing I’ll tell you with Ray, the head’s never down, the attitude is never bad. He fights through everything and keeps pressing on. You see his work ethic – everybody here sees it. It’s constant. It never stops. The physical aspects of it – the mental aspects of it – the training room aspects of it. He’s unbelievable in his approach, but that’s just who Ray is. It’s his makeup.” –JT

“It’s been a long road for me. Those knee surgeries really made me appreciate the game. I enjoy every Sunday, every snap.” –RM

SCENE 2 – GAME TAPE.

“We want to be perfect. We know we haven’t been perfect, that’s why we go in there and watch film every day.” –RM

“The thing that stands out to be about Ray is the quality of his play. He’s one of the best interior linemen in the NFL. He does a great job of playing the run and rushing the passer. We wouldn’t want anyone else doing that job for us.” –VF

“He’s a very important piece to our defense, our front line. Ray’s one of those guys that doesn’t get a lot of credit for what he does because a lot of people don’t understand our scheme of defense and the work he puts in to keep those offensive linemen off our linebackers. They don’t know about all the double teams he has to take on. We see it on film, he’s taking on double-teams and still making tackles behind the line of scrimmage. He’s still getting sacks, making tips, stuff like that. He’s a very important part of our defense and we’re glad to have him here.” –DG

“He does a lot for the team – he sets the tempo. He’s a straight-forward guy – he gets straight to the point. He’s not going to give you a story. He’s probably one of the strongest guys on the team and can teach a lot of the young guys more things than what we see on the actual film.” –RJF

“He does the job that doesn’t get glory, but he does it well. Go and ask Pat (Willis), (NaVorro) Bow (Man), you can ask anybody, they all know he’s helping the linebackers by taking on double-teams so they can run free. That’s what he does and he does it really well. He’s powerful. He’s strong. And he understands the game. He understands what teams do to him from his preparation during the week. That’s why he’s able to do everything so well.” –PH

“He’s a hard-working guy. All of us as D-linemen, we’re always competing against each other and trying to keep up with one another. Ray is definitely one of those guys that sets the tempo. He’s one of the strongest guys on our team and in the NFL. So you always want to keep up with him.” – JS

SCENE 3 – ULTIMATE TEAMMATE.

“The thing about Ray is a lot of people see what they see on Sundays, but in all actuality, he’s quiet. On Sundays, he’s not quiet. But the thing about him is he goes about his business as far as learning and game preparation. When it comes to that he’s about as serious as anyone I’ve ever known.” –PH

“He’s all about making plays and helping the team win. He went through that in college, won a National Championship and it’s something he is used to. Talking to him, it’s something he expects. In the past he’s said, ‘I’ve never dealt with a losing team or season or situation.’ Just the way he handles it, he expects to win and doesn’t celebrate when it happens.” –JS

“I’m real thankful. In my career I’ve been surrounded by guys who were older and were willing to teach me tidbits the game has. Justin, he’s been doing it since he’s been here. You don’t have to, but he’s been like the angel on my shoulder I guess for the past four years. And Jimmy’s (Tomsula) on my other shoulder. Jimmy’s a great guy, I love Jimmy. When he called me on draft day and told me he was going to bring me in, I already knew what I was in store for. I knew what kind of guy he was when I met him at the combine and he’s the same guy every day. He’s a good guy, who will always give it to you straight. He’s a hard worker. You want to be around guys like that.” –RM

“Quiet. Low-key. Dominant force on the field. If you ever met him or had the opportunity to meet him, you’d never think he was as explosive or as dominant as he is, he’s not very vocal. He doesn’t say too much, but he has that little look that he’s ready to work every day.” –TB

SCENE 4 – NO SACK DANCE NECESSARY.

“He’s extremely quiet until you get him going on something. But yeah, he’s extremely comfortable with silence which I find odd, but whatever.” –JS

“I don’t really have a sack dance – I don’t. I feel like celebrations are made for after the game. If you celebrate by yourself, you’re kind of glorifying yourself and I’m not really with that. I’d rather celebrate with my teammates and come up with some kind of dance with them than try to glorify myself – I’d rather wait until after the game to celebrate.” –RM

“I told him he doesn’t have rhythm. Ray can get up and walk back to the huddle looking real hard, but him having a sack dance? No. Ray has no rhythm. I can say that hands-down.” –RJF

“You always have respect for those type of guys because they’re blue-collar guys. They come in every day and just work. They don’t want recognition; they just want to do their jobs and be solid and just keep being a force on the field. You always praise those guys when you get an opportunity because they’re not going to do it themselves.” –TB

SCENE 5 – FRANK SINATRA.

“I could say I’m pretty plain, but I’m open to things. I listen to different music.” –RM.

“What do I know about Ray? I know he listens to Frank Sinatra.” –PH

“I’d say I became a fan about three years ago. This older dude I used to hang out with showed it to me. I had heard of Frank Sinatra before, but he played a few songs and I took a liking to it.” –RM

“Ray shocked me, he was playing music one day and he played Frank Sinatra. He shocked me. When he had that playing, that opened my eyes about Ray. I thought he was not the type of guy to play music like that, but he shocked me when he played that music.” –RJF

“’Fly me to the moon,’ – I like that one. There’s another one (I like)… I listen to it before the game. ‘Come fly with me,’ – I like that. ‘I’ve got you under my skin.’ – that’s a good one, too.” – RM

“Ray kind of reminds you of ‘Old Blue Eyes.’ That’s Ray – he’s a cool cat… Nothing surprises me about Ray. He’s really a unique guy, an awesome guy. But yeah, I could see that, I knew there was something I really dug about Ray.” –JT

SCENE 6 – EVERYONE LOVES RAY.

“I’d agree with that. Everybody likes him as a teammate and you’ve got to respect the way he plays and competes.” –JS

“Very true, hands-down. He’s one of the favorites in this locker room, favorites on this team and definitely a leader in my eyes.” –TB

“Absolutely. You know everybody loves Ray… sometimes.” –PH

“Everybody loves Ray-Ray! Of course everybody appreciates Ray. He’s a hard-worker, one of the strongest dudes on our team. He works hard every day and it shows on Sundays.” –DG

“Everybody loves Ray? Yeah, everybody loves Ray – I love Ray. Yeah, I believe it.” –JT

“They do because he’s a team-player. He’s a great player and when you’re a team player and a great player, what’s not to like?” –VF

“I think you receive what you give. I know I’m a good guy to people. In return, they want to be a good guy back to me – that’s what that means to me. Everybody loves Ray because they know what type of person they’re getting. I’m not going to talk behind anybody’s back. I’m going to come in, work hard and treat everyone with respect. I think that’s why everybody is cool with me. They give me what I give them and that’s respect.” –RM

Our latest Gameday cover story examined the remarkable career of the 23^rd inductee into the Edward J. DeBartolo Sr., San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame, Gordy Soltau.

The three-time All-Pro and Pro Bowl player was instrumental in the franchise’s success in the 1950s. For the story we spoke to the versatile 49ers player as well as his son, Mark Soltau, for insight on the proud career Gordy Soltau enjoyed with the 49ers.

The vintage cover layout designed by team graphic designer Ben Mayberry provides a glimpse into the joyful energy Soltau provided to the 49ers locker room. Get to know the latest 49ers Hall of Famer in our latest Gameday cover story.

Original Throwback.
49ers Hall of Fame 2012 inductee Gordy Soltau was ahead of his time.
By Taylor Price, 49ers.com

Jim Harbaugh’s San Francisco 49ers of 2012 resemble some of the franchise’s earliest teams. That’s because the 49ers utilize some players in different roles for multiple phases of the game, much like San Francisco’s teams of the 1950s.

Enter pass-catching end and kicker Gordy Soltau, the 23rd inductee into the team’s Edward J. DeBartolo Sr., San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame. Soltau was one of the best wideouts in team history, a player who not only caught touchdown passes, but also converted the team’s extra points. The all-time great led the team in scoring in eight of his nine seasons (1950-58) and was named All-Pro and a Pro Bowler in the 1951, ’52 and ’53 seasons. A fitting representative of what the San Francisco 49ers embody on and off the field as a team and as an organization, Soltau will join several former teammates on the franchise’s ultimate dream team.

“I was very excited, and thrilled and surprised,” Soltau said of receiving the big induction news this past August. “It is something you don’t think about too much. If it happens you are very thankful for it.”

Soltau’s versatility made him one of the team’s most dependable players in the 1950s. The San Francisco legend understood that kicking was a great way to help the team, even if his background was more as a wide receiver. Soltau sees that same selfless behavior with this year’s 49ers team, a group that features several two-way players.

“I think if you have the players that have the talent to do that you are way ahead of the game because you get a better athlete,” Soltau said when asked about Harbaugh’s belief in moving players to play multiple positions. “You get some results that are beneficial for the whole team. It helps the coaching because it makes the coach look good.”

Soltau made all his coaches look good. A player, who once scored 26 points in a game against the Los Angeles Rams, led the NFL in scoring in both the ’52 and ’53 seasons. When Soltau retired in 1958, he walked away with the franchise’s all-time scoring lead with 644 points. Furthermore, Soltau excelled on the perimeter, catching 249 passes for 3,487 yards and 25 touchdowns. In the kicking game, Soltau converted 70 of 139 field goals for 303 points. The two-way player was always there for his teammates, too. In nine seasons, he missed just two games.

Such contributions to the 49ers are even respected by the players of today. The team’s current All-Pro kicker, David Akers, respects Soltatu’s team-first contributions not just to San Francisco’s franchise, but to the game as a whole.

“That’s even the Niner motto of now – ‘The Team, The Team, The Team,’” Akers said. “Back in the beginning of the NFL and how guys played, you had a lot of guys who would go offense and defense and specialize in kicking and punting as well. George Blanda, Sammy Baugh and those guys. The more you could do to be a part of a team, the better asset you can be to a team and that’s still true to this day… My hat goes off to those pioneers. For guys to be able to do that today is few and far in between. The NFL is very specialized, but the forefathers of the NFL really set it up nice to show what it meant to be the ultimate team player.”

Many 49ers Faithful will remember Soltau’s efforts at Kezar Stadium. Soltau’s son, Mark, was 4-years old when his father finished his career as a standout player. However, Mark Soltau’s fondest memory of his father’s playing career was the one time he was allowed to tag along on the team’s Kezar sideline.

“I proceeded to run out on the field and stop the game – that didn’t go too well,” recalled Mark Soltau, who spoke at his father’s 49ers Hall of Fame enshrinement dinner. “We think it’s a very well-deserved honor and we couldn’t be happier for him.”

The Soltau family was certainly thrilled to learn of Gordy’s inclusion into the team’s proud Hall of Fame. “He’s been a life-long 49er, both on the field and off,” Mark Soltau continued. “He’s done endless hours of community service to support the team and foundation.”

In addition to being a dominant force on the field, Gordy Soltau served as the first player representative in 49ers history. Soltau looked out for his teammates’ best interest and made sure those with money issues would be helped out by the league. Although the NFL didn’t create its pension until after Soltau retired in 1958, he still continued to help alumni in any way possible.

“He’s extremely conscientious,” Mark Soltau said of his father. “He was the first team player rep and the irony was that he fought really hard for player’s who needed help and had injuries or were homeless. He pioneered that and nothing happened until the year after he retired, so he didn’t get a pension for something he worked so hard for. It’s ironic how it worked out, but he was a leader, one of the leaders of that team. He paved the way to help a lot of his teammates and a lot of players. I’m really proud of him for that.”

Soltau became the first President of the NFL Alumni Association’s San Francisco’s chapter. He also served as a 49ers broadcaster in the 1960s and was later enshrined in the Bay Area’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1999.

Mark Soltau recalled driving to the games with his father, testing him on the players he’d be talking about in various broadcasts. Mark would also spend time on the field before game playing catch with the players and then soaking up the pre and postgame atmosphere in the 49ers locker room. The moments were special to both father and son.

“At the time, you think, ‘this is pretty neat, but not that big of a deal,’” Mark Soltau explained. “As I got older, I appreciated how lucky I was.”

Mark Soltau appreciated seeing his father’s dedication to the game. He also enjoyed being around the family members of star 49ers players who have since gone on to reach the team’s Hall of Fame, a place where Gordy will now call home.

“The excitement of growing up with families of the other players was great,” Mark Soltau said. “We got to know an awful lot of interesting people, guys like Y.A. Tittle, Frankie Albert, Matt Hazeltine, and John Brodie. It was pretty exciting for a young kid.”

The Soltaus’ excitement for the 49ers remains as high as ever these days. Gordy doesn’t attend every 49ers game like he did in years past, but he’ll be in attendance for the team’s Week 6 contest against the New York Giants when he’ll be presented to the fans as the latest inductee into the team’s Hall of Fame. It’ll take place at halftime of a major NFC matchup.

Gordy Soltau looks forward to the game as he still follows the team closely. At 87, Soltau takes extreme pride in seeing how his 49ers perform each week.

“There’s no question,” Mark Soltau said when asked if his father keeps up with the current team. “Up until last year, he went to every home game, had season tickets. Sometimes he’d even go by himself when my mom didn’t feel up to going. He’s a die-hard 49er and always will be… I would still give Gordy a taping up on Sundays just in case he gets a call from Jim Harbaugh. If called upon he’d report to the bench in a moment’s notice.”

That, in essence, is why Gordy Soltau is the 23rd member of one of the most elite groups in professional sports, the 49ers Hall of Fame.

“Gordy Soltau epitomizes the qualifications we strive for when selecting inductees for the 49ers Hall of Fame,” 49ers Chief Executive Officer Jed York said. “His contributions to the 49ers organization and the National Football League are well documented…Gordy’s commitment to the Bay Area community over the last 50 years is unmatched, particularly his effort with local youth.”

Soltau’s football life began on the dirt lots of Duluth, Minn., continued to the University of Minnesota and concluded in Kezar’s sunshine-filled stadium. A third-round draft pick in the 1950 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers, Soltau, was always considered as a reliable player, even when he began playing “sandlot football.”

It was there that Soltau developed kicking skills.

“Sometimes you had a football, sometimes you didn’t but you still played,” Soltau explained. “Somebody had to kick. I said I would do it and I just kept doing it . . . I am kind of glad that I am not playing today because now the kickoffs are going from the 35-yard line. When they were kicking from the 40-yard line, I could barely hit the goal line.”

Soltau had plenty of time to develop his kicking talents with the NFL playing six-plus exhibition games with no pay. Soltau, sharp as a tack, recalled a four-day train trip from Oakland to Syracuse for an exhibition game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Soltau pointed out that the team stopped for a few exercises along the way. Fed up with no compensation for their efforts in rigorous practice games, quarterback Frankie Albert devised a plan to get a $25 payment from then owner Tony Morabito.

“During the pregame meal, we’re sitting in the hotel,” Soltau shared. “Frank had a pretty good relationship with the owner and he said, ‘Tony, I’ve decided, the team has decided that we’re going to bet you $25 a man that we’ll score on the first time we have the ball.’

“Anyway, they kicked off to us and we had it on the 20-yard line and we ran a sweep to the right. I think we knocked down every Pittsburgh Steeler three or four times and had an 80-yard run for a touchdown,” Soltau said with a grin. “Albert stood in front of the press box and said, ‘OK, Tony, get the money out.’”

Soltau was always leading by example.

“There was not a lot of thought about money,” Soltau explained. “You played because you wanted to play and make the team. You didn’t want to get cut and sent home.”

Players held offseason jobs instead of joining teammates for workouts like the current NFL calendar dictates. Soltau, himself, worked as a salesman for a San Francisco printing company. Soltau lasted 45 years with the company where he served as the Vice President of Sales. Hard work was never a problem for a first-class Navy frogman during World War II.

With that dedication and sacrifice to our country and to our beloved San Francisco 49ers, it’s with great pride the team opens the doors of its Hall of Fame to a player who was all about the betterment of the football club.

“It means everything to him,” Mark Soltau said of the place the 49ers have in his father’s heart. “He developed an awful lot of lifelong friends with the organization. I think there’s a very special camaraderie between those players who played in the 50s. The 49ers were the only game in town in the 50s, the darlings of San Francisco. It wasn’t about money. I think it was about the love of the game and camaraderie.”

Carlos Rogers has been a reliable cornerback on the field for the San Francisco 49ers. Behind closed doors, Rogers has also been instrumental in teaching his veteran wisdom to the team’s young defensive backs. All of it has translated to team-wide success.

Rogers’ detailed note-taking and film study habits have trickled down through the locker room in a positive way. Not only is Rogers continuing his Pro Bowl play of 2011 into his second season in the Bay Area, but he’s setting the bar high for his teammates with a lead-by-example approach.

Rogers recorded three tackles in the 49ers recent 45-3 win over the Buffalo Bills. Get to know more about the mental approach to the game that Rogers has mastered over the course of his career in our latest  Gameday Magazine cover story.

The “Student of the Game” shoot was photographed by team photographer Terrell Lloyd and designed by team graphic designer Ben Mayberry.

The pen behind Rogers’ ear… that was all Carlos.

Talk understanding details.

STUDENT of the GAME.

Carlos Rogers’ study habits net big returns on Sundays.

[By Taylor Price, 49ers.com]

It’s no coincidence Carlos Rogers is ahead of the curve when it comes to performing at a peak level in the National Football League. The eighth-year cornerback works hard at his craft. In his 20 regular season games with the San Francisco 49ers, the Pro Bowl cornerback has recorded nine takeaways for the team, including six interceptions and three fumble recoveries, two of which recently happened in a Week 4, 34-0 throttling of the New York Jets. Rogers scooped up two fumbles on the day, returning the second loose ball 51 yards for the team’s first defensive touchdown of the year.

Rogers has been in position to make big plays throughout the course of his 49ers career and credits his play-making ability to a number of behind-the-scenes efforts. Whether it’s squatting heavy weights, taking meticulous notes on every wide receiver he faces, or collaborating with defensive coaches and young defensive backs, Rogers does all the little things necessary to come up big on gameday.

Take Sunday’s win in New York as a perfect example. Facing a Jets team that featured a two-quarterback system, Rogers and his defensive teammates entered the game thoroughly prepared for both Mark Sanchez and Wildcat-running quarterback Tim Tebow. In fact, Tebow’s only pass attempt, a 9-yard gain, resulted in a forced fumble when safety Dashon Goldson placed a vicious hit on Jets tight end Dedrick Epps. Rogers picked up the fumble immediately and later credited defensive coordinator Vic Fangio for having the stingy 49ers defense prepared for the play.

“Coach Vic is a very good coach,” Rogers said after the team’s first road shutout win since 2002. “Very, very, good coach. Some of the calls he put us in seemed like he knew what their offensive coordinator was doing. He gave us great calls and all we had to do was execute them – that’s what we did pretty much throughout the game…We were prepared for (Tebow) going out there, faking the run that he did. Dashon came in and made a big hit – we prepared for all the things that they do… It’s about preparing during the week and when we get out there, execute.”

Executing isn’t so much a challenge when you’re prepared for the test like Rogers is on a consistent basis. Jim Harbaugh often raves about his best players being his hardest workers and when it comes to the defensive back room, Rogers is one of the leaders in that regard. The 49ers coach said Rogers’ approach to the game has been “very good, consistently good.” Harbaugh added, “His approach to how he goes about his business, how he takes care of his business, both on and off the field. A lot of the times, you say, ‘a guy’s been consistent,’ but he’s been consistently good.”

Rogers has also been consistently one of the best defensive backs throughout his college and professional career. It all dates back to the study habits he formed at Auburn University under the guidance of Gene Chizik. The program’s current head coach served as Auburn’s defensive coordinator/defensive backs coach from 2002-04, when Rogers starred as a first-team All-American who eventually ended up as the Washington Redskins No. 9 overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft. “Watching Coach Chizik and how he prepared the team each and every week, it kind of gave me an idea about studying,” says Rogers while sitting back comfortably in a Ohio hotel lobby in between back-to-back East Coast games. “I knew what I needed to do in college to perform and be one of the top DBs in the college level.”

Rogers played six seasons in our nation’s capitol and developed even greater preparation habits while playing beside veteran cornerbacks like Shawn Springs and Walt Harris. “They knew how to study, knew how to practice, knew how to prepare every week,” details Rogers. “Watching those guys, I got better every week. I came in trying to learn everything, trying to make sure I knew all the routes. They broke it down for me, how to study, how to write down what you needed to know.”

Rogers learned right away that he couldn’t play the whole field. He needed to focus on the concepts being run on the left side of the field, the half of the field where he primarily lined up. From there, it went to note-taking. Rogers took detailed notes on teams, tendencies of the coaching staffs he would face, physical traits of the opposition and route concepts being run in multi-receiver sets. After that, the preparation headed to film study where Rogers tracked the action on his side of the field, the dominant side for right-handed passing quarterbacks.

“It’s a lot of studying going into what concepts other teams use,  the tight end when he’s releasing, what kind of concepts they use off that,” says Rogers, who was quick to point out that he’s been handling double-study duties with the 49ers, playing left cornerback and nickel cornerback against multi-receiver sets. “I go from left side to the nickel, there’s a lot more studying. With the nickel, most of the time the receivers have two ways they can go. It changes the leverage that I can play. Every week, you can’t think you’ve got it all. Every week presents a different challenge and every week, I study more and more.”

Secondary coach Ed Donatell, a veteran of the NFL coaching ranks for 21 seasons, considers Rogers to be one of the top guys he’s been around. “He’s a professional, he comes in ready to work every week,” says Donatell. “He’s very detailed and very valuable to the guys around him.”

Furthermore, Donatell says Rogers uses the same preparation habits at both his defensive back roles. “He knows it helps our team and he understands the whole concept of what’s going on out there,” adds Donatell. “The inside position, there’s a big part of it that’s mental, you need to have a clear understanding and he has that.”

Understanding is one thing, going out and executing week in and week out is a whole different ballgame. Fortunately for the 49ers, Rogers has been able to produce during his 20 regular season games in San Francisco. In his first season alone, Rogers was named as a starter in his first Pro Bowl, thanks to his career-high six interceptions, which tied for second-most in the NFL. Rogers added 57 tackles, too. For his efforts, the veteran defensive back was named second-team All-Pro by the Associated Press. The 49ers turned around and rewarded Rogers this offseason with a four-year contract extension, to which he’s backed up with a strong start to the 2012 campaign (14 tackles, three fumble recoveries, 1.0 sack and one pass breakup).

So while you see Rogers making game-changing plays on a weekly basis for the 49ers defense, it’s the six days of prep work preceding Sunday’s action that makes it all happen. Did Rogers’ six-interception season in 2011 result from long hours in the classroom?  “Oh yeah, no doubt,” he says with a grin. “Any time you’re playing, a lot of picks can come in zone. When you get a read on a cornerback you don’t have to key exactly on one man…When you’re playing tight man-to-man, especially tight coverage, if you get a pick off that, you exactly read the route. You anticipate it. The quarterback thought he’d be open. A lot of my picks came off knowing what’s going on. I got one on Eli (Manning), with that, (Mario) Manningham just stopped running his route, I dove down and got the ball…It’s about knowing what the receiver is going to do before he even does it. Knowing their formations and knowing if you have a blitz on, you may get the hot route to you. All my study is about that and whenever the ball comes, it’s about catching it at that point.”

Leading by example is something Rogers takes extreme pride in, too. With second-year cornerback Chris Culliver serving as his backup on the left side, Rogers has been able to mentor the young defensive back throughout every week, from walk-throughs to meetings, to everywhere in between.

Culliver appreciates the help on how to read coverages, when to look at the second receiver on his side and understand possible route combinations. “That helps me out a lot,” says Culliver. “He’s definitely always on-point with a lot of things. He’s real detailed in his note-taking, I learn a lot from that… ‘Los overall, he’s helped me out trying to be a professional corner. I just give him all the praise. He’s a good corner and he understands how to play.”

Harbaugh recognizes the veteran-newcomer relationships being formed throughout the locker room, including the secondary meeting room. “(Carlos has) been a great teammate with, I would say, Chris and others,” Harbaugh said. “We have a really good group of veteran guys. You are just aware of it, that our young guys follow their lead because it’s a great example… When your best players are your hardest workers, it’s an outstanding thing. It’s one of the best things we’ve got going for us.”

Rogers is just one of the many reasons the 49ers defense has regained its dominant form in 2012. Not only do the veterans take pride in leadership roles, but they also subscribe to Harbaugh’s “You never stay the same” approach to the game. Rogers came into the NFL with plans of developing his all-around skills and has sharpened his study habits each year to maximize results.

“It’s not about the fastest guy making the plays, it’s not about the quickest guy making the plays, a lot of guys do it up here, it’s about what’s in your head,” says Rogers. “A lot of people get wiser when they get older, they get in their playbook more.”

Rogers also gets in the weight room with high frequency. At 6-feet, 192-pounds, some might view Rogers as having skinny legs and not a great deal of strength, but not many understand how strong of a base the savvy cornerback has under him. “A lot of guys are surprised I can put up five plates on the squat machine,” says Rogers. “My legs are so skinny, but I think there’s a lot of power in my legs and the durability helps me in every game… Guys like to get in the weight room to do abs and upper body, but you’ve got to be able to run and have your base strong so you can go through the longevity of the game.”

Prepared for the rigors of a 16-game season and another potential playoff run with a 3-1 team, Rogers says he enjoys the fanfare he’s received in the Bay Area during his time with the 49ers. “It’s been nothing but support since I’ve gotten here – fans always say they’re glad I’m here. It’s all been positive stuff,” says Rogers, a native of Augusta, Ga. “The fans are so proud of this team right now, it’s not only me, there’s a lot of guys who came in new and even the older guys, their effort is all about winning. We expect to win. If we lose it’s a total disappointment. We’re in the mindset of let’s not have another one like that in the loss category.”

Sunday’s latest matchup has the Buffalo Bills entering Candlestick Park looking to end San Francisco’s seven-game, regular season home winning streak. It’s fitting Rogers is on the cover of this week’s Gameday Magazine, he’s also on this week’s game ticket.

The San Francisco 49ers defeated the San Diego Chargers 35-3 in the 2012 preseason finale. Seventh-year linebacker Ahmad Brooks received a lot of exposure last Thursday night. And, he did so without stepping foot on the playing field.

With Jim Harbaugh electing to rest his entire starting defense, Brooks’ attention was largely through the team’s Gameday Magazine where he served as the second cover story of the team’s 10 home programs. The story examines Brooks’ rise in recent years as a member of San Francisco’s feared defensive attack. Photographed by Kym Fortino and designed by Ben Mayberry, the cover story also looks at the positive comments made by Brooks’ coaches this offseason after he signed a six-year contract extension with the club.

Crushing It
Ahmad Brooks continues to excel at his job while entering his seventh NFL season and fifth year with the San Francisco 49ers.

By Taylor Price, 49ers.com

Ahmad Brooks came into the National Football League with everything to prove. A third-round selection in the 2006 NFL Supplemental Draft, Brooks had to earn his way on to the Cincinnati Bengals 53-man roster. Despite earning a roster spot as a rookie, his first two seasons in the league were up and down. Brooks finished the 2007 season on the Injured Reserve List and was later waived during the Bengals 2008 training camp. What could have been seen as a low point was actually a blessing in disguise when the 49ers stepped in and claimed him days before the 2008 season began.

Fast forward to his seventh season in the league, the 6-foot-3, 259-pound outside linebacker has approached his latest training camp with more vigor than ever before.

“I’m a lot more mature,” says Brooks, 28. “I want it more. I want to be great. I know I’m good, but I want to be a dominant force in the NFL. I feel like I’m in my prime as far as my age and my build, my physical ability as well as my mental ability, just having mental knowledge of the game. I know what to expect, not only do I know my position but I know what everybody else in the defense is doing.”

As a member of the San Francisco 49ers talented starting linebacking corps, Brooks is coming off his best season as a pro (16 starts, 59 tackles, 7.0 sacks and one forced fumble). Because of his consistent efforts on one of the league’s toughest defenses, Brooks was rewarded with a six-year contract extension at the start of the 2012 free agency period. Now, Brooks will be with the 49ers through the 2017 season, a fact not lost on the supremely physical player who’s solid at setting the edge to stop the run and can also get after opposing quarterbacks with aggressive pass-rushing moves.

“It feels good with it being my fifth year being out here,” says Brooks contently after a recent training camp practice. “This feels like a year for me to showcase everything and make it a breakout season.”

Brooks broke out of his sub-package pass-rusher role to be an every-down player for the 49ers last season. It didn’t take long for him to assert himself as one of the team’s top difference-makers, either. Three weeks into his first season playing under head coach Jim Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, Brooks had already become a savior of sorts. Facing the team that helped him get his professional football career off the ground, Brooks made three consecutive plays in the red zone to keep the Bengals out of the end zone on the game’s opening possession. Good thing he did, the 49ers won the pivotal road game 13-8 on their way to a 13-win regular season.

Brooks wasn’t done impressing. In a Week 8 home contest against Ohio’s other pro team, Brooks made a statement to everyone in attendance by sacking Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy despite losing his helmet before the hit. As a result, Brooks suffered a minor cut on his lip from his collision. Everyone around Brooks appreciated his team-first effort, but the 49ers linebacker didn’t seek glory. Did Brooks demonstrate his patented sack dance? Nope. That’s because Brooks doesn’t have one.

“I keep my head down and keep moving,” he says.

Brooks has had 20.0 career sacks and zero dances to show for it. No matter, he vowed to continue approaching his offseason preparation with a relentless effort. It wasn’t hard for Brooks to become a gym rat. All he had to do was head over to the team’s Santa Clara Training Facility to work alongside defensive teammates Justin Smith and Ray McDonald throughout the offseason. There, Brooks’ passion for training became undeniable.

“Now that I’m in the NFL and have had a little success, the preparation means a lot more,” says Brooks. “On any given day something can happen, your career could be cut short. You always have to prepare as if today’s your last day. You have to take full advantage of your opportunities and I think that helped me going into this year. I wanted to work on my physique. I knew if I did that, everything would take care of itself.”

Brooks took insight from teammates away from the defensive side of the ball, too. Seeing how All-Pro kicker David Akers approached his craft was a welcomed sight for Brooks who sought ways to become a better teammate and player.

“He’s not playing the same position, but some of the things he does off the field, I pay attention to,” Brooks says of Akers, tied as the most experienced player on San Francisco’s roster. “I notice how he goes about his business away from the game, how he treats his teammates, his coaches, the staff around here. I just take things from everybody and try to mold myself.”

Brooks’ physical maturation hasn’t been hard to notice. Coaches like Fangio have praised him throughout training camp for being in the best shape of his football life. Asked how Brooks has conducted himself with newfound financial security, the respected coordinator said it’s been a pleasant development. “I think it’s been excellent,” Fangio told reporters early in camp. “He signed his big contract… and he didn’t disappear. He was here even more so than he’s ever been and was one of our best workers in the offseason.”

Harbaugh also spoke highly of Brooks’ efforts.

“I don’t know if he doubled, tripled or quadrupled his salary, but this is the best shape he’s been in,” the 49ers coach said. “People say it’s the best offseason he’s had. I think that speaks volumes about a guy, a person. Some people tend to go the other way when money enters the picture like that. I’ve been real impressed.”

Besides early offseason workouts with the team’s starting defensive tackles Smith and McDonald, Brooks was baptized this offseason, and has spent a lot of time with his 4-year-old daughter Natalia.

“My daughter means everything to me,” Brooks says. “She’s 4-years-old and I’m still shocked that she’s 4. Yesterday it felt like she was just born. In my eyes, she’s still a baby; she’ll always be a baby. It’s a blessing to have a child.”

Natalia isn’t the only exuberant person in Brooks’ life. According to the starting linebacker, teammates inside the locker room tend to keep him young at heart.

“It’s fun being around the guys,” says Brooks. “Guys joke all the time. You gotta’ understand we’re children at heart; we want to keep our youth going. Football, man, it’s a young man’s sport. You can even tell when Randy Moss came here. He’s probably one of the most youthful guys we have in the locker room.”

As for Brooks, “I’m not really a boisterous, loud, type of guy,” he says. “I’m not really out-spoken like that, even though I do speak my mind, I do like to sit back and observe.”

In watching his teammates closer than ever before, Brooks has picked up on the finer details that make some of his teammates the best at what they do. Case in point: Brooks now watches 49ers all-time rushing leader Frank Gore. Brooks always knew Gore to be a dominant runner; he just never understood how well-rounded of a player Gore was until he recently put on a show in a training camp blitz pickup drill.

“I never noticed Frank to be a person to block the way he did – he was throwing guys on the ground. I was like, ‘Good job Frank,’” recalls Brooks. “I’ve never really seen that from him, I’m so used to seeing him running with the ball. Those are the things people don’t see, but us as teammates, we see it and appreciate it.”

Likewise, teammates have raved about Brooks’ commitment to making the defense even better in 2012. Following a year in which the unit ranked second in points allowed, Brooks and company are eager to continue their dominant play for years to come. So when the 49ers line up Thursday night against the visiting San Diego Chargers for the 2012 preseason finale, Brooks will treat the last preseason tune up just like his rookie days, when he was exhausted from running routes as a scout team player.

“Just like practice, you have to prepare as if it’s a game,” says Brooks. “When the lights turned on and the ball is snapped, everything happens so quickly. You’ve got to be able to think on your toes. From an outside linebacker’s perspective, you have to know exactly what to do. For me, it’s always been a dream to play NFL football. When the chance came, I went head-in. I didn’t look back. I just wanted to make the team, I didn’t know for sure if I was going to get cut – that thought never crossed my mind. I just wanted to make it and I wanted to play. I didn’t want to lose out on anything. When they asked me to go out and run routes for the scout team, I was dead tired, but I did it. I never second-guessed it.”

You would never second-guess Brooks’ quest to become the best he can possibly be. If the offseason work ethic is any indication, the seventh-year player is ready to continue crushing his 9-to-5 for seasons to come.

Today marks the eighth NFC Championship game held at Candlestick Park, the most out of any NFL stadium. Add to the history between the 49ers and Giants in the playoffs and this game has all the makings of a great contest.

The 49ers beat the Giants back in Week 10, but both teams have changed significantly since then. Frank Gore was banged up and held to 0 yards rushing while Bradshaw was out for New York. Both running backs are healthy this time around.

It will be interesting to see how the weather effects the game. They rolled the tarp off about 2 and a half hours before the start of the game so the field should be relatively dry when the game starts. It was pouring this morning, but as of 1:30, the rain has tapered off.

Stay tuned for the inactives and updates throughout the game.

Inactives:

49ers – QB Scott Tolzien, WR Ted Ginn, CB Shawntae Spencer, FB Moran Norris, G Daniel Kilgore, G Mike Person, NT Ian Williams

Giants – WR Ramses Barden, RB Da’Rel Scott, LB Mark Herzlich, C Jim Cordle, DE Justin Trattou, DT Jimmy Kennedy, T James Brewer

FIRST QUARTER:

Hunter fielded the short kickoff and returned it to the 23. The Giants had one the toss and deferred. The 49ers normally kickoff to start the game. Gore picked up a first down on an improvised play. He caught Smith’s pass and reversed his field to the right side and dove for the sticks. Mike Iupati had his ankle rolled up and was replaced by Rachal. Smith’s third down pass was behind Gore and the 49ers had to punt. The 49ers…as usual…had great coverage on the punt and Spillman brought down Blackmon at the 16.

Eli Manning’s first down pass was well behind Nicks and it didn’t look like it was tipped. Give that one to the weather. After missing his first two passes, Manning threw a strike to Cruz over the middle for a gain of 12 and a first down. On third and long, Manning converted once again, hitting Nicks for a gain of 10 against the coverage of Rogers. Ray McDonald ended the Giants’ success on third down, forcing a fumble by Manning. The 49ers couldn’t recover though, but the Giants lost 13 yards and had to punt. Williams returned it to the 27.

On the second play of the drive, Smith hit Vernon Davis on a go route and Davis outran everyone for a 73-yard touchdown. Davis’ foot was really close to the line and the play was reviewed, but upheld.

49ers 7 – Giants 0

Manning hit Nicks on third down. It was a low pass, but Nicks made a nice catch for the first down. Nicks was shaken up on the play though and got some attention on the sideline. On 3rd and short, Manning’s pass was incomplete for Manningham. The Giants offense stayed on the field on 4th down, but Jacobs was stopped short and the 49ers took over at their own 34.

Hunter tossed the ball to Williams on a reverse on first down. Williams couldn’t handle it, but the 49ers were fortunate to recover after a loss of 10. Smith’s pass on 3rd and 14, was well behind Williams and nearly intercepted along the left sideline. Lee didn’t get a favorable bounce on the punt as it rolled out of bounds around the 30.

Manning’s pass on first down was incomplete for Nicks who was back in. On 2nd down, Jacobs rumbles straight ahead for a gain of 4.

Standout Stat: The Giants possessed the ball for 10:07 of the first quarter, but the big play to Davis stands as the differences.

Highlight Reel: Alex Smith and Vernon Davis are clicking right now and Smith hit the speedy tight end for a 73-yard gain down the right sideline.

Put it in Perspective: While Manning has struggled with deep passes so far, Alex Smith was on target to Davis. The Giants have been very good on 3rd down so far and the 49ers defense must do a better job of getting them off the field. Manning is one of the best on third down though so that will be a stat to watch throughout the game.

SECOND QUARTER:

Manning hit Cruz who had a step on Rogers. It was thrown short which was fortunate otherwise it may have gone for a touchdown. Cruz picked up 36 on the play. Manning converted on third down once again, finding Cruz over the middle. Bear Pascoe caught Manning’s pass on 2nd down for a 6-yard touchdown.

49ers 7 – Giants 7

Kyle Williams returned the kickoff to the 22. Smith hit Williams on 3rd and 2. The Giants were called for illegal hands to the face, but Williams made the catch anyway.  The 49ers took the extra yard on the penalty and got the first down. After taking some shots down the field, the 49ers run the ball up the middle on two consecutive plays for another first down. Davis was called for a personal foul after he tried to break up Anthony Davis and Boley. The 49ers still had a first and 10, but backed up 10 yards. The 49ers gave the ball to Gore for two more carries and the bell cow moved the chains once again. Smith scrambled up the middle, but was stopped short. Harbaugh went for it on 4th and 2…but ended up just trying to draw the Giants offside. Lee came on to punt. Blackmon signaled for the fair catch, but was called for not doing it correctly and the Giants had to back up to their own 19.

The Giants moved the ball effectively to start the drive. Rogers slipped on a pass to Nicks for a first down along the right sideline. Bowman and McDonald dropped Manning on 3rd and 2 to force a punt. The 49ers took over at the 16 with 2:51 remaining in half.

The 49ers appeared content to run out the clock, waiting until the two minute warning and following it up with a Gore run. Smith scrambled on third down and the Giants had to burn two of their timeouts. Lee got off a booming punt and Grant brought down Blackmon at the 36.

Manning hit Cruz over the middle to get to the SF 49. Manning got Crux again against Rogers. Cruz ran a short slant and picked up 11. Cruz mad a circus catch for a gain of 17. It’s all Cruz on this drive as he caught yet another pass down to the 12. Tynes hit a 31-yard field goal.

Giants 10 – 49ers 7

Williams returned the kick and the first half expired.

Standout Stat: This game has come down to who can covert better on third down. The Giants are 5-9 and the 49ers are 0-4.

Highlight Reel: I can’t say there really was one for the 49ers in this quarter. The 49ers had a good drive going, but were set back after the penalty against Davis.

Put it in Perspective: The Giants will get the ball to start the second half and it will be important that the 49ers keep it at a one-score game. They need to do a better job on third downs, both on offense and on defense. Cruz has picked apart the 49ers defense and already has 125 receiving yards.

THIRD QUARTER:

After a touchback, Bradshaw broke a run out to the right side for a gain of 9 on 1st down, but lost a yard on 2nd down. Manning tried to hit Bradshaw on a screen, but he dropped the pass when he saw the defense closing. That’s a great three and out to start the half.

Smith didn’t have anyone open on first down and was dropped by Pierre-Paul and Tuck for the first sack of the game. The 49ers were aided by an illegal contact penalty which gave the 49ers a first down at the 32. Hunter got the toss and then cut back the opposite way for a gain of 14 and a first down. Smith was flushed from the pocket and tried to hit Walker, but the pass was knocked down. Lee’s punt was downed at the 7.

Guess who on first down? Curz picked up right where he left off with a gain of 6 followed by a gain of 11. On 3rd and 5, the 49ers had good coverage and Manning had to throw it away. Williams had a crease on the punt return, but slipped at the 47.

On 2nd down, the Giants secondary had turned their backs leaving Gore wide open in the flat. Smith hit him for a gain of 24 down to the 28. Smith then hit Davis down the left sideline for a 28-yard score. The ball was perfectly thrown in between the corner and the safety.

49ers 14 – Giants 10

Nicks gained 15 yards on 1st down on a crossing route over the middle. Ray McDonald got to Manning once again (2.5 today) and forced the punt.

Smith dumped the ball off to Gore on 3rd down, but he couldn’t pick up the first and the 49ers go three and out. Bowman dropped Blackmon asat the 27 as the 49ers had excellent coverage yet again.

On 3rd down, Goldson and Brown collided as they were going for the interception. They both had a shot at it and Brown stayed down after taking a brutal hit. Brown got back up and was helped to the sideline. It’s a great sign that he didn’t need the cart. Williams fair caught the punt at the 12.

Gore had a nice run up the middle to start the drive, picking up 11. Walker made his first catch since coming back from a broken jaw, gaining 77. Canty was called for a personal foul, tacking on 15 yards.

Standout Stat: Vernon Davis has two catches for 101 yards and two touchdowns.

Highlight Reel: Alex Smith is at his best when he looks for Davis. His throw was right in between the safety and corner for a 28-yard score.

Put it in Perspective: The 49ers enter the fourth quarter with a 4-point lead…15 minutes away from a ticket to the Super Bowl. The Giants are an explosive team and could certainly come back. The 49ers need to be able to pound the ball on the ground and control the ball with an efficient passing game.

FOURTH QUARTER:

Dixon was stopped for no gain on 3rd and 1. Lee’s punt hung up in the air and was fair caught at the 20.

Rogers came on a blitz, but read the screen to Bradshaw and dragged him down from behind for no gain. Aldon Smith dropped Manning on 2nd down for a loss of 5. Aldon got pressure again on third down as the 49ers rushed just three. Manning looked like he didn’t want to get hit again and quickly threw it away. Williams let the ball bounce in front of him and was downed at the 29. The Giants challenged that Williams touched the ball. The call was reversed and the Giants took over at the 29. The 49ers blitzed on third down, but it was picked up and Manning hit Nicks for a gain of 14. The Giants were backed up after a holding penalty against Baas. On 3rd and 15, Manning hit Manningham for a 17-yard touchdown.

Giants 17 – 49ers 14

That’s it for the blog as we have to run down to the field. Follow @49ers on Twitter for updates.

It seems like this day would never get here. The 49ers and Saints have seemingly been on a collision course for the last two months with the only question being where the game would be played. The 49ers pulled off a win against the Rams in Week 17 to earn home field advantage. We’ll find out how big of an advantage that ends up being today.

All the 49ers listed on the injury report are listed as probable, though Harbaugh told the media on Thursday that it would be unlikely that Delanie Walker would play.

INJURY REPORT:

49ers – QB Scott Tolzien, WR Joe Hastings, CB Shawntae Spencer, TE Delanie Walker, G Daniel Kilgore, G Mike Person, NT Ian Williams

Saints – WR Lance Moore, CB Leigh Torrence, LB Nate Bussey, G Eric Olsen, TE Tory Humphrey, TE John Gilmore, DE Turk McBride

First Quarter

David Akers booms one deep into the end zone for a touchback. The Saints will take over at their own 20-yard line. Darren Sproles takes a screen pass for a five-yard gain on the first play from scrimmage. New Orleans moves into 49ers territory with a pair of first downs, including a 12-yard catch by Sproles. Donte Whitner was flagged for a very questionable pass interference call against Graham, which gave the Saints a first down at the 21. Graham was shaken up on the play. Brees hit Colston for a gain of 4, which was just enough for a first down at the 11. Whitner absolutely leveled Thomas at the two and the ball popped loose. The 49ers recovered for a huge stop on the opening drive. How about that 49ers defense that creates so many turnovers?

From his own end zone, Alex Smith hit Crabtree on a slant for a gain of 9 to get things going. Gore plunged ahead on the next play to move the chains. Gore got great blocks on the left side, one by Vernon Davis, for a big gain to the 31. Smith hit Ginn on another quick slant for a gain of 11 and another first down. Smith was sacked on 3rd down and fumbled the ball. Gore recovered afterr a big loss. Lee was hit as he kicked…no call from the officials. The punt rolled and was downed at the 19.

Aldon Smith dropped Drew Brees on 3rd down. It was certainly a coverage sack as the 49ers were matched up tight on all receivers. Ginn returned the punt, but was hit hard at the 46.

Kendall Hunter found a small hole on first down for a gain of 5. On the next play, Alex Smith hit Vernon Davis for a 49-yard score and the 49ers struck first.

49ers 7 – Saints 0

The Saints moved the chains after two quick passes to the flat, one to Graham and one to Sproles. On the next play, Goldson stepped in front of the receiver deep and returned it to the 4.

Smith hit Crabtree for a 4-yard touchdown on 3rd down and goal.

49ers 14 – Saints 0

The Saints fumbled the kickoff and it was recovered by Blake Costanzo.

Standout Stat: The 49ers have already forced three turnovers.

Highlight Reel: Whitner’s hit on Thomas was a huge play and set the mood for the game.

Put it in Perspective: Not much to say…this is the perfect start for the 49ers.

SECOND QUARTER:

The 49ers couldn’t punch it in, but Akers tacked on a 25-yard field goal to extend the lead.

49ers 17 – Saints 0

Brees hit Meechem for a gain of 7 on first down and they picked up another first down on a check down to the fullback. Brees then hit Colston for a gain of 20 down the middle of the field. Whitner ripped the ball away from Sproles, but it was ruled that he was down. Harbaugh challenged the play, but Sproles was ruled down. Brees hit Colston over the middle once again for another first down at the SF 28. Brees ended the drive with a 14-yard strike to Graham over the coverage of Patrick Willis.

49ers 17 – Saints 7

Ginn let the ball go over his head and out of the end zone for a touchback. Smith checked down to Gore on 3rd down and he couldn’t make it to the first down marker. Not a good time for a three and out now that the Saints have regained some momentum. Goodwin was shaken up on the play and was helped off the field. It looked like it may be an ankle injury. The 49ers had good coverage on the punt and dropped Sproles at the 34.

Brees hit Colston for a gain of 13 to start the drive. Haralson nearly had a sack on the next play, but couldn’t drop Brees, who threw it away. Brees hit Arrington for 14 yards, throwing it off his back foot. Brees then hit Colston down the right sideline for a 24-yard touchdown.

49ers 17 – Saints 14

The kickoff went through the end zone for another touchback. Hunter bounced the run to the left side and picked up 11 to begin the drive. Gore picked up 9 on the next play. Snyder is in at center for Goodwin and Rachal comes in at right guard. Smith then threw a strike over the shoulder of Vernon Davis for a gain of 20. Roman Harper was on Davis. Crabtree dropped two passes and then Smith was sacked on third down…that’s exactly what you can’t do against the Saints. Andy Lee’s punt went into the end zone for a touchback.

Tarell Brown made a beautiful leaping grab over Henderson. He had a good return which was wiped out as Henderson touched Brown when he was on the ground. Henderson still paid the price as he was leveled by Whitner on the return.

Smith hit Williams on an out route for a first down and the former Sun Devil got out of bounds to stop the clock. Smith hit Williams on 3rd and 10, but he was well short of the marker. The Saints used their last timeout of the half to stop the clock with 1:06 remaining. Sproles called for the fair catch at the 14.

The 49ers forced a punt. Williams let the punt bounce and then fielded it and returned it for a couple, back to the SF 45.

Smith stepped up and had the ball knocked out and the Saints recovered at the 45. Brees was pressured and threw the ball away to end the half.

Standout Stat: The Saints have four turnovers, their high this season.

Highlight Reel: Brown’s interception has to be one of the best in the NFL all season.

Put it in Perspective: The Saints battled back…and you knew they would. The 49ers have to stay out of third and longs when Williams can really turn up the pressure. The 49ers offense needs to be more efficient

THIRD QUARTER:

The 49ers brought Justin Smith and Isaac Sopoaga in as extra blocker on second down and moved the chains on another heavy set on third down. In another third and long, the Saints sent the house and dropped Smith. The 49ers were fortunate as Costanzo knocked the ball loose on the return and the 49ers recovered.

On 3rd and 7, Crabtree had his third big drop of the game on what would have been a first down. Akers connected on a 41-yard field goal.

49ers 20 – Saints 14

Brees improvised under pressure and threw it back up the field to Colston who picked up 31. Smith dropped Brees on 3rd down to force a punt. Ginn fielded the punt and returned it to the 19.

Ginn tried the fly sweep on 1st down, but was met by Vilma after a gain of just three. Gore tried to throw it back to Smith on the next play. Smith fell on it for a loss of 6. Smith then hit Gore for 7 yards, but they were well short of the sticks. Andy Lee had a great punt which rolled down to the 14, a net of 63.

Goldson nearly had a pick as Brees had all day to throw. Henderson then caught a quick slant for a gain of 19. Graham picked up another first down on a short check down over the middle. Rogers made a great play on Arrington deep to knock away what could have been a touchdown, then knocked it away from Arrington on 3rd down on a short slant. Ginn signaled for the fair catch at the 15.

The 49ers beat the blitz with a quick out to Miller in the left flat and the fullback got out to the 31. The 49ers were then flagged for two offensive pass interference on consecutive plays and the drive stalled. Lee attempted a directional kick and it went just 35 yards, out of bounds at the 34.

Brees checked down to Sproles for a gain of 12 to start the drive. Brees then hit Henderson down to the SF 39.

Standout Stat: The 49ers are just 2 of 11 on third down and they need to keep moving the chains and keep the Saints offense off the field.

Highlight Reel: Costanzo continues to cause all sorts of problems for the Saints special teams. This quarter, he knocked one loose from Sproles for another turnover.

Put it in Perspective: The 49ers held the Saints scoreless, but you have to wonder how long that can continue. With the Saints driving, holding them to a field goal would be huge. On offense, they have to stay out of third and longs. When they’re in that situation, they haven’t been able to have any success against the aggressive Saints defense.

FOURTH QUARTER:

Brees took a shot for Colston deep down the middle, but the Reggie Smith hit him and Colston couldn’t haul it in. Kasay hit a 48-yard field goal to cut the lead in half.

49ers 20 – Saints 17

Hunter fielded the line drive kick and returned it to he 28. Smith hit Kyle Williams on a crossing route that went in and out of his hands and was nearly intercepted. That’s three drops by Crabtree and one by Williams. Smith needs to get some help from his receivers because Williams would have had a first down. The punt team tackled Sproles at the 18, but Costanzo looks to be in some pain after that play as he limped off.

Brooks dropped Brees for a loss of 7 on 2nd down and then Justin Smith disrupted everything on 3rd down, tackling Brees and the left tackle in one motion. Donte Whitner was filed up by Smith’s effort. The 49ers took over at the 36 after the punt.

Gore started the drive off with his best run of the game, going 42 yards down to the 22. Smith’s third down pass was batted back to Gore, who caught it and tried to make the most of it, but lost a yard. Akers hit from 37.

49ers 23 – Saints 17

Sproles picked up one…the hard way. He caught Brees’ check down, but was met immediately by Bowman. Brees was flushed from the pocket on 3rd down and hit Henderson for 13 and a 1st down. Colston then picked up another first down as Brees continues to look Culliver’s way.

Playoff positions will be decided all around the NFL today and the same is true in St. Louis. The 49ers have already secured a spot in the playoffs, but a win would give them a first-round bye.

Jim Harbaugh has said he won’t rest any players for the postseason because this is a must-win game. But if the 49ers can get out to an early lead, I wouldn’t be surprised to see some of the reserves get some snaps.

Ted Gin, Kyle Williams, Chris Culliver, Patrick Willis, Bruce Miller and Carlos Rogers are all listed as questionable on the injury report while Delanie Walker has been ruled out.

INACTIVES:

49ers -  QB Scott Tolzien, WR Kyle Williams, WR Ted Ginn, CB Shawntae Spencer, TE Delanie Walker, G Mike Person, NT Ian Williams.

Rams – QB A.J. Feeley, QB Sam Bradford, CB Justin King, CB Nate Ness, TE Ben Guidugli, G/T Kevin Hughes, TE Mike McNeil

Vic Fangio said Patrick Willis would play if he’s healthy and Willis will be active today. That should be a big boost for a 49ers defense that shut out the Rams in their previous matchup this season.

FIRST QUARTER:

Kendall Hunter returned the opening kickoff to the 22. Smith’s first three passes all went to Vernon Davis as the 49ers moved the ball out near midfield. Smith then connected with Michael Crabtree for a 16-yard gain. Akers could not connect on a 48-yard field goal attempt and the 49ers don’t get any points on a promising opening drive.

Kellen Clemens connected with Brandon Lloyd, complete to the SF 38. Jackson picked up 10 yards on a run straight up the middle. Clemens avoided a sack and several defenders to dive in for an 18-yard score.

Rams 7 – 49ers 0

Hunter didn’t field the kickoff cleanly and took a knee for a touchback. The 49ers offense went three and out as the third down pass was incomplete to Brett Swain. Andy Lee drilled a 66-yard punt that bounced out of bounds at the 8-yard line.

The 49ers were able to force a three and out of their own as Justin Smith dropped Clemens on third down. Jones’ punt was short and returned by Reggie Smith to the Rams 33.

Smith hit Hunter on a middle screen pass for a gain of 11. Crabtree then caught a quick out and spun to break two tackles for a gain of 10. Alex Smith was flushed from the pocket on 3rd and goal and followed great blocks by Gore and Peele for an 8-yard touchdown run.

49ers 7 – Rams 7

The Rams picked up 19 on the first play of the drive on a strike to Kendricks.

Standout Stat: The 49ers have dominated time of possession – 9:20 to 5:40.

Highlight Reel: Smith’s touchdown run was certainly the highlight for the 49ers. Smith held up to allow Peele and Gore to get good blocks and Smith dove for the pylon.

Put it in Perspective: The Rams have been able to move the ball against the 49ers with good runs from Jackson and a few deep strikes by Clemens. It feels as if both teams are still feeling it out early on.

SECOND QUARTER:

The Rams tried a trick pass from Norwood to Clemens, but it was picked off by Brown.

The 49ers capitalized on the good field position as Smith hit Crabtree on a quick out and Crab took it 28 yards for the score.

49ers 14 – Rams 7

The 49ers defense forced a three and out as Brooks threw down Clemens on third down. The 49ers were flagged for a block in the back on the punt and will start their drive at the 33.

Smith connected with Vernon Davis down the right sideline for a gain of 44. The drive stalled after that and David Akers hit a 36-yard field goal to extend the lead.

49ers 17 – Rams 7

The Rams fumbled the snap, but Jackson was able to recover. Smith returned the punt to the 34.

Smith hit Davis on third down, but was tackled well short of the first down and the 49ers go three and out. Lee’s punt went into the end zone for a touchback.

The 49ers defense held the Rams to a three and out and the 49ers will get one more possession with 3:06 remaining in the first half.

The 49ers picked up two first downs, but stalled at the 25. Akers hit from 42 out to give the 49ers a 20-7 lead.

49ers 20 – Rams 7

The Rams had to punt back to the 49ers, but they were content to take a knee and head to the locker room.

Standout Stat: Alex Smith played a very good half of football. He’s 14 of 20 for 158 yards with one passing touchdown and one rushing touchdown. His QB rating is 110.0.

Highlight Reel: It was great to see Crabtree pick up some big yards after the catch on his 28-yard touchdown catch.

Put it in Perspective: After a slow start, the 49ers have responded with 20 unanswered points. The Rams will get the ball to start the half so the 49ers will need a good opening series from their defense.

THIRD QUARTER:

Jackson ripped off a 27-yard run to open the drive. That was as far as they would get as the 49ers defense forced the punt and nearly intercepted Clemens’ third down pass that was tipped at the line. Smith called for a fair catch at the 9.

On 3rd and 5, Smith hit Crabtree on a slant for 5 yards and a first down. Smith was dropped on the next third down and the 49ers had to punt. The coverage unit did a great job to contain Nick Miller as they brought him down at the 27.

Clemens hit Kendricks for a gain of 22 to open the drive. Clemens picked up another first down, rolling right and hitting Lloyd in front of Goldson. Josh Brown connected on a 49-yard field goal.

49ers 20 – Rams 10

Kendall Hunter returned the kickoff to the 18. The 49ers converted on 3rd and 8 as Smith hit Crabtree crossing. Crab made the first man miss and drew a face mask penalty. Smith then hit Davis for a gain of 34 down to the STL 17. The 49ers faked the field goal attempt and Akers hit Crabtree, who was wide open on the left sideline for a 14-yard touchdown. The Rams never accounted for him as he was never in the huddle.

49ers 27 – Rams 10

Standout Stat: Akers is now 2 0f 2 passing for his career. This was his first touchdown.

Highlight Reel: What a great call by Brad Seely. The 49ers didn’t settle for the field goal, but distanced themselves from the Rams with a TD pass from Akers to Crabtree.

Put it in Perspective: The 49ers now have a commanding 17-point lead. If the defense can hold the Rams on their next drive, they should be able to coast the rest of the way.

FOURTH QUARTER:

The Rams promising drive stalled at the 30, but Brown connected on a 48-yard field goal.

49ers 27 – Rams 13

Hunter started the drive with a 7-yard run to the right side. The 49ers sputtered at the 35. Andy Lee continued his exceptional day with a 64-yard punt that was downed at the 1-yard line.

Brown picked off Clemens pass. It’s his second pick today and the first two-interception game of his career.

Anthony Dixon punched it in from one yard out.

49ers 34 – Rams 13

That’s it for the blog. We’ll have the final score update for you on Twitter.

The 49ers are going for their 12th win of the season today against the Seahawks. It would be their first 12-win season since 2001. The 49ers will have their work cut out for them against a hot Seahawks team that’s won their last three games.

The 49ers will also be without linebacker Patrick Willis and wide receiver Ted Ginn who are both inactive.

Inactives:

49ers – QB Scott Tolzien, WR Ted Ginn, CB Tramaine Brock, LB Patrick Willis, G Daniel Kilgore, G Mike Person, NT Ian Williams.

Seahawks – QB Josh Portis, S Jeron Johnnson, CB Kennard Cox, LB Malcolm Smith, G Paul Fanaika, DT Clinton McDonald, T Jarriel King

Ted Robinson and I discussed today’s game in our Teddy Football podcast. Right now, there are quite a few 49ers fans here at CenturyLink Field. They’re pumping in music and it’s already very loud.

FIRST QUARTER:

The 49ers won the coin toss and deferred to the second half. Unfortunately, they don’t play “Tony Montana” for them here in Seattle. Tavaris Jackson hit Ricardo Lockette on 2nd down for a big gain down the right sideline to the SF 36. The Seahawks then converted on third down as Zach Miller was lined up wide against Larry Grant. Jackson found the mismatch and connected. Then, Jackson hit Doug Baldwin on a quick out and Baldwin turned the corner and outran everyone for a 13-yard score.

Seahawks 7 – 49ers 0

Kyle Williams returned the kickoff to the 31 and for the second time a small skirmish ensued after the play. The 49ers picked up a first down thanks to a neutral zone infraction against Chris Clemons. Crabtree came up just a few inches short on 3rd down and the 49ers offense stayed on the field. Alex Smith took it himself on the QB sneak and got the first down. Smith play faked and hit Crabtree on an out for a gain of 12 to the SEA 35. Smith had two great pass to Davis and Crabtree, but he couldn’t get any help from his receivers. Davis bobbled the pass down the right sideline and only got one foot in bounds and Crabtree couldn’t hand on after Smith improvised and threw it just out of the reach of the defender. Then, David Akers missed the 52-yard field goal and the 49ers walk away from a good drive with no points.

McDonald sacked Jackson on first down, but two hard runs by Lynch gave the Seahawks a new set of downs. Carlos Rogers had great coverage on Baldwin on third down to force a Seahawks punt. Kyle Williams called for the fair catch at the 9.

Gore had his best run of the day so far on first down, getting good blocks up the middle for 14. Gore picked up the first down running straight ahead and then picked up another thanks to defensive holding. A nice run by Kendall Hunter gave the 49ers a first down at midfield. The rookie ran left and then found a seam and cut upfield for a nice gain. Delanie Walker took a knee to the head after a block and was carted off the field. It did not look good.

Highlight Reel: Ray McDonald now has 5.5 sacks on the season, a career high.

Standout Stat: The 49ers lead time of posession 9:12 to 5:48

Put it in Perspective: The wide receivers have not helped out Smith to this point. He’s been accurate on shots downfield, but he has to get help.

SECOND QUARTER:

Smith was sacked on third down, but the lost yardage made no difference to Akers who connected on a 53-yard field goal.

Seahawks 7 – 49ers 3

The Seahawks showed the ability to run the ball against the 49ers defense on this drive as Lynch had several big gains including a 15-yarder. Bowman got the first sack of his career to push the Seahawks back and eventually force a punt that was downed at the 5.

Davis had another dropped pass on what would have been a first down and the offense went three and out.

The Seahawks again pounded the ball against the ground against the 49ers as they drove inside the red zone. On 3rd and goal from the 1, Jackson scrambled and nearly had the first rushing TD. He was stopped just short and the 49ers still have not allowed a rushing touchdown this season. Seattle tacked on a 19-yard field goal.

Seahawks 10 – 49ers 3

Kendall Hunter picked up a nice chunk of yardage and could have had more, but he stumbled at the SEA 47. The 49ers went for it on 4th and 6 and Smith’s pass was too high for Williams. They give the ball back to Seattle with 21 seconds and 3 timeouts at the 43.

Smith and Brooks pressure Jackson on first and second down to force him to throw it away. Seattle picked up one more first down and elected to throw instead of attempting a 62-yard field goal. Jackson’s throw was well shot of the end zone and out of bounds…a curious call. That was the last play of the half.

Highlight Reel: The 49ers stand at the goal line was really impressive, for more reasons than just keeping their streak of no rushing touchdowns alive. 10-3 sounds a lot better than 14-3 and it could end up having a major impact in the game.

Standout Stat: Seattle dominated time of possession in the second quarter and now leads that category 18:10 to 11:50.

Put it in Perspective: The 49ers offense hasn’t been able to get in a rhythm since that first drive and the Seahawks have been able to run the ball effectively. The offense really needs to get some points on their first drive of the second half in order to get some momentum. It’s only a one score game.

THIRD QUARTER:

Smith hit Crabtree on a deep cross for a gain of 27 to begin the drive. Smith bobbled the snap on third down, avoided a sack and lowered his shoulder into the LB David Hawthorne up the left sideline to make it 4th and 2. Smith hit Davis down the right sideline to the 24 and the 49ers picked up the first down. Smith then threw another beautiful pass to Davis, who got both toes in at the 4-yard line. Gore rumbled in and moved the pile for a 4-yard touchdown run.

49ers 10 – Seahawks 10

The 49ers defense answered by forcing a three and out. Kyle Williams returned the punt 36 yards to the SEA 48.

On 3rd and 8, Smith tucked the ball and ran it for a gain of 12 to the 34. Gore had two nice runs. The second drew a penalty on Sherman for a horse collar tackle which moved the ball to the 9.  The 49ers were backed up because of a block in the back. Akers tacked on a 29-yard field goal to give the 49ers the lead.

49ers 13 – Seahawks 10

The 49ers defense again forced a quick punt, not allowing a first down. The officials missed the call on the punt. Williams had a nice return negated by a block in the back call against Costanzo. Maragos was already going down and he was pushed into Costanzo who tried to avoid him.

Gore picked up a first down out near the 40. Hunter had a nice gain as well, bouncing the run to the left for a 15-yard gain.

Highlight Reel: Gore would not be denied on that 4-yard touchdown run.

Standout Stat: The Seahawks ran 10 plays in that quarter. One was a penalty.

Put it in Perspective: The 49ers came out firing and have no gone to more of a rushing attack after taking the lead. It’s just a 3-point game though and the 49ers must make it a two-score game to give themselves some cushion.

THIRD QUARTER:

Smith hit Hunter along the right sideline for another first down inside the 30. The drive would stall, but Akers would hit his 41st field goal this season (an NFL record) to extend the lead.

49ers 16 – Seahawks 10

Tarell Brown was flagged for pass interference. It could have gone either way, but it gave the Seahawks good field position. Aldon Smith got his 14th sack of the season to back the Seahawks up. Seattle came up just short on 3rd and long and they elected to punt. The ball hit the pylon for a touchback.

Smith hit Davis over the middle and Davis made one man miss for a gain of 17. Sherman looked like he interfered with Williams on third down. No call and the 49ers have to punt. The punt was blocked, but Colin Jones made a great play to prevent the touchdown. Seattle will have the ball at the 4.

Lynch punched it in on the first play to give the Seahawks the lead.

Seahawks 17 – 49ers 16

That’s it for the blog. We’ll keep you updated the rest of the way on Twitter.