Justin Smith’s hard-working ways come into greater focus thanks to a remarkable story from ESPN.com’ Elizabeth Merrill. San Francisco’s four-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle doesn’t seek out attention, but this story certainly explains the roots of Smith’s work ethic.

Smith owns the Railwood Golf Club in Holts Summit, Mo., a course that costs $25 to play 18 holes with a cart.

“Just Smith wanted it this way,” Merrill wrote. “He didn’t want to gouge the working man who couldn’t take a Monday off to hit golf balls. Smith would prefer, though, that you didn’t know he’s the owner of this golf course nestled in the rolling hills of Central Missouri.

“His name is not on the voicemail, or the website, and that seems typical. Smith is 6-foot-4 and 285 pounds, and one of the most important players on the San Francisco 49ers’ vaunted defense, but he prefers to remain in the background. When his teammates are getting sacks, it means Smith is doing his job. Smith has a goal. When he’s finished with football, he’d like to be able to go to the grocery store without anyone recognizing him.”

Check out more of the top Super Bowl XLVII headlines after the jump.

Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News shared the initial practice reports for the 49ers with both starting outside linebackers limited in action.

Inman also offered the best quotes from Wednesday’s availability.

Mark Purdy of the San Jose Mercury News can’t get enough of the Harbaugh family.

Steve Corkan of the San Jose Mercury News shared Ed Reed’s comments on defending the 49ers zone-read plays.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee shared how Vic Fangio’s family supports the 49ers from Baltimore.

Mike Sando of ESPN.com checked in with Aldon Smith, who looks to end a recent sack-less stretch of play.

Matt Maiocco and Mindi Bach of CSNBayArea.com discussed how the 49ers are handling Super Bowl hype.

Maiocco also examined what led to the 49ers choosing Colin Kaepernick as the team’s starting quarterback

Maiocco also continued his matchup series by discussing Patrick Willis facing Ravens fullback Vonta Leach.

Chris Brown of Grantland.com broke down Joe Flacco’s arm-strength and how it leads to success for Baltimore’s offense.

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Just finished up our best practice of the season. Loved the energy and focus. We are locked in.—
Joe Staley (@jstaley74) January 30, 2013

Sounds good.

The San Francisco 49ers are set to make the franchise’s 14th appearance in the NFC title game and second in as many seasons this Sunday in Atlanta.

It will also be a homecoming for Augusta, Ga., native Carlos Rogers, one of San Francisco’s starting cornerbacks.

Rogers joined our Niner Talk podcast this week to discuss his return to his home state in addition to a number of topics. The veteran defensive back also touched on his relationship with fellow starting corner Tarell Brown, plus discussed the matchup against Atlanta’s talented receiver tandem of Roddy White and Julio Jones.

Rogers also explained why he’s not into social media, but how fans can get hear his thoughts on the team all season long.

For the Falcons perspective, we welcomed Jay Adams, the Digital Media Manager for AtlantaFalcons.com, to hear his thoughts on Atlanta’s winning ways in the Georgia Dome, the Falcons challenge of stopping Colin Kaepernick and his keys to the game.

Click here to listen to the Niner Talk podcast, which is also available on our 49ers Gameday live App.

Here are some of the highlights from both interviews.

CARLOS ROGERS

[1:00 – Rogers’ thoughts on the 49ers reaching the conference championship for a second consecutive postseason.]

“It’s a privilege to be back in this game. Eight years in this league, my last two years, last year and this year, I had an opportunity to go to this game. I was telling some of the younger guys, ‘This doesn’t come around too often.’ To get this opportunity two years in a row, this is the year I feel we really need to grab it and take advantage of this opportunity. Last year, New York came in here in our home and took it from us. We need to send that same message and go to Atlanta and take it from them.”

 [3:30 – Rogers’ thoughts on the matchup vs. Atlanta’s receivers.]

“Man, those guys, it’s like Calvin Johnson and Andre Johnson on both sides of the field, along with a Hall of Fame tight end in the middle and a real good quarterback to throw them the ball. It’s going to be a difficult challenge. A lot of the teams we’ve faced that got all the talented receivers and tight ends usually throw a lot, these guys have a balanced attack. They’ve got a running game, they’ve got a passing game – got great guys on the outside to stop. So it’s going to take a good week of preparation, studying what they do, great calls from Coach Vic (Fangio) and great exectution.”

JAY ADAMS

[11:50 – Adams’ thoughts on Atlanta’s reasons for sustained success at home under Mike Smith.]

“A lot of it has to do with the crowd. Against the Seattle last week, the crowd as loud as its ever been inside the Georgia Dome – there’s a lot of excitement in this city. But there has been ever since Mike Smith came into town in 2008 so I think that’s a big part of it. Matt Ryan is just one of those quarterbacks, he feels more comfortable at home, being able to work his offense in friendly confines. He just seems to have that intangible quality that makes him successful at home, being comfortable and being able to basically run the offense the way he wants to and not let a crowd dictate what he’s doing. I think all those things come into play and come together to make Atlanta so successful in the Georgia Dome.”

 [19:20 – Adams’ storyline of the game to track on Sunday.]

“The big one for me is the run game and how important it is for Atlanta to establish that run game, go to it, and rely on it to extend drives. I think the San Francisco defense is most difficult when they turn you into a one-dimensional team. Although the Falcons have had a lot of success in the passing game, I think they’re going to want to have that running game to go to when they need to, in order to keep drives alive, keep Matt Ryan from being hit too much. The offensive line did a great job against Seattle, I think he was only hit once. But against a San Francisco defense that brings a lot of pressure, that has Pro Bowl players on the defensive front, it could be a little more dicey. To me, getting the running game going for the Falcons is 1-A.”

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.”

As the regular season winds down, the 49ers are starting to fill up 2012 award lists and the NFC Pro Bowl roster. Mike Sando of ESPN.com offered his all-NFC West team and listed 11 49ers among the best players in the division.

Among San Francisco’s players on Sando’s list included wideout Michael Crabtree, who is having a career year in his fourth NFL season. 49ers Public Relations director Bob Lange shared this cool photo spread of Crabtree explaining his ability to make sideline catches to ESPN the Magazine reporter Anna Katherine Clemons.

The rest of today’s Morning Tailgate looks at Justin Smith’s injury, Vernon Davis’ return to practice and more.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com passed along comments from Patrick Willis about the 49ers defense without Smith.

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle noted the select company Willis joined in making six straight Pro Bowls to start his career.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee wrote that Willis will look to help fill the void left by Smith.

Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group, Maiocco and Barrows wrote that Davis has been initially cleared by a neurologist.

Branch and Inman also discussed the impact of Smith on the 49ers defense.

Kevin Lynch of the San Francisco Chronicle spotlighted five players who need to step up for the 49ers.

Jeff Deeney of Pro Football Focus takes a look ahead to the 49ers-Cardinals Week 17 matchup.

Maiocco shared comments from offensive coordinator Greg Roman about the process of calling plays.

49ers.com’s coverage included a look at the star-studded defense, Aldon Smith’s visit with NFL Network, the offense without Mario Manningham and press passes with Roman and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.

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My best is always enough. In due time. We need the smash the Cardinals and get ready for this Playoff Run. We need to bring #6 to SF.—
Bam Davis (@AnthonyDavis76) December 28, 2012

Anthony Davis is getting ramped up for the playoffs.

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 49ers are frequent inductees to Hall of Fames. Brent Jones was the latest alumni to be recognized for his stellar career, as he was recently elected to the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame along with Giants pitching coach Dave Righetti, ex-Raiders receiver Tim Brown and the late Oakland A’s owner Walter Haas, Jr.

Ron Kroichick of the San Francisco Chronicle spoke to Jones and Righetti about their Bay Area upbringings and what it means to be a part of the 2013 BASHOF.

“Jones played on three Super Bowl champions, earned four Pro Bowl berths and caught 417 passes in his career,” Kroichick wrote. “Now he’s going into a Hall of Fame filled with childhood heroes (including Willie Mays, Nate Thurmond and Fred Biletnikoff) and his 49ers teammates (including Montana, Young and Jerry Rice).”

The rest of today’s Morning Tailgate looks at Jim Harbaugh’s value to the 49ers, Colin Kaepernick vs. RGIII and more.

Bill Barnwell of Grantland.com argued that Harbaugh is the best bargain in football.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee compared the playing styles of Colin Kaepernick and Robert Griffin III.

Alain Poupart of MiamiDolphins.com shared comments from Kaepernick’s college teammate, Miami WR Rishard Matthews.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com spoke to 49ers CEO Jed York at Thursday’s “topping out” ceremony for the new Santa Clara Stadium.

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle previewed the upcoming matchup between Aldon Smith and Miami rookie tackle Jonathan Martin.

Barrows also examined the Smith-Martin matchup.

Maiocco broke down the expected battle between Alex Boone and Miami DT Randy Starks.

Mike Sando of ESPN.com tells you who to root for in Week 14 if you’re a member of the 49ers Faithful.

Sando also wrote that the 49ers-Seahawks Week 16 contest could be a prime candidate to be flexed to a primetime slot.

Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group, Barrows, Branch and Maiocco passed along coments from 49ers offensive coordinator Greg Roman.

49ers.com’s coverage included a look at the new Santa Clara Stadium “Topping Out” ceremony, Boone’s improvement, Vic Fangio’s defense and the “Lights Out” win vs. the Steelers in 2011. Scott Kegley and Taylor Price broke down the 49ers-Dolphins contest in the latest Cover 2 Presented by AAA and we also brought you press passes from Roman, Fangio and Boone.

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@TaylorPrice49 OL coach Solari has done a great job as well. Every player needs the "right" coach for them… Alex lucky to have him.—
LeCharles Bentley (@LeCharlesBent65) December 07, 2012

LeCharles Bentley has Alex Boone’s back.

Contrary to reports, no decision has been made on who will start at quarterback for the 49ers this Sunday in New Orleans. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman reiterated the team’s stance on Thanksgiving Day that the team is confident in both of the team’s top quarterbacks and that Alex Smith has to be cleared for contact.

Colin Kaepernick has taken the same amount of practice reps this week leading defensive players to believe he will make his first road start this weekend in New Orleans. That’s according to safety Donte Whitner who told The Dan Patrick Show via ProFootballTalk.com this morning that he and his teammates are under the impression Kaepernick will get the nod.

Jim Harbaugh will address the media at 1:45 p.m. and tight end Vernon Davis expects his coach to name a starter according to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com. Maiocco also notes that Smith’s final contact test could take place any time before kick-off. Team Medical Director Dr. Dan Garza could administer the test when the team lands in New Orleans to see how Smith responds to the altitude change.

Harbaugh’s press conference will be covered promptly on http://www.49ers.com/live.

NFL.com’s Eliot Harrison predicts a 49ers 25-23 win in New Orleans.

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle examines Roman’s comments on the quarterback decision.

Ron Kroichick of the San Francisco Chronicle previews the tight end matchup between Vernon Davis and Jimmy Graham.

Daniel Brown of the San Jose Mercury News profiles the growing legend of Colin Kaepernick in his hometown of Turlock, California.

49ers.com shared the comments of defensive coordinator Vic Fangio who is set to face the team he began his coaching career with in 1986.

TV49′S CLIP OF THE DAY

TWEET OF THE DAY

Enjoy a 10-percent discount on all merchandise & a free rally towel at both #49ersTeamStore locations this Friday-Sunday. #BlackFriday—
San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) November 21, 2012

Shop till you drop.

Vic Fangio coached the linebackers for the New Orleans Saints when four linebackers made the Pro Bowl at the same time.

The San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator still oversees a quality quartet of linebackers in his current role, a group he’ll bring to the place he started his NFL coaching career in 1986.

Fangio’s No. 2 overall total defense (allowing 277.2 yards per game) will head South this weekend to face one of his old employers. Fangio believes the challenge will be one of the toughest of the year against a New Orleans that has tremendous volume at its disposal.

The 49ers coordinator described the Saints offensive attack on Thanksgiving Day as “proficient and explosive.”
New Orleans ranks fifth in total offense, averaging 391.3 yards per game. Led by elite quarterback Drew Brees, who’s been in the same offensive system for several years, the Saints feature one of the most versatile offenses in the NFL.

It’s not just one player you have to worry about, many of the Saints offensive weapons have contributed to the team’s recent turnaround where they’ve won five of their last six games.

“It’s a tough ask to slow these guys down,” said Fangio of the Saints offense which averages 28.7 points per game, tied for fourth-best in the league.

In particular, tight end Jimmy Graham presents a big target for Brees all over the field and especially in the red zone.

The 49ers allowed Graham to score in the red zone when the teams met in last sesaon’s 36-32 49ers win in the NFL’s Divisional Playoff round. Despite the score, Fangio felt his unit matched up OK with the Pro Bowl tight end who has 27 touchdowns since 2010, the most in the NFC.

Fangio wants it to be even better against Graham the second time around.

“It was OK, it wasn’t as good as it needed to be,” Fangio said. “A tight end like that is a problem. You have to figure out how you want to match up.”

The 49ers coordinator has options on his side. In particular, five-time Pro Bowl linebacker Patrick Willis is coming off an excellent performance against the Chicago Bears on “Monday Night Football.” In that game, Willis consistently covered Bears running backs and tight ends in the open field with consistent success.

“He did have a good game in coverage,” Fangio said. “I thought Patrick had an exceptional game on Monday.”

Same with Aldon Smith, according to Fangio, who believes his second-year player has improved with added strength in his first season as an every-down player.

“I think he’s always had good strength, he’s gotten stronger,” Fanio said. “He’s got strong hands, too.”

Following Smith’s Monday night record, 5.5-sack performance, Fangio raved about the San Francisco linebacker’s ability to be “slithery.”

Fangio mentioned that Smith might line up as a right linebacker at times, something he did during the Monday night win over Chicago. With New Orleans suffering numerous injuries on the right side of their line, perhaps Smith might see more time against the Saints inexperienced linemen.

Fangio has time to tinker with how he’ll line up Smith on Sunday. For now, he’ll continue to gameplan against a talented Saints lineup.

It’s not like the 49ers coordinator can’t isolate one player and take them out of the game with defensive schemes. Fangio believes it’ll be a tough test across the board.

“You just have to line up and play and win some one-on-one matchups.”

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

Marshawn Lynch has the most rushing yards in the NFC. In doing so, the Seattle Seahawks Pro Bowl running back has established himself as one of the NFL’s toughest running backs to tackle while amassing 549 rushing yards and a pair of rushing touchdowns in six weeks.

“Their running game is the bread and butter of their offense; everything works off of that,” 49ers defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said two days before his ninth-ranked rush defense (92.7 yards per game) faces Lynch and the Seahawks on NFL Network’s “Thursday Night Football.”

Fangio has plenty of respect for the 5-foot-11, 215-pound running back who continues to excel in his third season with Seattle. As a result of Lynch’s hard-nosed runs, the Seahawks currently have the league’s seventh-best rushing attack, averaging 131.0 yards per game.

“He’s the best back we played last year by far,” Fangio said, recalling Lynch’s 107-yard, Week 16 performance against the 49ers last season. “He broke more tackles than any back we played against last year. He runs hard. He’s a slasher, but yet he’s got really good cutting ability.”

Lynch has been especially consistent for Seattle in recent weeks. The six-year veteran has rushed for more than 85 yards in 13 of his last 15 games.

“He’s still that same running back,” Patrick Willis said. “He runs the ball hard, is a very elusive guy. He’s a hard tackle.

Group-tackling will be a key for San Francisco’s defense this week, especially against one of the hardest runners to solo tackle in the league.

“We can’t expect one guy to make the play,” Willis said. “He’s by far one of the best running backs in this league and will be one of the best backs we’ve faced all year long – and we’ve got to face him twice.”

Only Lynch and last week’s opponent, Ahmad Bradshaw, have surpassed the 100-yard mark against the Fangio-coached 49ers defense.

Last week’s 116-yard performance from Bradshaw humbled the 49ers defense. But it didn’t sour the group’s confidence.

Fangio said the defense spent 10 minutes evaluating the Giants film.

“We spent 10 minutes on it yesterday in the meeting and moved right on to Seattle. No time this week,” Fangio said.

Willis also said it was uncharacteristic play by the 49ers rush defense in the fourth quarter, but the performance wasn’t a cause for concern.

“It wasn’t as bad as we thought it was,” Willis said. “Everything was in place until that last drive. They got some good runs on us that were uncharacteristic of our defense, but it’s part of going out there and having to finish, no matter what the situation is.”

Former 49ers linebacker and current NFL analyst Matt Millen was publically critical of Willis’ performance against New York. The words were relayed to the five-time Pro Bowl linebacker who also made an appearance on the same Bay Area radio station where Millen made the initial remarks.

A day later, however, Willis had more time to think about the criticisms and offered an apology to Millen.

“A lot of times I don’t respond to what anyone has to say… I said some things I probably wouldn’t have said,” Willis said. “I apologize for those things and have all the respect in the world for those guys who’ve played this game before me.”

Judging by the quick film study of the 26-3 loss to New York and Willis’ locker room apology, the focus is already on Seattle, a 4-2 team that’s in a three-way tie with the 49ers and Arizona Cardinals for NFC West division supremacy.

“We know Thursday is a big game for us,” Willis said. “One, because it’s the next game. But also, too, it’s in our division. We need to start it off right.”