San Francisco Looks to End Season Strong

The San Francisco 49ers can see the light at the end of the tunnel. And for the first time in 10 years, it is shining brightly.

The 49ers (10-2) have already clinched the NFC West and are now vying for home field advantage in the playoffs and a first round bye. The last time they made the playoffs was 2002, when they beat the New York Giants before losing to the eventual champions, Tampa Bay.

Currently the 49ers hold a one game lead over New Orleans for home field behind the unbeaten Green Bay Packers.

Even the schedule favors San Francisco as they have games left against Arizona, Pittsburgh, Seattle and St. Louis. New Orleans (9-3) has games left against Tennessee, Minnesota, Atlanta and Carolina.

That final run starts Sunday when they take on the Arizona Cardinals. Both teams are coming off big wins. The 49ers off of a 26-0 win over the Rams and the Cardinals downed the Dallas Cowboys in overtime. But you can’t argue that the 49ers are coming into the game better than ever.

The defense continues to put up amazing numbers and the one that stands out is the 13 points per game they are giving up. In fact, over the last three games, San Francisco has allowed an average of 7.6 points per game. The question going into the game is the status of defensive standout linebacker Patrick Willis, who left last week’s game with a hamstring injury and is currently listed as questionable.

> Find San Francisco 49ers jerseys & hats online through Pro Football Fans for all your team gear!

But other than that, San Francisco is starting to put things together with some consistency. Alex Smith continues to look more confident every game and the offense, although becoming a field goal specialty unit, is moving the ball.

One concern is the running game, which after flourishing in mid season has suddenly become an issue. After rushing for over 100 yards in five straight games, Frank Gore has just 200 the last four games put together.

Perhaps ending the season with Seattle and St; Louis is just what the 49ers need to go into the playoffs with a full head of steam.

By Don August
ProFootball-fans.com San Francisco 49ers Correspondent