4Akers... I mean 49ers now 10-3 on the season

Folks.  The 49ers are sitting in 2nd place in the NFC and if the season ended today we would have a first round bye in the playoffs.  Since the season does not end today the 49ers have some work to do with three games remaining on their schedule.  Let's take a second and be happy for where this team is this late in the season.  That being said, there are some things that need to be fixed if we want to keep this rolling to and through the playoffs.  The 49ers offensive line needs to play a lot better and the offense needs to get away from settling for field goals.  David Akers is a great kicker and we might need lean on him in the playoffs but not in the way we are doing right now.  Akers averages over 10 points per game and just under 3 made field goals per game.  The offense needs to take advantage of the turnover and positive starting field position that the defense sets up for them.  They lead the league in the turnover margin (+21) which you think would help set up some short field opportunities for them.  It has but for whatever reason the TD's just aren't piling up.  Take yesterday for example, Teddy Ginn takes a punt and returns it all the way down to the five yard line.  All of the sudden it was 4th down and here comes Akers!  This is not acceptable!  If you can't finish in the redzone, let alone first and goal inside the 5 yard line you can't expect to win the game.  If the 49ers can fix a few of these things, they should have a good chance to hold on the second spot in the NFC.  It all starts with a big game a week from today.  The Steelers come to town with a veteran defense and have the ability to rack up the sacks on Alex Smith just like Baltimore did on turkey day.  Looking at the schedules of the 49ers and the Saints (currently with the same record as the 49ers but sit in 3rd because of a conference record tie breaker), the 49ers will most likely need to win at least 2 of 3 since the Saints have two of three at home against inferior opponents. 

Let's hope Harbs can get the pieces lined up for Monday night's clash with the Steelers.  

Niiiiiiiiinnnnnneeerrrrrssss!!!!

Cheers,

Mr. A