San Francisco 49ers

It is no surprise that the 49ers placed a non-exclusive franchise tag on FS Dashon Goldson. The safety will make $6.2m in 2012.

Other teams could still sign the 27-year old but they would have to surrender two first-round draft picks, which is unlikely to happen. The 49ers can still work on a long-term contract extension, the franchise tag won't go into effect until July, but they don't have to worry about Goldson hitting the open market when free agency officially starts on 13 March.

Goldson had 55 solo tackles last season and a career-high 6 interceptions. The former fourth-round pick in 2007 formed a hard-hitting safety-tandem with SS Donte Whitner last season.

Arizona Cardinals

It was equally unsurprising that the Cardinals placed their non-exclusive franchise tag on DE Calais Campbell, who will earn a staggering $10.6m next year.

"Well I'm happy to be a Cardinal for at least one more year but I look forward to the possibility of getting a long term deal done as well," Campbell tweeted.

The 25-year old, who made just $555,000 in 2011, recorded 53 solo tackles, 8 sacks and one interception last season.

San Francisco’s return to the postseason could not have been more dramatic and exciting, as they defeated the New Orleans Saints 36-32 to advance to the NFC Championship game for the first time since 1997.

On New Orleans’ first drive of the game it seemed business as usual for the Saints. The offense marched 78 yards downfield, helped by a 23-yard pass interference call on SS Donte Whitner, and had a 3^rd and 6 at San Francisco’s 7-yard line. QB Drew Brees passed to RB Pierre Thomas, when Donte Whitner administered a hard hit to cause a fumble, which was recovered by RILB Patrick Willis. The Niners could not capitalize on this turnover and had to punt eventually.

San Francisco was more successful on their next drive. Starting at their own 46-yard line, it took the Niners two plays and a 49-yard pass to TE Vernon Davis to score the first touchdown of the game.

FS Dashon Goldson intercepted Drew Brees on New Orleans’ following drive and carried the ball to their 4-yard line. After two incompletions QB Alex Smith found WR Michael Crabtree for a touchdown and a 14-0 lead.

S Madieu Williams tackled WR Courtney Roby on the ensuing kick-off and LB Blake Costanzo recovered the fumble at New Orleans’ 13-yard line. The Saints’ red zone defense made a successful stand and the 49ers had to settle for a 25-yard field goal from David Akers at the start of the second quarter.

New Orleans needed to respond and they needed to do it fast. The Saints were in 49ers territory after a 20-yard catch from WR Marques Colston. 6 plays later Drew Brees found TE Jimmy Graham for a 14-yard touchdown to cut the deficit to 10.

The Saints got the ball back after a 49ers three-and-out and scored again. Starting at their own 39-yard line, it took Drew Brees 7 plays to find Marques Colston for a 25-yard touchdown and a score of 17-14.

The Saints couldn’t make it three scores in a row. Instead, CB Tarell Brown intercepted Drew Brees for the MVP-candidate’s second pick of the game.

The final two minutes of the first half saw three changes of possession but no more scores. Alex Smith lost a fumble after a sack from LB Martez Wilson but it didn’t leave the Saints with enough time to score before half time.

Although the Niners had to punt on the opening possession of the second half they basically kept the drive alive. Punter Andy Lee kicked the ball 57 yards and Blake Costanzo forced a fumble, with S Colin Jones recovering the loose ball at New Orleans’ 27-yard line. The Niners could only gain 3 yards and had to settle for a 41-yard field goal from David Akers to extend the lead to 20-14.

It was the only score in the third quarter but the final quarter of the game may have produced one of the greatest shows on grass ever.

The Saints started their drive at their own 34-yard line but it came to a halt at San Francisco’s 29-yard line. John Kasey made the field goal from 48 yards to cut the lead to 20-17.

The 49ers got the ball back after an exchange of threes-and out. The Niners were at New Orleans’ 22-yard line after a magnificent 42-yard run from RB Frank Gore. San Francisco entered the red zone on the next play but this was as far as they got. David Akers' 37-yard field goal made it 23-17 for the Niners.

The New Orleans Saints earned their first lead of the game on the next drive, when Drew Brees connected on a touchdown pass of 44 yards with RB Darren Sproles.

The Niners had a little over 4 minutes left to strike back. Vernon Davis caught a pass for 37 yards to New Orleans’ 30-yard line. San Francisco gained two more yards before Alex Smith took matters in his own hand and rushed for a 28-yard touchdown. The two-point conversion failed but the 49ers were back on top 29-24.

Drew Brees had 2:07 minutes left, but only needed 30 seconds to find Jimmy Graham for a 66-yard touchdown. The Saints successfully went for two points and took a 32-29 lead.

There were 1:32 minutes on the clock when San Francisco’s offense re-entered the field. Vernon Davis made another big play for 47 yards to get the Niners into field goal position. Moments later San Francisco had a 3^rd and 4 on New Orleans’ 14-yard line. Do you remember “The Catch” between Joe Montana and Dwight Clark from 30 years ago? If you watched yesterday’s game you witnessed “The Grab”. With 14 seconds to go Alex Smith found Vernon Davis who caught the pass on the edge of the end zone and fell backwards for the game-winning touchdown. The 49ers secured a 36-32 win over the favored New Orleans Saints.

Game Tidbits

Alex Smith completed 24 of 42 passes for 299 yards, 3 touchdowns and a passer rating of 103.2.

Vernon Davis caught 7 passes for 180 yards and 2 touchdowns. His 180 yards are an NFL record for a tight end in a single postseason game.

San Francisco converted only 27% of third downs.

The 49ers were outsacked 4-3.

The Niners allowed Drew Brees to pass for 462 yards.

San Francisco allowed Marques Colston (136), Darren Sproles 116) and Jimmy Graham (103) 100+ receiving yards.

The 49ers held the Saints to 37 yards on the ground.

The Niners won the turnover battle 5-1.

San Francisco became the first team in NFL history to score two lead-changing touchdowns in the final three minutes of the 4^th quarter in a postseason game.

The San Francisco 49ers travel to the state of Missouri for their regular season finale against the St. Louis Rams. The 49ers can clinch a first-round bye in the playoffs with a win and the St. Louis Rams are still in the running for the number one pick in the draft. The Niners are coming off a 19-17 come-from-behind win at the Seattle Seahawks, whereas the St. Louis lost 27-0 at the Pittsburgh Steelers and suffered the second shutout in four weeks. The regular season series is currently tied at 61-61-2. Both teams last met in week 13, when the 49ers beat the Rams 26-0 at The Stick.

The 49ers ruled TE Delanie Walker (jaw) out for this game. TE Justin Peele will be the number two tight end in his place. WR Kyle Williams (concussion) and WR Ted Ginn Jr. (ankle) will likely miss the contest, too. WR Brett Swain is expected to start and WR Joe Hastings has been signed from the practice squad to give the Niners three active wideouts. S Reggie Smith will return the punts in Ginn Jr.’s absence and RB Kendall Hunter will be responsible for returning kick-offs. CB Carlos Rogers (knee), CB Chris Culliver (shoulder) and FB Bruce Miller are listed as questionable but are expected to play. RILB is still questionable with a hamstring injury but could play if he feels ready. LB Larry will replace him again if Willis sits out another game.

QB Kellen Clemens will likely start for the St. Louis Rams, as QB Sam Bradford (ankle) and QB A.J. Feeley (thumb) are both doubtful. LE Chris Long is listed as questionable with an ankle injury but is expected to play. OLB Brady Poppinga (illness) and CB Josh Gordy (abdomen) are probable for the game against the 49ers.

St. Louis’ QB Kellen Clemens will get his third consecutive start of the season, as QB Sam Bradford (ankle) and QB A.J. Feeley (thumb) are doubtful to play in this game. Clemens hasn’t thrown an interception in his previous two starts but completed only 56.7% of his passes for 160 yards per game. Though this may indicate that the Rams are going to rely on the run, WR Brandon Lloyd, a former 49ers draft pick, will be the guy who has to get a passing game going. RB Steven Jackson surpassed the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the seventh consecutive time last week and remains one of the best running backs in the league. He averages 4.4 yards per carry and ran for 5 touchdowns this season. He has been voted as an alternate for the Pro Bowl. The Rams have one of the worst offensive lines in the league and Kellen Clemens may occasionally be running for his life, considering that OLB Aldon Smith is chasing the NFL sack record for rookies. St. Louis’ defensive ends are excellent pass rushers and will keep San Francisco’s offensive line constantly occupied. LE Chris Long, another Pro Bowl alternate, stands out with 13 sacks, followed by RE James Hall and Robert Quinn with 5 sacks each. MLB James Laurinaitis, St. Louis third Pro Bowl alternate, needs three solo tackles to reach 100 on the season and will try to stop San Francisco’s running backs from making big plays. CB Josh Gordy, who will likely be covering WR Brett Swain, leads the team with 3 interceptions.

Keys to Success

St. Louis defends quite well against the pass actually and ranks 5^th in the league. QB Alex Smith needs to establish a short passing game with TE Vernon Davis and RB Kendall Hunter.

Establish a running game by utilizing both RB Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter.

WR Joe Hastings could be the surprise factor, as the Rams will find it hard to prepare against him. Hastings is a good route runner and has good hands. He deserves a few looks.

Win the battle in the trenches and keep St. Louis’ defensive ends away from Alex Smith.

Aldon Smith’s chase for the record is not as important as a win. Don’t switch to a 4-3 system more often than necessary.

Stop the run. With Kellen Clemens behind center the Rams will have to run more than usual.

Prevent Brandon Lloyd from making big plays.

Special teams has to keep up the good blocking for Reggie Smith and Kendall Hunter to succeed.

Probable Starters

Offense: QB Alex Smith, RB Frank Gore, FB Bruce Miller, WR Michael Crabtree, WR Brett Swain, TE Vernon Davis, LT Joe Staley, LG Mike Iupati, C Jonathan Goodwin, RG Adam Snyder, RT Anthony Davis.

Defense: LE Ray McDonald, NT Isaac Sopoaga, RE Justin Smith, LOLB Ahmad Brooks, LILB NaVorro Bowman, RILB Larry Grant, ROLB Parys Haralson, LCB Carlos Rogers, SS Donte Whitner, FS Dashon Goldson, RCB Tarell Brown.

Prediction

San Francisco 49ers @ St. Louis Rams 24-12

The San Francisco 49ers will be represented by eight players in the Pro Bowl, which will be played in Hawaii on 29 January 2012, one week before the Super Bowl.

Starters

RILB Patrick Willis has been selected for the 5^th consecutive time. He has 71 solo tackles, 2 sacks, 1 interception and 4 forced fumbles in 12 games.

For RE Justin Smith it’s the 3^rd consecutive selection. The veteran recorded 42 solo tackles, 7 sacks and 3 forced fumbles this season.

LT Joe Staley and LCB Carlos Rogers both received their first invitation to Hawaii. Rogers has 36 solo tackles, a joint team-leading 6 interceptions and defensed 18 passes.

K David Akers will go to his 6^th Pro Bowl and 3^rd in a row. The 37-year old left footed placekicker made 42 of 49 field goals, including an impressive 7-of-9 from 50+ yards, and 30 PATs. He broke Jerry Rice’s franchise record for most points in a season and scored more field goals than any other kicker in an NFL season.

P Andy Lee was selected to the Pro Bowl for the 3^rd time. He averages 50.5 yards per punt this season.

Reserves

RB Frank Gore became the franchise rushing leader earlier this season and won his 3^rd trip to Hawaii. He is rushing for 1,202 yards and 8 touchdowns in 2011.

FS Dahon Goldson has won his first Pro Bowl nomination thanks to 52 solo tackles, 6 interceptions and 1 forced fumble.

Alternates

LILB NaVorro Bowman has 102 solo tackles and 1 sack this season. It will be his first Pro Bowl if any of the starting or backup inside linebackers isn’t available.

The same applies to LOLB Ahmad Brooks, who has 32 solo tackles, 6 sacks and 1 forced fumble.

LB Blake Costanzo is an alternate due to his outstanding play on special teams, where he recorded 10 solo tackles in 2011.

TE Vernon Davis leads the team with 6 receiving touchdowns and caught 59 passes for 674 yards. It would be his 2^nd Pro Bowl.

WR Ted Ginn Jr. could be another player to represent San Francisco’s strong special teams unit. He averages 27.6 yards per kick return and scored 1 touchdown. He also returned 1 punt for a touchdown and averages 12.3 yards per punt return.

C Jonathan Goodwin and LG Mike Iupati could possibly be representatives of San Francisco’s offensive line.

LE Ray McDonald is another player from San Francisco’s pool of talent, who could see his first trip to the Pro Bowl. This season he recorded 28 solo tackles, 6 sacks and 2 forced fumbles.

FB Bruce Miller could see his rookie campaign end with a Pro Bowl selection. He helped Frank Gore to another good season and caught 10 passes for 83 yards and 1 touchdown.

SS Donte Whitner concludes the nominations of potential 49ers for the Pro Bowl roster. The safety has 47 solo tackles, 2 interceptions and 1 forced fumble this season and, like many of his teammates, has never been to the Pro Bowl before.

The San Francisco 49ers crushed what little playoff hope the Seattle Seahawks may still have had by beating their divisional rival 19-17 at CenturyLink Field. The Niners on the other hand keep pushing for a first-round bye in the playoffs and put some pressure on the New Orleans Saints, who are facing the Atlanta Falcons on Monday night.

In the beginning it looked like the Seahawks were trying to beat the 49ers through the air. They only ran the ball twice on their first drive but their passing plays brought them closer and closer to San Francisco’s end zone. The Seahawks were in San Francisco’s half after a 44-yard reception from WR Ricardo Lockette. Three passes later WR Doug Baldwin, who was a game-time decision, caught a touchdown pass for 13 yards to give Seattle a 7-0 lead.

San Francisco needed to respond and showed that they were prepared to take risks. On 4^th and 1 at Seattle’s 48-yard line head coach Jim Harbaugh decided not to punt and QB Alex Smith ran 1 yard for another first down. The Niners were in field goal range after a 12-yard catch from WR Michael Crabtree but David Akers could not connect from 52 yards.

It didn’t take David Akers long to redeem himself. The 49ers marched down the field on their second drive, thanks to great rushing plays from RB Frank Gore and RB Kendall Hunter, but came to a halt at Seattle’s 35-yard line, when LB Leroy Hill sacked Alex Smith for a loss of 4 yards. Akers attempted a field goal from 53 yards and made it.

The Seahawks could have responded with a field goal straight away but an offensive pass interference call on WR Ben Obomanu and a sack from LILB Navorro Bowman for a loss of 4 yards moved the home team out of field goal range and they had to punt instead.

Seattle was more successful on their next possession. The Seahawks began the drive at San Francisco’s 43-yard line thanks to a 15-yard interference call on C.J. Spillman after the punt. It was mainly RB Marshawn Lynch who moved the ball close to the end zone but the Seahawks failed to get into it. Steven Hauschka restored the 7-point lead with 19-yard field goal.

The Niners had 1:30 minutes left and were determined to score before half time but turned the ball over on downs.

San Francisco needed a score on the first possession of the second half to get some momentum going. At Seattle’s 40-yard line the Niners were faced with a 4^th and 2 and decided to go for a conversion. Alex Smith didn’t just go for 2 yards but passed to TE Vernon Davis for a gain of 16 yards and an automatic first down. Davis caught another pass for 17 yards and set up Frank Gore’s 4-yard touchdown run to tie the score at 10.

San Francisco’s defense forced a three-and-out on Seattle’s next possession and WR Kyle Williams, who replaced the injured WR Ted Ginn Jr., returned the punt for 36 yards to Seattle’s 48-yard line. Frank Gore, Kendall Hunter and Alex Smith seemed unstoppable and ran the ball deep into Seattle’s red zone. Once there the progress stopped but David Akers’ 29-yard field goal gave the Niners their first lead of the game. The momentum had clearly shifted in San Francisco’s favor.

The 49ers forced yet another three-and-out and the offense repeated their now successful formula: Run, run and run. Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter moved the offense deep into Seattle territory but were stopped before the red zone. David Akers hit a field goal from 44-yards to give the Niners a 16-10 lead.

San Francisco had the win all but wrapped up, had it not been for a mishap on special teams. LB Heath Farwell blocked a punt from Andy Lee and Marshawn Lynch rushed for a 4-yard touchdown on Seattle’s subsequent first down.

The 49ers didn’t seem to be affected by this setback and restored the order of things within minutes. WR Michael Crabtree caught a pass for 41 yards at Seattle’s 28-yard line. Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter gained another 7 yards to set up David Akers’ field goal from 39 yards.

There were 1:18 minutes left to play when QB Tarvaris Jackson attempted to run for a first down at San Francisco’s 48-yard line. LB Larry Grant came from behind and stripped the quarterback for the only turnover of the game, when SS Donte Whitner recovered the fumble.

The Niners only managed to take 15 seconds off the clock on their ensuing drive but the Seahawks turned the ball over on downs and San Francisco’s 19-17 win at the Seattle Seahawks was official.

Game Tidbits

Alex Smith completed 14 of 26 passes for 179 yards and a passer rating of 75.6.

Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter rushed for a combined 156 yards.

OLB Aldon Smith recorded his team-leading 14^th sack of the season and needs one more to set a new NFL record for rookies.

San Francisco converted only 20% of third downs but went 2-for-3 on fourth downs.

The 49ers outsacked the Seahawks 3-2.

David Akers set a new NFL record for field goals made in a season with 42.

Alex Smith is tied with Joe Montana for most fourth quarter come-from-behind road wins in one season for the 49ers with 4.

TE Delanie Walker suffered a jaw injury and could miss the rest the season.

Kyle Williams left the game with a potential concussion.

Marshawn Lynch ran for 107 yards and is the first running back since week 11 of the 2009 season to top 100 yards against the Niners. He is also the first running back to rush for a touchdown against San Francisco this season.

It’s prime time football for the San Francisco 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers and both teams still have a lot to play for. The Niners lost at the Arizona Cardinals 21-19 last week and have to battle the New Orleans Saints for the number-two seed in the NFC playoff race. The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Cleveland Browns last Sunday and can still clinch home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. This game features the best rushing defense (SF) in the league and the best passing defense (PIT). The 49ers lead the regular season series 10-9. The Steelers beat the 49ers 37-16 when both sides last met in 2007.

RILB Patrick Willis will likely miss a second consecutive game for the 49ers because of a hamstring injury. LB Larry Grant will start a second game in a row. LT Joe Staley is listed as questionable with a concussion but is cleared for contact. He will be a game-time decision but it is possible that he can play. Pass protection will be crucial against the Steelers and the Niners need Staley as QB Alex Smith’s bodyguard. If he can’t go Alex Boone will replace him. FB Bruce Miller (knee) and WR Braylon Edwards (knee) are listed as questionable but are expected to play. WR Ted Ginn Jr. is likely to start alongside WR Michael Crabtree.

The Pittsburgh Steelers will be without LB James Harrison, who is serving a one-game suspension for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Cleveland’s QB Colt McCoy last week, and C Maurkice Pouncey (ankle). LG Doug Legursky will move to center and G Trai Essex will get the start at the left guard position. QB Ben Roethlisberger is listed as questionable with an ankle injury and will be a game-time decision. Veteran QB Charlie Batch will get the start if Roethlisberger can’t play but it becomes more and more likely that Roethlisberger will be behind center. RT Marcus Gilbert (illness) and SS Troy Polamalu (hamstring) are listed as probable and are expected to play.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are no longer a run-first team with a stellar defense. 55.2% of their plays are passes, which is good for 9^th in the league in passing yards per game. Ben Roethlisberger completes 64.3% of his passes and has thrown 21 touchdowns and 11 interceptions for a passer rating of 95.6. His favorite targets are Mike Wallace, who accounts for 8 touchdowns this season, and Antonio Brown, who needs 75 receiving yards to break the 1,000-yard mark for the first time in his young career. RB Rashard Mendenhall may not rush for 1,000 yard this season and averages 3.8 yard per carry but he is a powerful runner and can gain yardage through the middle. Pittsburgh’s offensive line allows 2.8 sacks per game and struggles in pass protection. OLB LaMarr Woodley leads the Steelers with 9 sacks and is the biggest pass rushing threat, especially with James Harrison (8 sacks) suspended. Pittsburgh’s defensive backs don’t intercept many passes but they do not allow many yards after the catch. CB William Gay and CB Ike Taylor lead the team with 2 interceptions apiece. SS Troy Polamalu is an integral part of Pittsburgh’s blitzing game.

Keys to Success

Pittsburgh’s pass rush may be less dangerous without James Harrison but Alex Smith still needs to get rid of the ball fast. Use slants and screens and involve the running backs in the passing offense.

The Steelers will focus on defending the run. Let Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter share the carries to wear the defense down.

Pittsburgh defends well against tight ends. It makes sense to use multiple wide receiver sets.

Line up tight ends on the right side for pass protection.

Win the battle in the trenches.

RE Justin Smith and OLB Aldon Smith have to put pressure on Ben Roethlisberger.

Do not let the Steelers establish a running game.

Stop Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown from making big plays.

Control the clock and keep Pittsburgh’s offense on the sidelines.             

Probable Starters

Offense: QB Alex Smith, RB Frank Gore, FB Bruce Miller, WR Michael Crabtree, WR Ted Ginn Jr., TE Vernon Davis, LT Joe Staley, LG Mike Iupati, C Jonathan Goodwin, RG Adam Snyder, RT Anthony Davis.

Defense: LE Ray McDonald, NT Isaac Sopoaga, RE Justin Smith, LOLB Ahmad Brooks, LILB NaVorro Bowman, RILB Larry Grant, ROLB Parys Haralson, LCB Carlos Rogers, SS Donte Whitner, FS Dashon Goldson, RCB Tarell Brown.

Prediction

San Francisco 49ers v Pittsburgh Steelers 19-17