The San Francisco 49ers beat the St. Louis Rams 26-0 and clinched the NFC West, as well as a playoff berth, for the first time since 2002.

Though the Rams seemed to be prepared for San Francisco’s running game early on, it was QB Alex Smith’s creative distribution of the ball that moved the chain. The 49ers overcame 46 yards in 10 plays on their second drive but managed to run for only 5 yards on 4 carries. Passes to WR Michael Crabtree, WR Kyle Williams and TE Vernon Davis for 10 or more yards brought the Niners into field goal range and David Akers connected on a 36-yard attempt for the only points of the first quarter.

RB Frank Gore broke Joe Perry’s franchise record of 7,344 rushing yards on San Francisco’s second play of the second quarter but the 49ers had to punt on this drive.

The St. Louis Rams turned the ball over on their own 6-yard line when LE Ray McDonald sacked QB A.J. Feeley and OLB Aldon Smith recovered the fumble. The Niners handed the ball to Frank Gore three times but the Rams were reluctant to surrender a touchdown. San Francisco had to settle for a 19-yard field goal from David Akers for a 6-0 lead.

David Akers put another three points on the scoreboard when he made a 28-yard field goal for a half time score of 9-0. The 49ers were in the red zone once again but could not make it into the end zone.

St. Louis’ first drive of the second half looked promising after former Niner WR Brandon Lloyd caught a pass for 34 yards and a first down on San Francisco’s 38-yard line but FS Dashon Goldson intercepted A.J. Feeley on the next play and was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Four plays later Alex Smith connected with Michael Crabtree on a touchdown pass of 52 yards to give the 49ers a 16-0 lead. The touchdown was set up by three running plays for 36 yards.

The 49ers reached the red zone on their next drive but couldn’t make it into the end zone once again. David Akers had to attempt his fourth field goal of the day and was successful from 34 yards.

If the red zone offense fails to score touchdowns then you have to generate them from a greater distance. Kyle Williams caught a 56-yard pass for a touchdown on San Francisco’s first drive of the final quarter.

The game was ultimately over when the St. Louis Rams turned the ball over on downs on their next possession.

Head coach Jim Harbaugh gave some of his starters some rest and brought in QB Colin Kaepernick but the rookie could not complete any of his two pass attempts. At the two-minute warning LT Joe Staley gave Jim Harbaugh the Gatorade shower as the 49ers return to the postseason for the first time since 2002.

Game Tidbits

Alex Smith completed 17 of 23 passes for 274 yards, 2 touchdowns and a career-best passer rating of 142.3.

Aldon Smith had 2 sacks and leads the team with a total of 10.

San Francisco outpossessed the Rams 36:04 to 23:56.

The 49ers committed 8 penalties for 72 yards.

RB Steven Jackson led St. Louis’ rushing with 19 yards.

San Francisco held the Rams to 31 yards on the ground.

RILB Patrick Willis’ hamstring injury, which caused him to leave the game in the first half, is not considered serious according to Jim Harbaugh.