For the Browns, it was heat in the kitchen at Candlestick

 “Yes, It’s highlighted by some very athletic offensive linemen”-- said Head Coach Jim Harbaugh.” 

By Larry Garcia 10/31/11
Bay Area Sports Drive

The Browns 3-3 came to the bay to play with the 5-1 west coast 49er's. This year the 49ers are flying high looking like playoff contenders and a very good 49er defense ranked number one. With the injury factor the Browns needed so badly to bandage the bleeding, they had to rely  alone with heart and  talent.

The 49ers having there best year thus far as mentioned above didn’t know wither to mix a salad-stir fry- or shake and bake. For the Browns, it was heat in the kitchen at Candlestick. The 49ers did it all. Let the heat in the kitchen roll baby.

The 49ers struck first in the first quarter with a Frank Gore run of 4 yards to go up 6 with a David Akers kick for 7-0 49ers. In the 1st quarter with 2:59 it was David Akers who kicked a 29 yard field goal to go up 10-0 49ers.

Not enough credit goes to 300 lb plus offensive linemen who generate holes in the trenches and scurry down field knocking opponents off their feet, making way for a path for destruction for their fellow teammates. “Yes. It’s highlighted by some very athletic offensive linemen, said Head Coach Jim Harbaugh.”  [T] Joe Staley in particular, but also [G] Mike Iupati, does a great job getting up on the second level. [C] Jonathan Goodwin does a great job getting up on the second level. [T] Anthony [Davis] as well. [T/G] Chilo Rachal, [T Alex] Boone and [C/G Adam] Snyder all do a good job. They’re all big, big men who are very athletic as well.”

Throughout the second half, Alex Smith stood in the pocket at will, cool calm and collective having his way with the Browns. Alex Smith and Gore trying to add the flavor to the goal stopped by the Brown’s defense on the one for a no gain from Gore. The Browns at this point of the game needed to show and receive some respect as Rodney Dangerfield would have asked for.

When the Cleveland Browns received the ball back the next series, they continued to play hot potatoes with the football fumbling three times in the first half but recovering all. It was sloppy football for the Browns. No points for the Browns with 5:52 remaining in the second quarter the 49ers manhandle Cleveland 10-0.

In the second with 1:34 left Alex Smith hit Michael Crabtree with a two-yard pass to give the 49ersa 17-0 lead over the Browns. The drive took 4:21 seconds.

With two seconds left before the half, the Browns scored a 52-yard field goal from kicker Phil Dawson to put three on the board 17-3 49ers.

If the Browns wanted a Christmas wish on the day of Sunday, 10-30-11 vs. the 49ers at Candlestick, good luck, Santa’s Elves could have been on vacation. The browns in the 3^rd quarter went long downfield for the end zone. 49er D Goldson picked off Browns QB McCoy to end the end the drive. Especially when you have the likes and stats of players such as Frank Gore for 110 yards with one TD and Crabtree with five receptions for 54 yards before the 3^rd quarter was over.

However, it’s an awakening, Cribbs grabs  a 45 yard TD pass from McCoy in the 4^th to close the gap 17-10 49ers. However, it’s not enough. With 1:56 left in the fourth, David Akers kicked a 26 Yd FG for a score of 20-10 to give the 49ers a record of 6-1.

Head Coach Jim Harbaugh was asked how imperative is this win now for you guys? Harbaugh replied, “Today? Reviewing the film, learning from that, players getting treatment, day off for the fellows. Preparing for the Redskins.”

Yes, the 49ers take it one game at a time and now ranked the number two seed. However, can the 49ers foresee ahead comes December? “As a time line? December. We’ll get to December and see how many wins we have, said Harbaugh who goes on to say, “To see how many we need as it relates to the season. We’re always living in the future in some regard in terms of planning and making that December as good as it can be. Making this Sunday as good as it can possibly be. There’s always a degree of that.”

Stat Notes:

Alex Smith finished off the day accumulating 15/24 for 177 yards with one TD.

Frank Gore finished the day 31 carries for 134 yards with one TD.

Michael Crabtree had five receptions for 54 yards with one TD.

Safety Dashon Goldson had one interception with four tackles.

Place Kicker David was 2/2 of 29 yards and 26 to contribute for six.