49ers beat Cardinals in important division matchup

<p>SAN FRANCISCO — The 49ers do not control their own destiny. But they did just fine Monday night with the portion of the playoff equation they can influence.</p><p>The 49ers remain alive in the NFC West race for at least another week, as they forced seven turnovers — including a franchise-record five fumble recoveries — in a 24-9 victory over the division-leading Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in front of a national television audience.</p><p>“I can't express how proud I am of our team,” 49ers coach Mike Singletary said.</p><p>The 49ers had all but frittered away their chance at a spot in the NFC playoffs with a horrendous across-the-board performance eight days earlier against the Seattle Seahawks.</p><p>But the club bounced back with their best showing of the year while defeating the Cardinals for the second time on the season.</p><p>“A great win,” 49ers quarterback Alex Smith said. “You know, it was a must-win for us. We came through. Defense played great.”</p><p>The 49ers (6-7) remain alive in the NFC playoff picture, as they closed to within two games of Cardinals (8-5) in the NFC West race with three games to play. They are also two games behind the Dallas Cowboys, who currently are in position for the final NFC wild-card spot.</p><p>After traveling to face the NFC East-leading Philadelphia Eagles next week, the 49ers finish with games against the lowly Detroit Lions and St. Louis Rams.</p><p>Team president Jed York, in speaking before the game, gave votes of confidence to coach Mike Singletary and general manager Scot McCloughan. In expressing his satisfaction with McCloughan's performance, York pointed out some rising stars from recent drafts.</p><p>Tight end Vernon Davis and receiver Michael Crabtree are two young playmakers on offense. And, sure enough, both players caught touchdown passes from Alex Smith.</p><p>But the 49ers' biggest playmakers were youngsters on the defensive side. And, no, Patrick Willis was not one of them.</p><p>Safety Dashon Goldson, a fourth-round pick in the 2007 draft, had a huge game with two forced fumbles and an interception. And pass-rusher Ahmad Brooks registered three sacks — and two forced fumbles.</p><p>Goldson was elevated into the starting lineup to replace Mark Roman in the offseason because of his playmaking ability. Goldson has been up and throughout the first 13 games of the season.</p><p>“He is one of the many young players we have, and as time goes on people are going to see how good he is,” Singletary said.</p><p>The 49ers claimed Brooks off waivers from the Cincinnati Bengals early last season, and converted him from middle linebacker to outside linebacker. He mostly lined up at defensive end on Monday as a third-down pass rusher.</p><p>“I think of everyone, I'm most proud of him,” Singletary said. “We were fortunate to get him. He's had to really work at being a pass rusher.”</p><p>The 49ers got a big performance from the defense, and running back Frank Gore made a return to relevance after gaining 25 yards on nine carries a week earlier against the Seahawks. Gore rushed for 167 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries Monday night.</p><p>“It was great,” Gore said. “The last couple of weeks I was very frustrated. I called coach Singletary and he told me to keep sticking with it and we're going to try to get it going. He told me to stay patient and it's going to come.”</p><p>Smith was certainly not spectacular. He missed some open receivers and attempted some ill-advised passes into coverage. But Smith connected on two touchdown passes — along with two interceptions — and the 49ers converted 8 of 16 third-down attempts.</p><p>“We really mixed it up,” 49ers center Eric Heitmann said. “We still did a lot of spread, but we also pounded it in the run game. It was a great mix, and (offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye's) play-calling was great.”</p><p>Smith experienced a better day than Kurt Warner, who completed 16 of 29 passes for 178 yards and two interceptions. He was also sacked four times.</p><p>At least Smith had the two touchdown passes to his credit.</p><p>Davis caught his 11th touchdown pass of the season — a 5-yard pass from Smith in the first quarter. Davis moved within two scores of San Diego's Antonio Gates for the NFL single-season touchdown record for tight ends. Gates caught 13 touchdown passes in 2004.</p><p>Crabtree also got into the act with a 35-yard touchdown grab in the second quarter. Crabtree plucked a high pass out of the air on a crossing route and straight-armed cornerback Bryant McFadden on the way to the end zone.</p><p>For more on the 49ers, go to Instant 49ers at blog.pressdemocrat.com/49ers. You can reach Staff Writer Matt Maiocco at matt.maiocco@press democrat.com.</p>