Something clicked with 49ers nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin in the second half of last season. He finished strong once the 49ers went exclusively to a 3-4 defensive scheme. And he has picked up this season where he left off.

Franklin has provided the 49ers with outstanding play through the first nine games of the season. Sports Illustrated's Peter King, one of the hardest-working and most-respected reporters in the country, named Franklin to his Midseason All-Pro team.

Here's an interview I conducted with Franklin on Thursday: 

Generally, nose tackle is not a position that stuffs the stat sheet. However, Franklin ranks third on the 49ers behind Patrick Willis and Dashon Goldson with 56 tackles, including 6.5 for loss. The seven-year pro also has a career-high two sacks, which is tied with New Orleans' Remi Ayodele for most in the league from a nose tackle.

* * *

--The 49ers have their backs against the wall. Obviously, it's an important game for both the 49ers (4-5) and the Packers (5-4) on Sunday at Lambeau Field. "Both of us are the hunt for a wild-card," Franklin said. "If we win out, we have a good shot of going to the playoffs."

--The 49ers own the No. 3 run defense in the league. The team's goal is to shut down the run and make the opponent one-dimensional. Green Bay's Ryan Grant is ninth in the NFL with 700 yards on 168 rushing attempts (4.2 average).

"It's really big," Franklin said. "Week in and week out, as a defensive line, our goal is to keep those guys under 100 yards. If get to third and long, we'll have an advantage."

--Franklin did not appear to begin making big contributions until after defensive coordinator Greg Manusky received autonomy from Mike Singletary after the departure of Mike Nolan. That is when Franklin says his game took off. He said Manusky focused on doing "the things we do well." That enabled the 49ers' defense to play fast, Franklin said.

"Coach Manusky gives me a little leeway and if he thinks I can go ahead and penetrate, he gives me a chance to go ahead," said Franklin, who added he still "two-gaps" a lot, too.

--Franklin is signed through this season. He is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent. I asked if his uncertain future every weighs on his mind.

"It kind of does, but right now my main goal is to help get to the playoffs and hopefully I'll be back here," Franklin said.

--If Franklin were to become a free agent, he would likely command big money on the open market. It is likely the 49ers will take whatever steps necessary to keep him around in 2010. If the organization can't sign him to an extension, the 49ers would probably attempt to restrict Franklin's ability to hit the open market by placing the franchise tag on him. When I asked about that possibility, he said he'll "worry about that after the season."

* * *

Here's more in today's paper on my podcast subject of yesterday, Frank Gore, and his responsibilities in Sunday's game.

* * *

The 49ers will now have two walk-through practices - short review sessions -- before hitting Lambeau Field for Sunday's game. The club will have a walk through tomorrow morning in Santa Clara before taking a flight to Green Bay on Friday afternoon.

Coach Mike Singletary said this unusual format gives the team a little extra time for film work and review before facing the Packers, a team that has shown a lot of different wrinkles in their first nine games this season. The 49ers last played a week ago, so the advantage of having extra days before a game comes at a good time

But Singletary admits that might some issues because this week has been a break in the typical routine. The 49ers usually practice base offense on Wednesday, third downs on Thursday and red-zone on Friday. This week, they moved up each of those sessions up a day.

Michael Robinson was excused from practice today "for personal reasons." A club spoksman said, "It's nothing bad." Robinson will make the trip to Green Bay. 

49ERS INJURY REPORT

OUT: CB Nate Clements (shoulder), LT Joe Staley (knee).

Did not practice: LB Takeo Spikes (hamstring), RB Michael Robinson (not injury related).

Limited practice: DL Justin Smith (back). 

Full practice: WR Isaac Bruce (ankle, elbow), RB Glen Coffee (concussion), WR Michael Crabtree (knee), DL Demetric Evans (shoulder), S Michael Lewis (quadriceps), S Mark Roman (knee), T Adam Snyder (shoulder).

PACKERS INJURY REPORT

Did not practice: LB Desmond Bishop (ankle), DE Cullen Jenkins (ankle), C Scott Wells (concussion).

Limited practice: T Allen Barbre (ankle), DE Johnny Jolly (back), RB John Kuhn (hand), LB Clay Matthews (jaw).

Full practice: CB Charles Woodson (hip), LB Brad Jones (concussion), LB Brandon Chillar (hand), TE Jermichael Finley (knee), LB Aaron Kampman (concussion), T Mark Tauscher (knee), LB Brady Poppinga (quadriceps).

* * * 

It's rare these days in the NFL for a running back to play as much as Frank Gore. But there's a reason he's always on the field. Of the team's running backs, he's the best runner. He's also the best pass-catcher. And he also handles all of the blocking chores that come along with it as well as anybody.

Gore must be on top of his game Sunday in all three of those areas against the Packers. Here's an interview I had with Gore:

During our talk, Gore said it makes no difference to him whether he runs from the I-formation, the shotgun or the Wildcat. (Last week against the Bears, he gained 25 yards after sweeping around the right side on a direct snap.)

Gore said he likes that the defense is spread out a little more in the shotgun. "You can see the defense better," he said.

Offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye talked about the challenges of facing the Packers defense on Sunday. He said the Packers like to bring defensive back Charles Woodson on blitzes. That means Gore will have to pick him up. Also, Green Bay has made defensive end Aaron Kampman an outside linebacker.

"They create a mismatch over there on that side with a back trying to block a defensive lineman off of a two-point stance," Raye said.

So Gore is going to have a huge challenge ahead of him to diagnose what defensive coordinator Dom Capers dials up for the Packers' defense.

"I just have to know what I'm doing," Gore said. "They bring a lot of pressure. As long as I feel I know what I'm doing and what man to block. I'm going to try my best to block him."

And how will he go about blocking Kampman, a 260-pounder who has 39.5 sacks the past 3 ½ seasons?

"I just have to attack - get as close as I can before he can make moves, attack and keep working," Gore said.

Gore said he is confident the 49ers' offense can become productive in the final seven games of te season, as long as everybody is on the same page.

"Since I've been here, this is most-talented team," Gore said. He noted that Vernon Davis has matured into a big threat, and there are talented receivers with Michael Crabtree, Josh Morgan and Jason Hill. He also noted Delanie Walker is gaining more experience.

"They (the defense) has to respect those guys," Gore said. "And if they respect those guys, it makes it easier on me."

* * *

Prior to the season, the big questions about the 49ers centered on their offensive line and their pass rush. A lot has been made about the team's line. And the pass rush started the season pretty well.

But the pass rush has showed down. The 49ers rank 29^th in the league in sacks per pass play - better than only Houston, Kansas City and Jacksonville. The pass rush should be able to get well Sunday against the Packers, who surrender more sacks than any team in the league.

* * *

Tying up a couple loose ends . . .

A few days ago I wrote that I "didn't think" the 49ers would be inclined to slap the franchise tag on nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin if they don't sign him to a long-term extension. I'm officially changing my stance on that one. The franchise tag is likely to rise to about $6.9 million for 2010, and the 49ers have gotten Franklin on the cheap for these past three seasons at $6 million total during that time. This is clearly his most impressive and consistent season. He reported to camp 15 pounds lighter and in great physical condition. The scheme suits him a lot better than in the past, as he can rely on his quickness rather than being responsible for two gaps in the run game all the time. And, heck, doesn't everybody perform better in a contract year? Based on how well he has performed (he ranks third on the team in tackles!) and how highly his defensive teammates speak of him, I think the 49ers will control his rights for next season with a franchise tender. Rather than see him go to the highest bidder in free agency without getting some nice compensation, the 49ers have to use the franchise tag on him.

Also, the 49ers are confident left tackle Joe Staley will be back on the field for the Dec. 14 game against the Cardinals. There is less optimism about cornerback Nate Clements. They're probably looking at the final two games of the regular season for him. And while there might be some discussion about reducing his contract in the offseason and tinkering with a move to safety, he'll return as a cornerback, of course.

* * *

Rookie Scott McKillop immediately entered the game to replace Spikes late in the first half. But veteran Matt Wilhelm took his place at the start of the second half. Wilhelm signed with the 49ers on Oct. 19 when the club placed veteran Jeff Ulbrich on injured reserve.

"That's the reason I'm here," Wilhelm said. "I know the defense. Some of the angles are a little different, but it's very similar to what I've had in the past. As a backup, you know if your opportunity arises, you have to be ready."

Wilhelm is scheduled to start against the Packers if Spikes is unable to play. Wilhelm recorded six tackles, including one for a loss in the 49ers win over the Bears.

Here's defensive coordinator Greg Manusky on Wilhelm, whom he coached while an assistant with the Chargers:

"If TK [Spikes] can't go then Matt will be the starter. He is a pro. He has been in some big games himself and he will do well. If TK can get ready to go, I know he is studying film and doing the most he can to get ready for the game and we're expecting him to be ready."

Why did Wilhelm play in the second half instead of McKillop?

"Matt has been in a lot of situations in San Diego and has played a lot of games and was a starter. We just felt comfortable with Matt being in there at the time. That's why we made the transition. Nothing against Scott, it is just that right now we felt Matt had a better feel for the game and we were confident in his ability to play."

How did Wilhelm play?

"He played pretty well, which we expected. That's what backup players are in this league, and you are looking at one. When you get your opportunity, you have to go in there and make the most of it. That's what we expected him to do and he did it so it was great."

* * *

49ERS INJURY REPORT

OUT: CB Nate Clements (shoulder), LT Joe Staley (knee).

Did not practice: LB Takeo Spikes (hamstring), NT Aubrayo Franklin (not injury related; given a day off for rest).

Limited practice: DL Justin Smith (back). 

Full practice: WR Isaac Bruce (ankle, elbow), RB Glen Coffee (concussion), WR Michael Crabtree (knee), DL Demetric Evans (shoulder), S Michael Lewis (quadriceps), RB Michael Robinson (shoulder), S Mark Roman (knee), T Adam Snyder (shoulder).

PACKERS INJURY REPORT

Did not practice: LB Desmond Bishop (ankle), DE Cullen Jenkins (ankle), LB Brady Poppinga (quadriceps).

Limited practice: CB Charles Woodson (hip), LB Clay Matthews (jaw), LB Brad Jones (concussion).

Full practice: LB Brandon Chillar (hand), TE Jermichael Finley (knee), LB Aaron Kampman (concussion), RB John Kuhn (hand), T Mark Tauscher (knee).

* * *

The 49ers' coaches got a nice head start for preparing to face the Packers. Jimmy Raye did a lot of film study before sitting down with his big-screen high-def TV to watch the Packers face the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.

He said the Packers' defense "looked like a totally different team." (Meaning: The Packers rarely show much of the same look in back-to-back games.)

"From looking at it on the TV copy, they were borderline dominant in that game," Raye said. "I think it was way deep into the game before the Cowboys even had a first down in the game. So, as we started, then we had to include how they played Dallas in the game plan that was specific for Dallas and how they played that. So we had to make some adjustments as we went along."

Green Bay defensive coordinator Dom Capers runs a hybrid 3-4 scheme that makes dramatic scheme adjustments depending on the opponent. So the 49ers will try to guess along and figure what the Packers showed in their first nine games that they might apply to Sunday's game plan.

Raye believes the Packers will "target" slowing down Frank Gore and Vernon Davis. But the 49ers are changing, too. Raye said the 49ers have become a "little more thrown than run" with Alex Smith at quarterback.

Certainly, there is a lot of factors behind the stats, but the 49ers have averaged 57.7 passing yards per quarter (230.8 yards per game) with Smith at quarterback. While Shaun Hill was at quarterback, the 49ers averaged 42.9 passing yards per quarter (or 171.6 passing yards per game).

"We're going to do what we do best and see how they adjust to stop what we do," Raye said.

* * *

Raye has coached in the NFL every season since 1977. He said he has coached only two games in Lambeau Field. One was quite memorable:

Raye had sustained a broken leg when he got hit by a motorist while jogging. He was on crutches for the game. On Dec. 1, 1985, a blizzard hit Lambeau Field during the game. Steve Young, then the Bucs' quarterback, was slammed to the ground - face first into the snow. Young couldn't breathe because the snow had packed inside his facemask. Several teammates rushed to his assistance to help clear the snow from his helmet.

After the game, Raye had to be lifted onto the shoulders of several Buccaneers employees because he could not walk, with a cast on his leg, through the snow.

* * *

The 49ers are going through practice right now. It's a Wednesday, of course, but today they have their typical "Thursday" practice that focuses on third downs.

* * *

Chico native and Cal product Aaron Rodgers joined the 49ers writers on a conference call this morning. Rodgers, the starting quarterback for the Packers, opposes the 49ers for the first time in a regular season game. Rodgers said the 49ers still hold a special place in his heart. He said he holds no grudges against the team for not selecting him with the No. 1 overall pick in 2005.

Here is a portion of the conference call . . .

* * *

Here's what Rodgers had to say:

--He said there were more emotions when he played against the 49ers in the 2008 exhibition season because it was played in San Francisco. "When you grow up fan of a team that doesn't go away," he said. "I have a lot of fond memories from watching them on TV."

--Rodgers wore a Joe Montana T-shirt under his pads at Cal. Where is the shirt now? "Not sure," he said. Rodgers has moved three times he said. It might be back in storage in Chico. "It's not lost. It's misplaced at the moment," he said.

--Admittedly, I asked a stupid question. Last year, there was a lot of talk that the 49ers devised a defensive scheme with a lot more blitzes than usual for an exhibition game to make sure that Rodgers did not come into Candlestick and have a big game. My question was stupid because I asked if the 49ers wanted to make sure he didn't have any success. Isn't that the whole idea of playing defense? Geez.

"I'm sure they were trying to win the game," Rodgers said. "That's our philosophy (too). They smacked us pretty good. Other than that, I try to block out the memories of that game."

--Does he harbor any ill feelings about the 49ers for selecting Alex Smith over him with the No. 1 pick in the draft? "No, absolutely not. I firmly believe things happen for a reason."

--And what is that reason?

He said he was supposed to be picked by Green Bay and sit behind Brett Favre for three seasons before getting his chance.

--He did not want to play the "what if" game. "I don't like to get into hypothetical stuff," Rodgers said.

--Rodgers said 49ers middle linebacker Patrick Willis "makes it all go." He said the 49ers defense is playing very well as a whole, and Willis is "one of the premier defensive players in the league." Rodgers added that the front seven is solid and the guys in the secondary are making plays.

* * *

I also did a podcast with Frank Gore today. He will have a full work load on Sunday - and I'm not just talking about running and catching the football.

* * *

Balmer has not been able to crack the starting lineup ahead of Justin Smith, Aubrayo Franklin or Isaac Sopoga, but he gets action at left defensive end and some at nose tackle in the defensive-line rotation in base situations.

When he has gotten on the field, Balmer has done a pretty good job. Like most defensive linemen in this scheme, he is never going to put up huge statistics. But the team has been pleased that the level of play does not noticeably drop off when he gets on the field. And, from what I've seen, his commitment and hustle has never been an issue.

So, here's my interview with Balmer from earlier today . . . 

Mike Singletary met with the media this morning for the first time since Friday. The team did not practice Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Monday. Today, they are installing the base packages of their game plan to face the Packers.

Among the topics Singletary addressed:

--As expected, cornerback Nate Clements (shoulder) and tackle Joe Staley (knee) will not play Sunday against the Packers.

--Linebacker Takeo Spikes (hamstring) is day-to-day. Veteran Matt Wilhelm will get the start, if Spikes is unable to play.

--Running back Glen Coffee and defensive lineman Demetric Evans will both play, Singletary said. Evans missed two games with a shoulder injury, while Coffee was sideline for one game with a concussion.

--Singletary announced Josh Morgan will start, and Isaac Bruce will not. OK, I took the bait. I'll write about this for tomorrow's paper, but this is not exactly news. After all, Morgan has started all nine games. Bruce has not started the past three games. Even before he did not suit up with what the team described as an ankle injury, Bruce was not in the starting lineup for the two previous games he was healthy. Singletary said the team feels "Josh Morgan is ready." Those words were echoed by Bruce, who said he knew he was just holding Morgan's spot.

--When asked if Bruce would be the No. 3 receiver, Singletary said he wasn't sure whether he'd be the third, fourth or fifth receiver. One would think Jason Hill has done enough to hold onto the No. 3 job.

--Fill-in left tackle Barry Sims is doing an "outstanding" job in place of Staley, Singletary said. I asked if the 49ers would consider keeping Sims at left tackle after Staley's return, and Singletary said they'd consider it but he said he didn't think that would happen unless Staley is just too rusty.

OK, then what about moving Sims to right tackle? Singletary answered, "Probably not. (Adam) Snyder is doing a good job on that side."

* * *

The NFL announced today an update on the leading vote-getters for the Pro Bowl. Only one 49ers player, Patrick Willis, made the list. Balloting continues through Dec. 21.

Only the leaders were revealed. Willis leads all NFC inside linebackers with 115,350 votes. Note to Vernon Davis followers: Atlanta's Tony Gonzalez leads NFC tight ends.

* * *

On Sunday, the 49ers face the Packers in a game with huge NFC playoff implications. The time seemed right to dredge up the 2005 draft again.

As it turned out, 49ers personnel chief Scot McCloughan had pegged Smith as the No. 1 overall pick before he took the job with the 49ers. Mike Nolan arrived at the same conclusion after a while.

Here is a look back at the articles I wrote when Smith and Rodgers visited the 49ers . . .

* * * 

SMITH COMBINES CONFIDENCE, HUMILITY AS TOP DRAFT PROSPECT

Published on April 13, 2005

© 2005- The Press Democrat

BYLINE:    MATT MAIOCCO
SANTA CLARA -- Forgive Alex Smith if he seems a bit overwhelmed with the possibility of being the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. All this talk is new to him.

He said he wants to be the top selection, but he is not so sure he will be ready to be a starting NFL quarterback as a rookie.

``That would be the goal for myself, to absolutely play early,'' Smith said Tuesday during his visit to the 49ers' practice facility. ``It's the best way to learn. You can learn only so much on the sidelines.

``At the same time, if I'm not playing well, if things aren't meshing right away, the possibility of being able to watch for a few games would be enticing.''

Smith said he could not have imagined several months ago that the 49ers, who have the top selection in the April23 draft, would consider him a serious candidate for the coveted spot.

``I think I was so ingrained into football and into school, I didn't think about anything else,'' he said. ``And then the season ended, and all of a sudden, this opportunity kind of presented itself, and I realized I had an opportunity to leave early.''

A year ago, draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. had Smith rated as the ninth-best quarterback among juniors-to-be.

Smith, fresh off leading Utah into national prominence with an 11-0 record, decided to forgo his senior season to enter the NFL draft. The 49ers appear focused on taking a quarterback, either Smith or Aaron Rodgers of Cal, with the top pick. Both quarterbacks decided to leave school after their junior seasons.

Smith met with the 49ers on Tuesday. Rodgers is scheduled to tour the facility today.

Although many believe Rodgers is the front-runner, the 49ers have spent a lot of time examining Smith's credentials. Coach Mike Nolan, offensive coordinator Mike McCarthy, quarterbacks coach Jim Hostler and vice president of player personnel Scot McCloughan have watched Smith work out twice in the past four weeks.

One of the concerns with Smith is that he compiled big numbers at Utah in coach Urban Meyer's gimmick offense, using such devices as the shotgun formation and shovel passes. When the 49ers paced him through a workout last week in Salt Lake City, Smith received snaps from former 49ers offensive lineman Guy McIntyre and threw passes to 49ers receivers Brandon Lloyd and Arnaz Battle.

``If I were a big, immobile guy I'd say that would be a concern,'' Smith said. ``Athletically, I feel I bring the most to the table and I've been under center my whole life, so dropping back is not going to be hard for me.''

Smith tried to make the argument that the offense he ran at Utah, though it looks nothing like any professional system, makes him more NFL-ready than Rodgers.

``I think as far as football knowledge and the things I was asked to carry on my shoulders under that system has me more prepared than any quarterback,'' he said. ``Making checks at the line of scrimmage, reading defenses, what I was asked to know and do, was more than anybody else. I feel even more prepared because I played in that system.''

Smith said he wants to be the No. 1 pick in the draft but seemed conflicted when asked about stepping into the lineup right away. Nolan has said that if the 49ers select a quarterback, he would expect that player to immediately rise to the top of the depth chart.

``That definitely depends on how well I'm doing coming into camp, how well the other quarterbacks are playing, how well I'm picking up the system,'' Smith said. ``So it's tough to say. I feel like I can step in right away and if all goes well, play early. But that's tough to say right now. We'll see when we get into minicamps and summer throwing the ball and then into the real camp and playing in some preseason games. That will show for sure.''

Smith or Rodgers would be under intense scrutiny as a first pick. Eli Manning, the No. 1 pick last year, received $20 million in guaranteed money from the New York Giants.

Moreover, the new quarterback would be following the lineage of Hall of Famers Joe Montana and Steve Young. Even Jeff Garcia, who earned three consecutive trips to the Pro Bowl, had a rough time living up to the comparisons.

``Obviously, this is a young team. This is not something that's going to be turned around right away. We're not going to be winning Super Bowls next year, I don't imagine, although we'd like to,'' Smith said.

``I think you've got to put in the work and hopefully winning in the end will take care of everything. If you win games, there's not going to be that criticism.''

* * *

RODGERS MAKES HIS CASE: EX-CAL QB SAYS HE'S PERFECT FIT FOR 49ERS

Published on April 14, 2005

© 2005- The Press Democrat

BYLINE:    MATT MAIOCCO

SANTA CLARA -- A week and a half before the 49ers must make their decision, there still is no sign who they intend to select with the No.1 overall pick in the NFL draft.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who left Cal after his junior year, visited the team's offices on Wednesday. He is the final candidate for the top pick to get the grand tour, following former Utah quarterback Alex Smith and Michigan receiver Braylon Edwards. The 49ers also entertained cornerback Antrel Rolle of Miami, but he is considered more of an option if the team traded out of the No.1 slot.

A receiver has been the No.1 pick just once in the last 20 years, so all indications are that the 49ers will choose a quarterback on April23. And there seems to be plenty of debate over whether Smith or Rodgers should be the man.

Sources indicate the team is divided. Team vice president of player personnel Scot McCloughan, among others, apparently favors Smith, while others in the organization, including perhaps coach Mike Nolan, think highly of Rodgers. Nolan has the final say on all personnel matters. Neither Nolan nor McCloughan was available for comment.

One factor that might weigh into the 49ers' decision are the negotiations that already have started with the top prospects.

Smith's agent, Tom Condon, negotiated Eli Manning's contract with the New York Giants last season, and it is doubtful he will settle for less than the $20 million guarantee that Manning received as part of his convoluted six-year, $54 million contract.

Condon is scheduled to fly to the Bay Area today to meet with director of football operations Paraag Marathe, who is the team's chief negotiator. Rodgers' agent, Mike Sullivan, visited the 49ers on Wednesday, along with his client.

``I think I'm a guy you can build around,'' Rodgers said. ``I think my leadership style, plus my skills, make me the kind of guy you can stick in a situation and then bring guys in to make me better and make the team better.''

Unlike Smith, who a day earlier preached patience with the 49ers following their 2-14 record, Rodgers said he expects the organization to make a dramatic improvement in 2005.

``(With a) brand new coach in, bringing the top pick in, I think the expectations are going to be high, and they should be,'' Rodgers said. ``And the Bay Area should expect this team to be a lot better next year.''

Rodgers, who grew up 150 miles north of San Francisco in Chico, was a fan of the 49ers through his youth. Still, he claims to be blissfully unaware of the possibility that the top pick could be under a lot of pressure.

``The only thing we talked about was just making sure that I felt comfortable during the whole process, just not to put too much pressure on me,'' Rodgers said. ``But any expectations the media and the team can put on me doesn't meet up with the expectations I put on myself.''

Rodgers, at 6-foot-2, is two inches shorter than Smith. Both are seen as similar athletes, with Rodgers possessing a stronger throwing arm. However, some NFL scouts see minor, correctable flaws in Smith's mechanics that should enable him to gain some arm strength.

Smith took all of his college snaps out of the shotgun formation in Urban Meyer's gimmick offense at Utah, while Rodgers ran a West Coast-type offense under coach Jeff Tedford at Cal.

``It's a pretty big advantage,'' Rodgers said. ``Dropping back and making a read is a lot different than catching the ball and being in the pocket already, I think. No offense to him (Smith), he's a great quarterback and he put up some great numbers, but it's going to take a little bit of time for him, I think, to get adjusted to doing that.''

The knocks on Rodgers are that he appears too mechanical with the way he holds the ball up high as he drops back and that he has a difficult time reading defenses down the field.

* * *  

Looking at the schedule a couple weeks ago, that prospect looked extremely difficult.

But after perusing the NFC standings, I've arrived at a different conclusion: There is no question the 49ers are right in the middle of the playoff race, and they're actually looking pretty good.

One of the teams in front of the 49ers is this week's opponent, the Green Bay Packers. This might be a good time for the 49ers to put an end to their six-game losing streak in Green Bay. The last time the 49ers won at Lambeau Field was 1990. Later in the season, the 49ers face one of the other teams currently ahead of them in the wild-card hunt, the Philadelphia Eagles.

The encouraging thing for the 49ers is that each all of their remaining seven games is winnable. The current division leaders are New Orleans (8-0), Minnesota (8-1), Dallas (6-3) and Arizona (6-3).

Here's a look at the remaining schedules for the 49ers and their main wild-card competition (two wild-card teams make the playoffs):

49ERS (4-5) - At Green Bay; vs. Jacksonville; at Seattle; vs. Arizona; at Philadelphia, vs. Detroit; at St. Louis. Conference record, 4-2.

EAGLES (5-4) - At Chicago; vs. Washington; at Atlanta; at NY Giants; vs. 49ers; vs. Denver; at Dallas. Conference record, 4-2.

FALCONS (5-4, including win over 49ers) - At NY Giants; vs. Tampa Bay; vs. Philadelphia; vs. New Orleans; at NY Jets; vs. Buffalo; at Tampa Bay. Conference record, 4-3.

PACKERS (5-4) - Vs. 49ers; at Detroit; vs. Baltimore; at Chicago; at Pittsburgh; vs. Seattle; at Arizona. Conference record, 4-3.

NY GIANTS (5-4) - Vs. Atlanta; at Denver; vs. Dallas; vs. Philadelphia; at Washington; vs. Carolina; at Minnesota. Conference record, 3-3.

CAROLINA (4-5) - Vs. Miami; at NY Jets; vs. Tampa Bay; at New England; vs. Minnesota; at NY Giants; vs. New Orleans. Conference record, 4-4.

CHICAGO  (4-5, including loss to 49ers) - Vs. Philadelphia; at Minnesota; vs. St. Louis; vs. Green Bay; at Baltimore; vs. Minnesota; at Detroit. Conference record, 2-4.

* * *

If a tie must be broken among two teams, head-to-head result is the first tie-breaking procedure applied. After that and with multiple teams, best win-loss-tied percentage in games played within the conference would likely determine the conference representatives. (If still tied, the next likely tie-breaker would be strength of victory.)

* * *

My replacement computer is on the way after my original was so rudely removed from my parked car outside a S.F. restaurant after Thursday's game. But in the meantime I'm borrowing my wife's laptop to address some topics that have been of particular interest to those who have Tweeted me in recent days.

Who will be the 49ers' starting quarterback in 2010?

Of course, that's impossible to answer with seven games remaining in the season, but the quarterback on the roster who has the best chance of being the team's "quarterback of the future" is the man who is also the 49ers' quarterback of the present.

Alex Smith will get the chance to prove, once and for all, he is the answer. He has made good strides in some areas in his three starts. He was a 54.4-percent passer entering this season. In his 14 quarters of play, Smith has completed 64.8 percent of his attempts.

He has been better than Shaun Hill in three important areas, including completion percentage (Hill completed 56.1 percent). Smith has also averaged 6.6 yards per pass attempt, compared to Hill's 6.1 yards. And Smith has been sacked once every 12.2 attempts, while Hill was sacked once every 8.6 attempts.

Where Hill was better than Smith is in the turnover department. Hill threw two picks in 155 attempts, while Smith has tossed six interceptions in 122 throws. But the 49ers justify that disparity - in most circumstances - as plays that were, uh, out of his hands.

It is clear in speaking with 49ers sources that Hill does not figure into the team's plan as a starter again. The organization likes him as a backup, but not as a starter.

As for Nate Davis, the No. 3, he is nowhere near ready to enter a regular-season game. The club knows nothing more about him now than it did at the end of training camp because he simply does not get any practice time. The 49ers spend their practice time during the season preparing for the upcoming opponent. The starter gets all the first-team reps, while the backup remains sharp mostly with reps for the scout team. I've seen Davis play far more snaps as a scout-team defensive back than I've seen him line up behind center since the regular season started. He is a project who needs a lot of work during a full offseason to see if he can function in something more than an abridged version of the offense.

What will the 49ers' priorities be during the offseason?

Even though there is a lot of football yet to be played, I don't think it's jumping the gun to say the 49ers must address the offensive line. With two first-round draft picks, it is reasonable to assume - even at this early date -- the 49ers will address the line with one of those selections.

But after that . . . who knows? It depends on where the 49ers pick and who has been taken up to that point in the draft. I do not know many of the names of those will be first-round picks. I don't start getting into the draft until combine time. I've tried to follow the QBs, and I'm not nearly as high on draft prospects at that position as I was when the college season began. I also believe if the 49ers have their pick at safety, they'd easily choose Tennessee's Eric Berry over USC's Taylor Mays because of his ball skills.

The other part of the equation is free agency. And so much about free agency is up in the air, too. If the Players' Union and the NFL owners do not agree on a collective-bargaining extension before free agency, it will have a huge impact. Instead of requiring four accrued seasons to become an unrestricted free agent, with no new CBA and an uncapped year, only players with six-plus years of experience will be eligible for unrestricted free agency.

The crop of talent will be reduced dramatically, and I don't believe there would be any quarterbacks, offensive linemen, pass rushers or safeties the 49ers could consider "the answer."

Also, 49ers guard David Baas, a scheduled unrestricted free agent, would become a restricted free agent instead, and the 49ers could easily retain his services at a reasonable price.

The one player most people have wondered about is nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin. I've heard no talk of a contract extension with him. Part of the reason, I'm sure, is that Franklin could cash in big time if there is no CBA. He could be among the top free agents on the market, and command big bucks. The 49ers have the option of slapping the franchise tag on him, but I don't think that would happen. Defensive tackles last year commanded a franchise salary of $6.058 million. That number is likely to increase.

Several weeks ago, the 49ers seemed content with Isaac Sopoaga or Kentwan Balmer holding down the nose tackle position into the future. But Franklin's play has been very, very strong, so it remains to be seen if their thinking has changed or will change over the last half of the season.

Which 49ers have the best chances of making the Pro Bowl?

If the teams were picked today, I think linebacker Patrick Willis and tight end Vernon Davis would be selected. Punter Andy Lee is also deserving. Those three have the best opportunities.

While Franklin might be playing at a high level, I think it would be very difficult for him to be named to the team. There are other defensive tackles in the NFC with much higher profiles, such as the Vikings' Kevin Williams, the Cowboys' Jay Ratliff and the Cardinals' Darnell Dockett.

Also, Justin Smith is have a very good season, but he does not put up the sack numbers needed from a defensive end to be considered. Running back Frank Gore missed a couple games, so he ranks seventh in the NFC in rushing yards. With seven games remaining, Gore ranks well behind Adrian Peterson, Steven Jackson, DeAngelo Williams and Michael Turner.

* * *

The 49ers played Thursday, of course. They did not practice Friday, Saturday or Sunday. On Monday, they'll have meetings only. They will begin on-field preparations to face the Green Bay Packers on Tuesday.

* * *

As the press corps was waiting in the tunnel outside the 49ers' locker room, George Devine Jr. of Fox Sports Radio was speaking with another reporter. He observed that Cutler had five interceptions and could've had two more because he "lollipopped" a couple of other passes.

Well, as luck would have it, Cutler was squeezing past Devine on his way to a post-game interview. Cutler heard the remark and suggested Devine do something that - to my knowledge - is anatomically impossible.

Here are a few quotes that are fit for print . . .

Mike Singletary

"Turnovers on offense we want to eliminate. Turnovers on defense we want to encourage. I think we just have to continue. It's a work in progress. When I look at the offensive side of the ball, we did not come out and do all the things I thought we could or hoped that we could.

"I think the one thing we did do well, toward the end of the game, I think our offense put a drive together and came up short at the end of it. But (we) put a drive together and took a lot of time off the clock, gave our defense a chance to game-plan a little better and make some adjustments on the sideline before getting back in the game."

When asked if this victory was a relief, Singletary answered: "I'd hate to use the word 'relief,' but trying to think of another one is kind of hard right now. So, I will say, 'yes.'"

Vernon Davis

On his pregame trash-talking with Bears defensive end Adewale Ogunleye: "I was just trying to get my team fired up. I told him that he better be ready, that we're coming hard and we're coming to win." (Davis said he instigated the verbal jousting.)

On the Bears' defensive effort: "They did a good job. They played some pretty good defense."

Alex Smith

"Of course, you want to be able to do more on offense. The defense definitely won this game for us. We'd like to do more in the red zone. If we had put one of those into the end zone, it doesn't have to come down to the end of the game."

"I'd like to not have it that close at the finish. I'm happy for the team. Obviously, the defense played lights out. They really played tough down there when the game was on the line. It was great to see."

"It's a step in the right direction. I think the important thing about tonight is getting us back on the right track. Losing four in a row, it kind of kills momentum. To reverse that and get us going back where we need to go is a big deal."

Dashon Goldson

"We came out there and showed what the defense is made of. In the beginning of the year in training camp, we stressed turnovers. Every day we practice turnover drills. Today was a great opportunity for us, coming out at home after four losses in a row. We know what we can do, and we showed it."

Aubrayo Franklin

On his interception at the goal line and 10-yard return: "I was pretty tired out there. It had been a long drive. I tried to run with it, but I didn't have the legs left to go anywhere."

Tarell Brown

"It was two physical teams. We take our hats off to the Bears. They came out and fought. We both were in a short week, by playing this Thursday and we both came out and fought hard. It was definitely a must-win for us and we got it."

Frank Gore

"It was physical. It was real physical. They came to play, but we kept fighting. When we needed to make plays, we made plays."

Mark Roman

On Cutler: "You take your hat off to a guy like that because he truly believes in himself and as a football player, that's what you have to have. I wouldn't sell him short on that. But it was just trying to make plays at a time when you have to make plays. Our coaches put us in a great position to make plays, and we made the plays. The calls were coming in, everybody was communicating well.

* * *

And from the Bears' side . . .

Adewale Ogunleye

On whether Davis' words served as motivation: "I don't want to answer that question. I go out there every day regardless of who is on the other side of the ball and play my best game. ... I don't care what another guy says. I can care less."

Jay Cutler

"I have to apologize to the defense, and the offense as a whole has to apologize. They (the Bears' defense) played a great game. They kept us in there throughout all the turnovers."

* * *

Quarterback Alex Smith and rookie receiver Michael Crabtree spent extra time together after practice Wednesday. Crabtree said there were some timing issues on the interception in the game against the Titans. Smith admitted to throwing the ball late to Crabtree at the sideline. The pass was tipped and intercepted. "We talked about it and hopefully we're getting better on that," Crabtree said.

Here's a portion of Crabtree's group interview session Wednesday:

* * *

--He's ready to play against the Bears. (It's probably the first Thursday night game of his life.) He said he feels as if he's getting better and better every week. He said he started out slow, and now he's getting up to NFL speed.

"The more games I play, the more I know, and I get the feel of where I'm supposed to be," he said.

--When asked by another media member about Vernon Davis' comments, Crabtree had no idea what was being asked of him.

--He said he's working extra with Smith to help gain "that timing and trust." He said he worked countless hours on the side with former Texas Tech quarterback Graham Harrell to develop their on-field rapport.

* * *

There have been a lot of words of promise and optimism spoken around the 49ers this year. The past several days have been particularly impressive for hyperbole.

Coach to media. Media to coach. Player to opposition.

And, of course, none of it means a darn thing. It just increases the entertainment value of the product.

After all, not one syllable uttered will probably have any bearing on tonight's score. But I have a larger question to the fans of the 49ers: Does it matter that the 49ers have promised a playoff appearance?

Then-coach Mike Nolan received criticism when he came in from Day 1 and hung a banner in 2005 that read, "Win the West." That was the team's stated goal. But nobody in those days made any promises. Everybody spoke about the goal of going to the playoffs and winning the Super Bowl.

This year, the rhetoric has been off the charts.

* * *

"This is the last time our season ends in December" - team president Jed York, Dec. 28, 2008, after the 49ers announce Mike Singletary has been hired as head coach.

"No doubt in my mind - none. I don't even blink at that. No doubt in my mind" - Singletary when asked June 16, at the end of organized team activities, if the 49ers have what it takes to be a division winner and possibly go deep in the playoffs.

"I don't want to see you looking at the floor! You didn't steal nothing! You didn't do anything wrong! We will see them again! In the playoffs! Hold your heads up! Don't you look down at the floor for nobody! You have nothing to be looking down at the floor about! Pick your heads up, put your shoulders back and let's rock!" - Singletary to his team, in front of the media, in the locker room after the 49ers' last-second loss to the Vikings on Sept. 27.

"The last thing that I want to say is this - I'm not going to apologize to the fans again, but the one thing that I want you to know after a game like yesterday it's a situation in where you kind of sit back and go, 'Wow, I didn't really know that could happen again.' And the thing I will say is this, this team will be a special team, this year will be a special year. It's unfortunate as to what happened yesterday. As a staff, we did not do a good job preparing for a team (coming off) a bye week. But going forward, we will come back and we will get better and we will be a team for our fans to be proud of" - Singletary's closing remarks to the media on Oct. 12, the day after the 49ers' 45-10 loss to the Falcons.

"I am excited about tomorrow night. We will be ready to go. I am excited about the game, excited about the challenge and excited that the country will have a chance to see the 49ers - the young 49ers - come of age in the second half of the season. I am excited about that" - Singletary in his opening comments yesterday.

* * *

The 49ers might make the playoffs this season. But the club is 3-5 with four consecutive losses. The schedule gets easier in the second half, but the Cardinals have an easier road, too. The 49ers must make up a game on the Cardinals at some point AND defeat the defending NFC champs when they come to Candlestick Park on Dec. 14.

It's doable. It won't be easy, but it can be done.

So my question to the readers of this blog - and please no name-calling or insulting comments - do those playoff promises mean anything to you? Certainly, if the 49ers overtake the Cardinals to make the playoffs, everybody is happy. But what if they don't qualify for the playoffs this season? Who should be held accountable? Should anybody be held accountable?

Or do you just take it as a coach saying the kinds of things that a coach should say about his team?

I'm just curious.

* * *

Remember, if you're going to the game this evening, plan on leaving early.

* * *

Niners tight end Vernon Davis said he wasn't trying to "call anybody out" or "put anybody down" on the Chicago Bears' defense. He said he was just expressing his confidence with his comments Tuesday.

On Tuesday, Davis said, "I think we can destroy their front. The guys up front, I think we can destroy them. I don't see anything spectacular about their front line."

Today, Davis explained his comments:

Here's what Davis said today . . .

--"I wasn't trying to stir anything up," Davis said. "I wasn't saying it to put anyone down. I have confidence in me and my teammates."

--Did he say it to create a spark? "I think we need a spark. As a captain. I'm here to help motivate my teammates (to get them) fired up and get ready to play. That's what it's about."

--Is he concerned this will be used by the Bears as bulletin-board material? "There's no concern. When you're a winner you want your opponent to come hard. You're looking for competition."

--I asked him if the 49ers are, indeed, going to "destroy" the Bears. He said we'd just have to wait to see when the game starts.

--Coach Mike Singletary and Davis spoke about the comments. Davis said Singletary understood. "He wasn't mad at me," Davis said. "He knew where I was coming from."