SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS Playoff spot sealed; Eagles next

The NFC West title isn't out of the question, but the conference's top wild-card seed is the team's focus.
By TOM WILLIAMS
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
When the St. Louis Rams defeated the New Orleans Saints Monday night, the San Francisco 49ers quietly clinched one of the NFC's six playoff berths. For most of the 1980s and '90s, postseason action was automatic for the franchise, and clinching merited more ho-hums than hurrahs.
But then came a salary cap purge and seasons of 4-12 and 6-10 records.
After a major overhaul in personnel, the 49ers, who are owned by John and Denise DeBartolo York of Canfield, are loaded with players with three-or-fewer NFL seasons.
And back in the Super Bowl hunt again.
Coach Steve Mariucci said the celebration was a mild one late Monday at the 49ers headquarters in Santa Clara, Calif.
"The team had already scattered, but the coaches were working on our plans for the Eagles game," Mariucci said Tuesday. "Of course, the TVs were tuned to the game. We stopped to watch the final few minutes together, said a few quick 'attaboys' when it was over, then went back to our planning."
After Sunday's 21-0 shutout of the Dolphins, the 49ers (10-3) were in the strange position of watching a Monday Night game that would benefit them no matter which team won.
Had the Rams (11-2) lost, the 49ers had a much better chance to win the NFC West Division (plus a bye week and playoff home-field advantage).
Instead, the Niners are focused on claiming the NFC's top wild-card seed. San Francisco could still win the division title, but only if the Rams lose at least two of their three remaining games against non-playoff contenders. For the moment, the 49ers are concentrating on the NFC East-leading Philadelphia Eagles (9-4), their third straight first-place opponent.
Tuesday, Mariucci's players celebrated with a day off. Today, they're back on the practice field getting ready for Saturday's nationally-televised game. The regular season will end with road trips to Dallas and New Orleans.
Objective: "We're going to try to win all three games," Mariucci said. 'We don't have control over [the Rams'] games, so our focus right now is on winning and trying to gain a home-field playoff game."
Should the Rams win the division, the 49ers can open the playoffs at home by finishing with the best record among the three wild-card teams. They have a one-game edge on the Green Bay Packers (9-4).
The main concern for the Niners is how well quarterback Jeff Garcia, the team's NFL MVP candidate, will be feeling by Saturday's 5 p.m. kickoff (FOX Channels 17/62, 8 and 53).
In Sunday's win, Garcia injured his ribs when he was tackled by Dolphins linebacker Derrick Rodgers late in the second quarter. Garcia played for most of the second half, then was lifted for second-year backup Tim Rattay.
Despite the playoff implications, Mariucci said Garcia's status for Saturday's game "will depend on how he is feeling after practicing. Health is primary concern."
The 49ers were able to overcome their quarterback's reduced capacity thanks to another strong effort by the defense.
At midseason, the 49ers had some of the league's lowest totals for sacks and takeaways. But in the past four games (wins over the Colts, Bills and Dolphins plus a loss to the Rams), the 49ers have made 12 interceptions and recovered four fumbles.
They have made 10 sacks in the past two games, including six of Dolphins quarterback Jay Fielder.
Mariucci said the turnover surge has been reflected "with our average start line. The defense wasn't giving us many short fields."
Mariucci said he's not exactly sure what sparked "the dramatic turnaround, but sometimes interceptions and sacks come in bunches. Lately, we've been very much improved on defense and it's reflected by shutouts in our last two home games."
As for the Eagles, who can clinch their division title with a win but have only one win against a team with a winning record, Mariucci relishes the challenge.
Desired effect: "It's so good for our young team to go through this stretch. We're developing, we're maturing and it's obviously beneficial to be facing the challenge of these teams," Mariucci said. "It would be nice to get another boost of confidence" by defeating a playoff-caliber team.
"Most of these players have never been to the playoffs or played on Monday Night Football. They hadn't been part of a comeback victory" before this season's many close calls.
"They are becoming pros quickly and we're pleased with how they responded all season," Mariucci said.
Saturday's challenge will be trying to contain Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb.
"He's one of the league's up-and-coming quarterbacks," said Mariucci of the Eagles' third-year quarterback. "He's well-coached by Andy Reid and his staff, and he benefits from having a great defense on his side."
No matter Saturday's outcome, Mariucci has a special Christmas present for his players -- two days off to celebrate the holiday.
williams@vindy.com