NFC 49ers now eye playoff seedings

The NFC West champions play host to Green Bay on Sunday.
By TOM WILLIAMS
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
With their first division title in five years secured after just 13 games, the San Francisco 49ers' attention has shifted to playoff seeding.
Sunday's last-second 31-27 victory over the Cowboys, combined with the St. Louis Rams' blowout loss in Kansas City, clinched the NFC West title for the 49ers (9-4).
With three games to play and currently seeded fourth in the NFC, the Niners will try to move up a spot or two when they play host to the Green Bay Packers (10-3) Sunday at Candlestick Point (FOX 17/62, 4:15 p.m.).
"It's an important game for both organizations," said 49ers coach Steve Mariucci, who grew up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan cheering for the Packers. "They share the best record in football and we're the only two teams so far to clinch playoff berths.
"What we have to do is find a way to play well without so many injured players," Mariucci said. "At any rate, we'll know how we stack up right now against the Packers."
49ers banged up
Against the Cowboys, running back Garrison Hearst hyperextended his knee in the second quarter. With Terry Jackson already out for the season and Kevan Barlow nursing a foot injury, the 49ers finished the game with two fullbacks (Fred Beasley and Paul Smith) in the backfield.
"Garrison and Kevan both hope to be ready to play Sunday," Mariucci said.
Among the missing will be punt/kick returner Jimmy Williams, who is out for the season with torn ligaments. Williams' 16.8 yard average on punt returns leads the NFC.
Linebacker Jamie Winborn, who hasn't played since September, had knee surgery Tuesday, which could allow him to return for the playoffs.
Rookie guard Eric Heitmann fractured his right hand against the Cowboys, but is expected to play despite having surgery this week.
As for the defensive backfield, the patched up Niners are aching so much that linebacker Julian Peterson and rookie cornerback Mike Rumph played safety in Dallas.
Winning the title despite so many injuries has Mariucci beaming with pride.
"The left side of our offensive line is new as is our secondary, but our guys never quit fighting," said Mariucci of the 49ers' fourth-quarter rally that produced three touchdowns, including the game winner with 12 seconds remaining.
"It was a total team effort," Mariucci said of the comeback from a 27-17 deficit with seven minutes to play. "We needed a big stop on defense to get the ball back and we needed to score touchdowns."
Keys to comeback win
Among those making key plays were defensive tackle Dana Stubblefield, who stuffed Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith on a third-and-1, and quarterback Jeff Garcia, who hit wide receiver Terrell Owens in the back of the end zone for the winning score.
"TO is having another terrific season," Mariucci said. "He had 16 touchdowns last year and already has 12 this year. He's been very productive and exciting to watch, but he doesn't do it alone. Jeff made some great throws and he had pretty good protection."
Although Owens took credit for being the primary target on the play, Mariucci said the wideout was "the number-two man in [Garcia's] progression."
Tight end Eric Johnson was Garcia's first choice, and when the Cowboys double-teamed him in the front of the end zone, Garcia spotted Owens free in the back.
The Packers game closes the 49ers' home schedule before road trips to Arizona (Dec. 21) and St. Louis (Dec. 30) in nationally-televised games.
williams@vindy.com