SAN FRANCISCO 49ers' kicking woes continue; rookie Chandler could get nod

If Jose Cortez continues to struggle, coach Steve Mariucci may make a switch.
By TOM WILLIAMS
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
Unlike Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher who is auditioning a handful of placekickers to replace the injured and struggling Todd Peterson, San Francisco 49ers coach Steve Mariucci knows exactly who he'll turn to if he give Jose Cortez the boot.
Last April, the 49ers (7-3), owned by John and Denise DeBartolo York of Canfield, used a fourth-round draft pick on Jeff Chandler who kicked for Steve Spurrier's Florida Gators.
"If we make a change, it will be to the guy we drafted," said Mariucci Tuesday in a telephone interview from the team's headquarters in Santa Clara, Calif.
Both Chandler and Cortez are on the 49ers' 53-man active roster. In the first 10 games, Chandler has been one of the seven players the team deactivates on game day.
In training camp, Cortez, who made 42-of-47 extra-point kicks and 18-of-25 field goal attempts in 2001, easily fought off Chandler's challenge.
Six misses this year
With six regular-season games to go, Cortez has missed six field goals. Only Peterson with seven has missed more.
Two weeks ago at Oakland, Cortez missed at the end of regulation, but booted the winning points for an overtime win over the Raiders.
Sunday, Cortez's 41-yard attempt in overtime in San Diego's Qualcomm Stadium was wide right. The Chargers responded with a game-winning drive and 20-17 win that cost the 49ers the opportunity to tie the Green Bay Packers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers for best record in the league.
"We lost a game that we could have won," Mariucci said. "It's a long season with a lot of ups and downs. We all remember the kick we missed, but there were other areas of the game that we could have done better and won the game in regulation."
Mariucci was referring to the Niners' fourth-quarter collapse that blew a 17-7 lead.
"Coaches and teams go through this every year," Mariucci said. "How we handle it is important because we have another big game this week."
Monday, the 49ers, who have a two-game lead over the surging St. Louis Rams in the NFC West Division, will be home to the NFC East-leading Philadelphia Eagles (7-3).
That game comes one day after the NFC North-leading Packers (8-2) play the NFC South-leading Buccaneers (8-2) for best record in the NFL.
"We're right in the thick of it," said Mariucci, calling this weekend's contests "a little bit like the playoffs. It's just the way the NFL likes it, but of course, there's a lot of football still to be played."
Following Sunday's loss, Mariucci said he told his players that they need "to get their minds right because we have another big one coming up."
Won't have to face McNabb
Although quarterback Donovan McNabb is out for the rest of the regular season with a broken fibula, Mariucci says he expects the Eagles "will play their usual great defense. Their kicking game is solid."
Mariucci conceded that the Philadelphia offense will take on a different look with slow-footed Koy Detmer replacing McNabb behind center.
"He's not the running threat that Donovan is so they will lose a little quarterback mobility," Mariucci said. "But Detmer has been with them for six seasons so he knows their system very well.
"We expect they will rally around him," Mariucci said. "Teams, notably the Rams, often seem to respond well to a quarterback injury."
The Eagles aren't the only team that will be nursing aches and pains Monday. The 49ers have 13 players on their injury list, including four offensive linemen.
Tackle Derrick Deese has an ankle injury that has him questionable for the Eagles game. Matt Willig, Deese's replacement against the Chargers, is probable after injuring his neck and suffering a slight concussion yesterday.
Center Jeremy Newberry re-injured the finger he broke earlier in the year. He's expected to play, but may have to snap the ball with his left hand. Rookie guard Eric Heitmann has a knee bruise, but is probable.
williams@vindy.com