49ERS San Fran's Owens is challenge for Ravens

Today's game is Baltimore's first at home against San Francisco.
BALTIMORE (AP) -- Chris McAlister has done an outstanding job for the Baltimore Ravens this season against some of the NFL's best receivers.
Over the past month he's shut down Torry Holt, harassed Koren Robinson, hindered Chris Chambers and shadowed Jimmy Smith.
Now comes his biggest challenge yet: Terrell Owens.
If McAlister succeeds in stopping Owens today in the Ravens' first home game against the San Francisco 49ers, then Baltimore (6-5) will remain in first place in the AFC North.
And McAlister will have taken another step toward earning his first trip to the Pro Bowl.
Just another one
"I've been trying the last four years to get there. I don't know what else I've got to do," McAlister said. "I've played against big receivers my entire career; this is just another one.
"Bottom line is, I figure you have to do more than play well against big receivers to get into the Pro Bowl."
Middle linebacker Ray Lewis is the most notable member of the Ravens' staunch defense, but McAlister isn't too far behind in terms of production. With two interceptions, 38 tackles and 12 passes knocked away, the cornerback is a big reason Baltimore ranks third in total defense and fifth against the pass.
McAlister limited Holt to three catches for 38 yards, held Chambers to four receptions for 34 yards and restricted Robinson to four catches. Now comes Owens.
"As far as our big plays are concerned, he is the one that makes them," San Francisco coach Dennis Erickson said. "He is a real key, as well as getting him the ball so that he can run with it."
Garrison Hearst leads the 49ers with 721 yards rushing, but he knows when San Francisco needs a huge gain, the call will almost certainly involve Owens.
Game-changer
"He's as good as he wants to be," Hearst said. "Anytime he wants to take over a game, he can."
If McAlister can shut down Owens, who has 61 catches for 840 yards and a team-high six touchdowns, then perhaps he might make enough of an impression on his peers to get that elusive Pro Bowl berth.
"I think a good performance might open some eyes," McAlister said. "Then again, I've had these matchups before and I've had success before, and people's eyes still have been glued shut. I don't care, it's just about me going out and playing and having success."
The Ravens know all about Owens and quarterback Jeff Garcia, who returns from a three-game absence with an ankle injury. But the 49ers represent an unknown entity, given that the teams have played only once -- in November 1996.
"This is the first time we've played San Francisco since I've been here, so you're not quite as familiar with the personnel," Ravens coach Brian Billick said. "It's a little bit different opponent. The scheme's just a little bit different."
Billick knows enough about the 49ers to fear their variety of weapons.
"This is a talented team. You're talking about maybe the premier receiver in the league, one of the great backs and Jeff Garcia," he said. "This game is going to be a task for us."
Ditto for the 49ers, who can't wait another week to get their first road win of the year if they intend to make the playoffs. San Francisco is 5-1 at home and 0-5 on the road.
"I've been coaching for a long time and I've won a lot of games on the road," Erickson said. "I don't know what to change. I don't think it has anything to do with the travel; we just need to focus and play better."