49ERS Red-hot Rams are ready to rock

Kicker Owen Pochman was released and replaced by Todd Peterson.
By TOM WILLIAMS
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
One week after enjoying his biggest win as a NFL coach, San Francisco 49ers coach Dennis Erickson had the opposite experience Sunday in the Arizona desert.
Despite a 3-4 start that included three losses by a combined five points, the Niners, which are owned by John and Denise DeBartolo York of Canfield, were poised to climb back into the NFC West Division race after defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 24-7, on Oct. 19.
The news got better early Sunday when the Cincinnati Bengals upset the Seattle Seahawks (5-2).
But the Arizona Cardinals (2-5) kept the Niners two-and-a-half games back with a 16-13 overtime victory at Sun Devil Stadium.
Dug a hole
"We've dug ourselves a huge hole that's going to be hard to get out of," said Erickson in a telephone interview Tuesday from team headquarters in Santa Clara, Calif.
Placekicker Owen Pochman, who missed three field goals against the Buccaneers, failed on two tries against the Cardinals, including a 35-yard attempt with 2:25 to play in a 13-13 game.
It turns out that was Pochman's last miss for the 49ers. Tuesday, Erickson turned to an old friend, Todd Peterson, who began the 2002 season as the Steelers kicker until being replaced halfway through the season by Jeff Reed.
Peterson, 33, will begin his 10th NFL season Sunday when the 49ers play the red-hot St. Louis Rams Sunday at Candlestick Park.
"I had him in Seattle," said Erickson who coached the Seahawks from 1995-98. "He's a veteran who has been around and made a lot of [big] kicks. I don't know what happened at end of his time with the Steelers, but I like the accuracy he showed me.
"We needed to get someone with experience and get this settled," Erickson said. "We need stability."
Better days
Pochman, whose career began on Sept. 21 when he kicked four field goals against the Cleveland Browns, replaced Jeff Chandler, a fourth-round draft pick in 2002, after the Niners lost to the Rams, 27-24 in overtime in St. Louis.
Erickson said his staff will know later today whether quarterback Jeff Garcia will be able to start against the Rams. Garcia missed three series against the Cardinals after spraining his left ankle in the first half.
Monday, Garcia wore a ski boot as the team watched film.
"He's wearing that more as protective device," Erickson said. "He told me he's not as sore as he expected so, we'll have to see if he can practice."
The Rams will fly to San Francisco tied for first place after Sunday's 33-21 victory over the Steelers at Heinz Field.
"They are playing as well as any team in the NFL right now," Erickson said of the Rams. "Their offense has been so productive that they have been averaging 30 points per game, but they've also been playing pretty darn good on defense. They've got so many weapons."
QB comparison
Erickson compared Rams starting quarterback Marc Bulger, who has replaced two-time MVP Kurt Warner, to the undrafted Garcia, who replaced Steve Young five seasons ago.
"Bulger wasn't a highly sought-after guy in the draft, but he's smart and so accurate with his throws," Erickson said. "And he's got a lot more mobility getting out of the pocket than Kurt does."
After the Rams game, the 49ers will have an open weekend, then begin preparations for the Steelers' visit Nov. 17 for a Monday night game.
Offensive tackle Derrick Deese (ankle) and cornerback Jason Webster (knee) could be back for the Steelers game.
Defensive back Ronnie Heard injured his left knee (MCL) and is expected to be out four weeks. Strong safety Zack Bronson is questionable with a shoulder stinger.
williams@vindy.com