Steelers, 49ers are desperate for victory

Both teams are trying to stay alive in the playoff race.
By TOM WILLIAMS
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
SAN FRANCISCO -- The similarities between the Pittsburgh Steelers (3-6) and San Francisco 49ers (4-5) extend beyond disappointing starts coming off division championships.
Both teams have had to deal with grumbling wide receivers, recent high draft picks for the secondary whose contributions have been limited, more than their share of injuries -- particularly to linemen -- and quarterbacks rescued from the scrap yard.
Oh yes, both desperately need a win to keep pace with their division leaders if they want to make the playoffs a third consecutive year.
"We have a big challenge," says Steelers coach Bill Cowher. "We're in the process of trying to do something that no one else has done since the league went to a 16-game schedule. It's not going to be easy."
Cowher was referring to making the playoffs after a 2-6 start, which included a five-game losing streak.
Nine days ago, the Steelers trailed the first-place Baltimore Ravens by three games with eight to play. But two straight losses by the Ravens (5-5) combined with the Steelers' win over the Arizona Cardinals last week has sliced that lead in half, although the Cincinnati Bengals have tied the Ravens.
As desperate as the Steelers are for a win tonight at 3Com Park, the 49ers need a victory more. That's because they trail two quality NFC West rivals -- the 7-3 Seattle Seahawks and St. Louis Rams -- by 2 1/2 games. The wild card race offers little hope as the Philadelphia Eagles also are 7-3.
Key to game
The key to tonight's game is which team's passing game excels.
The 49ers' go-to-guy is wide receiver Terrell Owens, whose exceptional plays on the field sometimes are outdone by his antics.
In the 49ers' blowout loss to the Vikings in Week 4, Owens threw a tantrum on the sidelines against offensive coordinator Gregg Knapp. Also in late September, he called into question the leadership skills of quarterback Jeff Garcia.
Asked if the Steelers should work hard to somehow get Owens frustrated, Cowher laughed.
"I don't know that anyone can get inside his head," said Cowher whose all-time record against the 49ers is 1-2. "He's got a great mindset.
"You love the way the guy plays the game. He's a tremendous competitor, a very productive receiver. He's big, he's strong and got excellent hands and great run after the catch. He plays the game with a passion.
"I know he's great for highlights," Cowher said. "I don't want to see whatever he decides to do if he scores."
The Steelers' offense features wide receiver Hines Ward, who entered the week third in the league in receptions.
"He's a tremendous athlete who knows how to make plays," 49ers coach Dennis Erickson said. "We know [wide receiver Plaxico] Burress has been hurt, but we're expecting he'll be better. And [Antwaan] Randle El showed what he could do with that [52-yard] punt return against the Cardinals. They've got some weapons."
During the Steelers' losing streak, Burress complained that quarterback Tommy Maddox was unable to get him the ball. Since then, Burress has dropped several passes, including two last week against the Cardinals.
Secondary issues
On defense, 49ers cornerback Jason Webster will dress for the first time this season but may play behind second-year cornerback Mike Rumph, who has been improving since being burned constantly during his rookie season.
"Jason Webster has veteran sass and cat-like reactions out there," said linebacker Julian Peterson, the 49ers' best player this season. "He can keep up with just about any receiver."
Safety Troy Polamalu, the Steelers' top draft pick last April, hasn't seen much action on defense despite the secondary's shaky performance.
Both teams are likely to have a starting offensive lineman out with an injury. Cowher said left tackle Marvel Smith is doubtful because he's not 100 percent recovered from a pinched nerve in his neck.
Erickson said second-year right guard Eric Heitmann (ankle) will be replaced by Kyle Kosier.
Garcia is unlikely to play because of a high ankle sprain. Tim Rattay, who led the 49ers to a 30-10 victory over the Rams two weeks ago before the team's open week, will make his second career start.
"Jeff kind of runs around and can improvise more than Tim Rattay," Cowher said. "We're still going to get a heavy dose of [running backs] Garrison Hearst and Kevan Barlow, and somehow getting TO [Owens] the ball."
The key for the Steelers is whether Maddox can find time and consistency to hit his receivers.
williams@vindy.com