NFL Erickson, 49ers seeking to snap slump on Sunday

San Francisco is 0-4 for the first time since the 1979 season.
By TOM WILLIAMS
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
The San Francisco 49ers' 0-4 start has coach Dennis Erickson in uncharted waters.
Erickson, who guided the Miami (Fla.) to national championships in 1989 and 1991, and compiled a 32-32 record for the Seattle Seahawks from 1995-98, can't remember experiencing a four-game losing streak.
"This is something new for me, without question," Erickson said. "We just have to keep finding a way to battle through it."
After the 49ers opened the season with losses to the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints by a combined five points, the team owned by John and Denise DeBartolo York of Canfield fell behind the Seahawks in Seattle and the St. Louis Rams in San Francisco by 24-0 scores at halftime.
Sunday, at the newly renamed Monster Park (aka Candlestick), the 49ers shut out the Rams' offensive machine in the second half and scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to make the score a more respectable 24-14.
Still, a loss is a loss, propelling San Francisco to its worst start since 1979.
"We just have to find a way to win," Erickson said.
Host Cardinals
This Sunday comes the 49ers' best chance to break the streak in the first half of the season. The Arizona Cardinals (1-3), another NFC West Division rival, will visit San Francisco.
After that, the 49ers will play the undefeated Jets at Giants Stadium then have their open week.
Erickson credited improved play by quarterback Tim Rattay to the second-half swing against the Rams.
Since the 49ers released Jeff Garcia in February, Rattay has been battling injuries, including a strained knee ligament in the May minicamp and a separate shoulder against the Falcons.
"If there was any silver lining in [the Rams game], it was that Tim came back and moved the football," Erickson said. "We had opportunities to get back in the game."
The Rams maintained a comfortable margin by batting down a two-point conversion pass after the 49ers' first score then stopping San Francisco inside the 10 with about four minutes to play.
The 49ers scored their second touchdown when Rattay found rookie wide receiver Rashauun Woods in the end zone with 16 second to go.
Going to no-huddle
Despite Rattay's limited experience, Erickson said the 49ers intend to use more no-huddle schemes.
"He seemed to show more confidence when we went to it," the second-year 49ers coach said. "The bad part of the no-huddle is that it keeps [fullback] Fred Beasley off the field."
The 49ers lost three defensive starters with injuries against the Rams: cornerback Mike Rumph (fractured arm), linebacker Derek Smith (ankle) and defensive end Andre Carter (back).
Rumph, the 49ers' top draft pick in 2002, will have a plate inserted in his arm and Erickson believes he's through for the season even though he's not being placed on injured reserve.
Spencer to start
Shawntae Spencer, a rookie from the University of Pittsburgh, will take over as starter.
Smith is expected back following the 49ers' open week of Oct. 24, but Carter had surgery on Monday and Erickson doesn't see him playing before November.
With major injuries up all over the league, Erickson said he believes it's a physical thing.
"Players are bigger, stronger, faster than they were when I was in the league six years ago," Erickson said. "And I think bad luck is a factor. Look at Rumph -- his arm gets broken because the guy he's covering [Rams tailback Steven Jackson] kicked it."
Erickson said Rumph will be available to help tutor Spencer "technique-wise. Mike is such a good guy that way."
When the 49ers run a 3-4 defensive scheme, Erickson said Rashaan Salaam, the team's second-round draft pick in 2002, will replace Smith.
williams@vindy.com