Better wideouts prompt 49ers to change approach

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Circumstances and personnel are leading the struggling San Francisco 49ers to change their offensive approach.

Proclaiming to be a power-rushing team from the start this season, the 49ers could be going airborne more often now that quarterback Alex Smith and rookie wide receiver Michael Crabtree have joined the huddle.

Smith sparked a second-half comeback with three touchdown passes and Crabtree made an impressive NFL debut with five receptions last week during a 24-21 loss to the Houston Texans that dropped the 49ers to 3-3 and out of first place in the NFC West for the first time this season.

Offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye said Thursday that the 49ers won’t change their philosophy despite a two-game losing streak and an offense that ranks 29th in the NFL. But the team will adjust its attack and game plan to better take advantage of its passing weapons.

“We’re not going to be stubborn and try to jam a square peg into a round hole,” Raye said. “What we are striving to do all along is to create balance. I think (more passing) is an apt description of where we would like to go with the changes that we’ve made.”

Smith entered last week’s game at halftime in place of Shaun Hill, who led the 49ers to a 3-1 start but produced just 10 points in his next six quarters of action before the 49ers turned to their second option.

Playing for the first time in almost two years, Smith completed 15 of 22 passes for 206 yards to rally San Francisco from a 21-0 halftime deficit. The former No. 1 overall draft pick connected with tight end Vernon Davis on touchdown passes of 29, 14 and 23 yards.

Smith adds a new dimension to the offense, giving the 49ers an ability to go downfield with their passing game that wasn’t there with Hill at the controls.

“If I can bring anything extra to the table, and I guess I might, then all the better,” Smith said. “We have to be able to throw the ball, but in the end you have to be balanced and able to do everything.”

Davis has emerged as the 49ers’ top target with 29 catches and leads the NFL with six touchdown receptions. The 49ers also have productive receiving weapons in veteran Isaac Bruce and youngster Josh Morgan, who has averaged 15.5 yards on his 17 catches.

Running back Frank Gore, who leads the team with 273 yards rushing, was San Francisco’s leader in receptions with 61 in 2006 and 53 in 2007.