SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Ben Roethlisberger threw a few extra passes in near darkness after the lights went out at Candlestick Park.

The additional throws were all for naught. Big Ben never found his groove playing on a bum ankle — and the San Francisco 49ers’ top-ranked defense wasn’t about to let the most unique of home-field advantages get away in a 20-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night.

“Just wondering how this happens at a professional stadium,” Roethlisberger said of not one but two blackouts.

Monday Night Football nearly became a Monday Night Fiasco.

San Francisco’s lights-out return to prime time helped salvage what could have been an embarrassing evening for everyone involved on the NFL’s biggest stage after a pair of power outages delayed the game for close to 35 minutes in all.

“I just feel like San Francisco took a big step to show the NFL and to show the state of California that they need a new stadium,” Steelers safety Ryan Clark said. “I think it was a very strategic move, and Candlestick may be no more.”

Good thing there’s a state-of-the-art $1 billion stadium in the works.

The 49ers rode stellar run defense once again to keep the ailing Roethlisberger off balance and maintain a hold on the NFC’s No. 2 playoff seed and a first-round bye.

“Electric atmosphere tonight,” tweeted team president Jed York — unclear if his pun was intended.

Vernon Davis caught a 1-yard touchdown pass for the 49ers (11-3) one play after setting himself up with a 21-yard reception from Alex Smith, Frank Gore had a 5-yard scoring run and David Akers kicked field goals of 22 and 38 yards to overtake Hall of Famer Jerry Rice for San Francisco’s single-season scoring record.

“I think we showed the world we can play the game of football on a national stage,” Davis said. “At the end of the day that’s what it’s all about: respect.”

The Steelers (10-4) missed a key chance to take sole possession of first place in the AFC North and hold of the AFC’s top playoff spot.

Roethlisberger, playing on a sprained left ankle that had him in a walking boot during the week, threw two early interceptions and another in the waning minutes — and a couple of light structures flickered as the final ticks elapsed.

Even all those Terrible Towel-waving Steelers supporters in the sellout crowd of 69,732 couldn’t will their team when San Francisco had two blackout delays on its side.

“It’s very frustrating to feel like you let down your team and your fans and your coaches. It’s tough,” Roethlisberger said. “I’m not going to make excuses. I played a bad football game, I turned the ball over and that one’s on me.”

San Francisco became the first team in NFL history to hold an opponent without a rushing touchdown through each of the first 14 games.

“I also want to recognize our defense,” 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh said. “NFL record for not allowing a rushing touchdown in 14 games. I think that is huge.”

Carlos Rogers, Dashon Goldson and Tarell Brown made interceptions, while Rookie of the Year candidate Aldon Smith had 2 1/2 sacks for San Francisco’s stingy defense.

The 49ers also have gone 36 games without allowing a 100-yard rusher. Rashard Mendenhall had 15 carries for 64 yards.

“This team has really become a team,” Harbaugh said. I’m really proud of them for that.”

Roethlisberger still finished 25 for 44 for 330 yards, but was sacked three times. After his second pick, he fumed as he limped off the field and could be seen yelling into his chin strap.

The 49ers made a big statement in their most meaningful home game since their last trip to the playoffs in January 2003, when San Francisco came from behind to stun the New York Giants 39-38 in one of the greatest comebacks in NFL history.

“It was probably the biggest home game since I’ve been here,” Alex Smith said.

They had to wait 20 minutes to get started after the power went out the first time. It didn’t seem to faze San Francisco.

“It wasn’t too bad. It was unusual,” said Alex Smith, who went 18 for 31 for 187 yards. “You don’t expect to have to deal with it, and it happened twice. But it was the same for both teams.”

Smith wasn’t sacked after being taken down 18 times in the previous three games, including nine in the Niners’ prime time flop at Baltimore on Thanksgiving night against Jim Harbaugh’s big brother, John.

Jim Harbaugh prepared for the Steelers by comparing notes with his brother after the Ravens won both meetings this season with Pittsburgh in one of the AFC’s fiercest rivalries.

The Steelers are 0-for-Harbaugh this season.

“I think we need to acknowledge that was 49er football tonight,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. “We played the game on their terms.”

The 37-year-old Akers, who long admired Rice from afar growing up in Kentucky, topped Rice’s 1987 mark of 138 points.

Yet Akers has said he doesn’t feel deserving of the points mark over a great such as Rice — who clowned around on the field before the game catching passes from fellow Hall of Famer and former QB Steve Young, including one in the end zone.

It was after Akers’ second field goal when everything went dark for a second time. Thousands of flashbulbs went off in the midst of the black, with thousands of fans sitting in darkness — including all those Steelers fans who travel the country with their team.

NFL security chief Jeff Miller said he witnessed a transformer blow up while he was monitoring a gate outside the stadium, where a shooting during the preseason already put a negative light on this venue.

The second delay came early in the second quarter and halted the game again between the playoff-bound teams for about 15 minutes. Miller and other NFL officials gathered in the press box to assess the situation, remaining in constant contact with the commissioner’s office.

This was the 49ers’ only Monday night game this season and their final regular-season home game at Candlestick Park. The NFL certainly will want to make sure there are no problems when San Francisco hosts a home playoff game next month as NFC West champions — and Miller said he remains confident Candlestick can capably host a playoff game.

“Never in my life have I been a part of a blackout in a stadium,” Davis said.

The Steelers missed linebacker James Harrison, who served his one-game suspension for a helmet to facemask hit on Browns quarterback Colt McCoy on Dec. 8.

“We better lick our wounds pretty quickly because we have a quick turnaround here,” Tomlin said.
Keywords:AP-FBN-Steelers-49ersCategory:Sports/NFLPublisher:APATOM.VUrgency:RegularCategory (wire):sSupplementary category (wire):—–Transmission reference:V1977Edit status:Used in:No usagesCopied by:No copies

(CBS/AP) 

SAN FRANCISCO – Ben Roethlisberger threw a few extra passes in near darkness after the lights went out at Candlestick Park.

The additional throws were all for naught. Big Ben never found his groove playing on a bum ankle — and the San Francisco 49ers’ top-ranked defense wasn’t about to let the most unique of home-field advantages get away in a 20-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night.

“Just wondering how this happens at a professional stadium,” Roethlisberger said of not one but two blackouts.

Power outages plague Monday Night Football

Monday Night Football nearly became a Monday Night Fiasco.

San Francisco’s lights-out return to prime time helped salvage what could have been an embarrassing evening for everyone involved on the NFL’s biggest stage after a pair of power outages delayed the game for close to 35 minutes in all.

“I just feel like San Francisco took a big step to show the NFL and to show the state of California that they need a new stadium,” Steelers safety Ryan Clark said. “I think it was a very strategic move, and Candlestick may be no more.”

CBSSports.com’s Clark Judge says after this performance, he believes the Niners are a legitimate Super Bowl contender.

“They can run. They can pass. They can play defense … brother, can they play defense. In fact, they haven’t allowed a rushing touchdown all season, setting an NFL record Monday by pushing that streak to 14 games,” Clark writes.

Good thing there’s a state-of-the-art $1 billion stadium in the works.

The 49ers rode stellar run defense once again to keep the ailing Roethlisberger off balance and maintain a hold on the NFC’s No. 2 playoff seed and a first-round bye.

“Electric atmosphere tonight,” tweeted team president Jed York — unclear if his pun was intended.

Vernon Davis caught a 1-yard touchdown pass for the 49ers (11-3) one play after setting himself up with a 21-yard reception from Alex Smith, Frank Gore had a 5-yard scoring run and David Akers kicked field goals of 22 and 38 yards to overtake Hall of Famer Jerry Rice for San Francisco’s single-season scoring record.

“I think we showed the world we can play the game of football on a national stage,” Davis said. “At the end of the day that’s what it’s all about: respect.”

The Steelers (10-4) missed a key chance to take sole possession of first place in the AFC North and hold of the AFC’s top playoff spot.

Roethlisberger, playing on a sprained left ankle that had him in a walking boot during the week, threw two early interceptions and another in the waning minutes — and a couple of light structures flickered as the final ticks elapsed.

Even all those Terrible Towel-waving Steelers supporters in the sellout crowd of 69,732 couldn’t will their team when San Francisco had two blackout delays on its side.

“It’s very frustrating to feel like you let down your team and your fans and your coaches. It’s tough,” Roethlisberger said. “I’m not going to make excuses. I played a bad football game, I turned the ball over and that one’s on me.”

San Francisco became the first team in NFL history to hold an opponent without a rushing touchdown through each of the first 14 games.

“I also want to recognize our defense,” 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh said. “NFL record for not allowing a rushing touchdown in 14 games. I think that is huge.”

Carlos Rogers, Dashon Goldson and Tarell Brown made interceptions, while Rookie of the Year candidate Aldon Smith had 2 1/2 sacks for San Francisco’s stingy defense.

The 49ers also have gone 36 games without allowing a 100-yard rusher. Rashard Mendenhall had 15 carries for 64 yards.

“This team has really become a team,” Harbaugh said. I’m really proud of them for that.”

Roethlisberger still finished 25 for 44 for 330 yards, but was sacked three times. After his second pick, he fumed as he limped off the field and could be seen yelling into his chin strap.

The 49ers made a big statement in their most meaningful home game since their last trip to the playoffs in January 2003, when San Francisco came from behind to stun the New York Giants 39-38 in one of the greatest comebacks in NFL history.

“It was probably the biggest home game since I’ve been here,” Alex Smith said.

They had to wait 20 minutes to get started after the power went out the first time. It didn’t seem to faze San Francisco.

“It wasn’t too bad. It was unusual,” said Alex Smith, who went 18 for 31 for 187 yards. “You don’t expect to have to deal with it, and it happened twice. But it was the same for both teams.”

Smith wasn’t sacked after being taken down 18 times in the previous three games, including nine in the Niners’ prime time flop at Baltimore on Thanksgiving night against Jim Harbaugh’s big brother, John.

Jim Harbaugh prepared for the Steelers by comparing notes with his brother after the Ravens won both meetings this season with Pittsburgh in one of the AFC’s fiercest rivalries.

The Steelers are 0-for-Harbaugh this season.

“I think we need to acknowledge that was 49er football tonight,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. “We played the game on their terms.”

The 37-year-old Akers, who long admired Rice from afar growing up in Kentucky, topped Rice’s 1987 mark of 138 points.

Yet Akers has said he doesn’t feel deserving of the points mark over a great such as Rice — who clowned around on the field before the game catching passes from fellow Hall of Famer and former QB Steve Young, including one in the end zone.

It was after Akers’ second field goal when everything went dark for a second time. Thousands of flashbulbs went off in the midst of the black, with thousands of fans sitting in darkness — including all those Steelers fans who travel the country with their team.

NFL security chief Jeff Miller said he witnessed a transformer blow up while he was monitoring a gate outside the stadium, where a shooting during the preseason already put a negative light on this venue.

The second delay came early in the second quarter and halted the game again between the playoff-bound teams for about 15 minutes. Miller and other NFL officials gathered in the press box to assess the situation, remaining in constant contact with the commissioner’s office.

This was the 49ers’ only Monday night game this season and their final regular-season home game at Candlestick Park. The NFL certainly will want to make sure there are no problems when San Francisco hosts a home playoff game next month as NFC West champions — and Miller said he remains confident Candlestick can capably host a playoff game.

“Never in my life have I been a part of a blackout in a stadium,” Davis said.

The Steelers missed linebacker James Harrison, who served his one-game suspension for a helmet to facemask hit on Browns quarterback Colt McCoy on Dec. 8.

“We better lick our wounds pretty quickly because we have a quick turnaround here,” Tomlin said.

Based on the early returns of this 2011 campaign, the
rejuvenated San Francisco 49ers appear poised to end a string of eight
consecutive seasons of not making the playoffs. It’s been almost a lifetime,
however, since the Detroit Lions got this deep into a year with an undefeated
record.

In one of the unexpected marquee matchups of the Week 6 schedule, the two teams
will attempt to continue their restoration to relevance when they lock horns
Sunday at Ford Field as current division leaders.

Neither Detroit nor San Francisco has enjoyed much success over the majority of
this past decade, with the long-suffering Lions having endured 10 straight
losing seasons and last reaching the playoffs in 1999 and the once-glorious
49ers on an eight-year streak of finishing .500 or worse since capturing their
most recent NFC West title in 2002.

The results have been markedly different for each so far in 2011, however.
Detroit is off to its first 5-0 start since opening up with six victories in a
row all the way back in 1956 and has won nine straight contests dating back to
the final month of last season. San Francisco has delivered a sudden resurgence
under first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh, prevailing in four of its first five
tests under the fiery former NFL quarterback’s direction.

The 49ers last began 4-1 during that 2002 playoff run led by Steve Mariucci,
who left the team following that season to begin in ill-fated three-year stint
as the Lions’ head coach, and heads into Sunday’s clash off their most
convincing win in nearly 24 years. San Francisco pummeled the visiting Tampa
Bay Buccaneers by a 48-3 count this past weekend, the franchise’s largest
margin of victory since a 48-0 rout of the Los Angeles Rams on Dec. 27, 1987.

San Francisco’s resurgence has been keyed by both Harbaugh, who spent a good
portion of his childhood in the Detroit region and was the starting quarterback
for the University of Michigan from 1984-86, and a career breakthrough from
Alex Smith. After disappointing in his first five professional seasons, the
2005 No. 1 overall pick has been one of the league’s most efficient passers
over the initial five weeks, having produced a 104.1 quarterback rating and
throwing just one interception during that excellent stretch.

Smith tossed three touchdown passes in last Sunday’s dismantling of the
Buccaneers, helping back a combined 180 rushing yards from backfield mates
Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter and a defense that induced three turnovers.

The Lions have built their glossy mark on the strength of the outstanding
quarterback/wide receiver tandem of Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson and a
remarkable ability to come from behind. Detroit has trailed at the half in each
of its last three wins, and overcame deficits of 20 and 24 points in rallies
past Minnesota and Dallas in Weeks 3 and 4.

Detroit continued the trend in its latest triumph, outscoring NFC North rival
Chicago 17-3 in the second half to come away with a 24-13 decision in its first
appearance on Monday Night Football since 2001.

Stafford threw a pair of touchdown strikes, including a 73-yarder to Johnson in
the second quarter, to bring his season total to 13, which trails only Aaron
Rodgers and Tom Brady for tops in the league this season. Johnson has been on
the other end of nine of those scores, making the superstar wideout the first
player in NFL history to record that many over the first five games of a
season.

SERIES HISTORY

The 49ers lead the all-time regular season series with the Lions, which dates
back to 1950, by a 34-26-1 margin, and has come out on top in each of the past
seven meetings between the teams. The most recent one took place in California
in 2009, a 20-6 San Francisco victory, and the Niners posted a 19-13 verdict
over Detroit in their only previous stop to Ford Field back in 2006. The Lions
are 1-12 in their last 13 games against San Francisco, with the lone positive
outcome during that span a 27-24 win at the Silverdome on Sept. 25, 1995.

These clubs have only faced off once before in postseason play, with the 49ers
escaping with a 24-23 decision at Candlestick Park in a 1983 NFC Divisional
Playoff when a 43-yard field goal attempt by Lions kicker Eddie Murray with
five seconds left sailed wide right.

Detroit head coach Jim Schwartz is 0-1 against San Francisco during his tenure,
while Harbaugh will be opposing both the Lions and Schwartz for the first time
in his present occupation. Schwartz was on the Baltimore Ravens staff during
the 1998 season, a year in which Harbaugh was that team’s quarterback.

WHEN THE 49ERS HAVE THE BALL

Though Smith (965 passing yards, 7 TD, 1 INT) has been terrific in his game-
manager’s role, expect the 49ers to lean heavily on the powerful legs of Gore
(400 rushing yards, 3 TD, 10 receptions), who’s put up at least 125 rushing
yards in back-to-back weeks, on Sunday while sprinkling in the promising rookie
Hunter (133 rushing yards, 1 TD, 4 receptions) on occasion. Not only does
Harbaugh want to keep Detroit’s quick-strike offense off the field as much as
possible, but San Francisco is dealing with two key injuries at the wide
receiver position, with veteran Braylon Edwards set to miss a fourth straight
week with a knee sprain and usual contributor Josh Morgan sustaining a season-
ending leg fracture in last week’s victory. When Smith does drop back to pass,
he’ll be fixed mostly in the direction of athletic tight end Vernon Davis (22
receptions, 3 TD), who’s fresh off a two-touchdown performance against the
Bucs, and inconsistent 2009 first-round pick Michael Crabtree (11 receptions).
Also look for the Niners to employ plenty of two-tight end sets involving the
versatile Delanie Walker (9 receptions, 2 TD), a strong in-line blocker for the
running backs who can be utilized as a third receiver. Airing it out isn’t
usually San Francisco’s method of operation, as the team ranks last in the NFL
in pass attempts and 29th in passing yards (183.0 ypg).

The Lions will be aware that the 49ers want to establish the run, but
preventing their foe from doing so could be a bit tricky. Detroit is allowing a
mediocre average of 4.8 yards per rush thus far, which Chicago’s Matt Forte
compiling 116 yards on 22 carries against the group on Monday, and linebackers
Stephen Tulloch (32 tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT) and DeAndre Levy (36 tackles)
figure to be busy one week after teaming up for 19 tackles against the Bears.
The Lions can be tough to throw on, however, with playmaking cornerback Chris
Houston (26 tackles, 3 INT, 7 PD) and free safety Louis Delmas (25 tackles)
heading up a solid secondary that’s backed by a strong pass rush that was in
Jay Cutler’s face all throughout Monday’s game. A defensive line anchored by
2010 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Ndamukong Suh (16 tackles, 2 sacks) is
one of the best in the business, with ends Kyle Vanden Bosch (13 tackles, 3
sacks) and Cliff Avril (11 tackles, 2 sack) both accomplished sack artists in
their own right. On the injury front, strongside linebacker Justin Durant (21
tackles) may be held out a third straight week due to concussion symptoms,
though journeyman Bobby Carpenter (11 tackles, 1 INT) has been filling in ably.

WHEN THE LIONS HAVE THE BALL

Detroit will take a much different offensive approach than the 49ers into this
contest, allowing the strong-armed Stafford (1436 passing yards, 13 TD, 4 INT)
to vertically stretch the field with a vast array of quality targets that have
accumulated an average of 283.8 passing yards per game (7th overall). None has
been more dangerous than Johnson (29 receptions, 451 yards, 9 TD), one of the
league’s premier deep threats who scorched the Bears for 130 yards on just five
catches in Week 5 and has yet to be kept out of the end zone this season. His
ability to command double-teams also helps open up underneath routes for
reliable tight end Brandon Pettigrew (26 receptions, 1 TD) and speedy running
back Jahvid Best (353 rushing yards, 21 receptions, 3 total TD), while veteran
Nate Burleson (17 receptions) and rookie Titus Young (14 receptions) are
outside options that must be accounted for as well. Best is an explosive dual
threat out of the backfield who’s averaging 4.8 yards per rush attempt at home
over his career and broke out for a career-high 163 yards on only 12 carries
against the Bears, most of which came on a game-changing 88-yard touchdown
burst in the third quarter. Still, Detroit hasn’t been overly effective running
the football, ranking a mere 24th overall (95.8 ypg) in that category.

Another reason Stafford’s expected to be throwing early and often come Sunday
is that the 49ers boast one of the better run defenses in the game. Opponents
have managed a scant 76.4 yards per game on the ground (4th overall) against a
San Francisco stop unit that fields three outstanding stuffers in four-time Pro
Bowl linebacker Patrick Willis (40 tackles, 4 PD), inside counterpart NaVorro
Bowman (42 tackles) and rugged lineman Justin Smith (15 tackles, 3 sacks). The
Niners enter this week’s play not having allowed an enemy running back to
surpass the 100-yard plateau in 27 consecutive games, the longest active streak
in the NFL. San Francisco has also been very good at forcing turnovers, having
recorded three takeaways in each of its four wins and 14 on the season.
Cornerback Carlos Rogers (13 tackles, 3 INT, 7 PD), a free-agent acquisition
during the offseason, has proven to be an astute pickup, with the ex-Redskins
having notched an interception in three straight weeks and taking his last pick
31 yards for a touchdown in the Tampa Bay game. Rookie outside linebacker Aldon
Smith (7 tackles), the club’s first-round selection in last April’s draft, has
also provided a boost as a pass-rusher by registering 3 1/2 sacks over the past
two games.

KEYS TO THE GAME

Detroit’s primary objective has to be to keep Gore in check. The 49ers aren’t
built to win with Alex Smith slinging it around 35 or more times in a game,
especially with the depleted receiving corps the reborn quarterback will be
saddled with on Sunday, and a San Francisco offensive line that’s allowed 14
sacks this year will likely encounter trouble dealing with the Lions’ stout
pass rush if the team is placed into obvious throwing situations.

For San Francisco, it’s about continuing to create the turnovers. The Niners
own an NFC-best plus-10 takeaway-to-giveaway ratio on the season and have
forced 12 mistakes out of the opposition in their four wins. That may be a task
easier said than done this week, though, as the Lions have turned it over only
four times in five games and have a plus-seven margin.

Start fast. Establishing an early lead will allow San Francisco to stick to its
game plan of running the football and controlling the clock, which should
enhance its chances of coming out with a victory. While the Lions have
unequivocally shown they can come from behind, jumping out in front would take
the 49ers out of their comfort zone and play to their own strengths.

OVERALL ANALYSIS

The records of these two participants indicate this game should be one of the
most entertaining and competitive on this week’s docket, and that may very well
be the case if both continue to perform at their recent levels. Though the
Lions haven’t lost since early December of last year, they’ve been on the ropes
quite a few times during their amazing streak and may not have the luxury of
getting away with mistakes against a well-coached San Francisco crew that’s
fundamentally sound in most areas. The 49ers don’t possess the firepower on
offense as Detroit does, however, and playing in front of a re-energized home
crowd should work to the Lions’ benefit as well. Detroit rarely makes it easy,
but its confidence and talent may be just enough to keep its unblemished record
intact for yet another week.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Lions 26, 49ers 23

©2011 Sports Network. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Read More: Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers

(Sports Network) – Based on the early returns of this 2011 campaign, the rejuvenated San Francisco 49ers appear poised to end a string of eight consecutive seasons of not making the playoffs. It’s been almost a lifetime, however, since the Detroit Lions got this deep into a year with an undefeated record.

In one of the unexpected marquee matchups of the Week 6 schedule, the two teams will attempt to continue their restoration to relevance when they lock horns Sunday at Ford Field as current division leaders.

Neither Detroit nor San Francisco has enjoyed much success over the majority of this past decade, with the long-suffering Lions having endured 10 straight losing seasons and last reaching the playoffs in 1999 and the once-glorious 49ers on an eight-year streak of finishing .500 or worse since capturing their most recent NFC West title in 2002.

The results have been markedly different for each so far in 2011, however. Detroit is off to its first 5-0 start since opening up with six victories in a row all the way back in 1956 and has won nine straight contests dating back to the final month of last season. San Francisco has delivered a sudden resurgence under first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh, prevailing in four of its first five tests under the fiery former NFL quarterback’s direction.

The 49ers last began 4-1 during that 2002 playoff run led by Steve Mariucci, who left the team following that season to begin in ill-fated three-year stint as the Lions’ head coach, and heads into Sunday’s clash off their most convincing win in nearly 24 years. San Francisco pummeled the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers by a 48-3 count this past weekend, the franchise’s largest margin of victory since a 48-0 rout of the Los Angeles Rams on Dec. 27, 1987.

San Francisco’s resurgence has been keyed by both Harbaugh, who spent a good portion of his childhood in the Detroit region and was the starting quarterback for the University of Michigan from 1984-86, and a career breakthrough from Alex Smith. After disappointing in his first five professional seasons, the 2005 No. 1 overall pick has been one of the league’s most efficient passers over the initial five weeks, having produced a 104.1 quarterback rating and throwing just one interception during that excellent stretch.

Smith tossed three touchdown passes in last Sunday’s dismantling of the Buccaneers, helping back a combined 180 rushing yards from backfield mates Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter and a defense that induced three turnovers.

The Lions have built their glossy mark on the strength of the outstanding quarterback/wide receiver tandem of Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson and a remarkable ability to come from behind. Detroit has trailed at the half in each of its last three wins, and overcame deficits of 20 and 24 points in rallies past Minnesota and Dallas in Weeks 3 and 4.

Detroit continued the trend in its latest triumph, outscoring NFC North rival Chicago 17-3 in the second half to come away with a 24-13 decision in its first appearance on Monday Night Football since 2001.

Stafford threw a pair of touchdown strikes, including a 73-yarder to Johnson in the second quarter, to bring his season total to 13, which trails only Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady for tops in the league this season. Johnson has been on the other end of nine of those scores, making the superstar wideout the first player in NFL history to record that many over the first five games of a season.

SERIES HISTORY

The 49ers lead the all-time regular season series with the Lions, which dates back to 1950, by a 34-26-1 margin, and has come out on top in each of the past seven meetings between the teams. The most recent one took place in California in 2009, a 20-6 San Francisco victory, and the Niners posted a 19-13 verdict over Detroit in their only previous stop to Ford Field back in 2006. The Lions are 1-12 in their last 13 games against San Francisco, with the lone positive outcome during that span a 27-24 win at the Silverdome on Sept. 25, 1995.

These clubs have only faced off once before in postseason play, with the 49ers escaping with a 24-23 decision at Candlestick Park in a 1983 NFC Divisional Playoff when a 43-yard field goal attempt by Lions kicker Eddie Murray with five seconds left sailed wide right.

Detroit head coach Jim Schwartz is 0-1 against San Francisco during his tenure, while Harbaugh will be opposing both the Lions and Schwartz for the first time in his present occupation. Schwartz was on the Baltimore Ravens staff during the 1998 season, a year in which Harbaugh was that team’s quarterback.

WHEN THE 49ERS HAVE THE BALL

Though Smith (965 passing yards, 7 TD, 1 INT) has been terrific in his game- manager’s role, expect the 49ers to lean heavily on the powerful legs of Gore (400 rushing yards, 3 TD, 10 receptions), who’s put up at least 125 rushing yards in back-to-back weeks, on Sunday while sprinkling in the promising rookie Hunter (133 rushing yards, 1 TD, 4 receptions) on occasion. Not only does Harbaugh want to keep Detroit’s quick-strike offense off the field as much as possible, but San Francisco is dealing with two key injuries at the wide receiver position, with veteran Braylon Edwards set to miss a fourth straight week with a knee sprain and usual contributor Josh Morgan sustaining a season- ending leg fracture in last week’s victory. When Smith does drop back to pass, he’ll be fixed mostly in the direction of athletic tight end Vernon Davis (22 receptions, 3 TD), who’s fresh off a two-touchdown performance against the Bucs, and inconsistent 2009 first-round pick Michael Crabtree (11 receptions). Also look for the Niners to employ plenty of two-tight end sets involving the versatile Delanie Walker (9 receptions, 2 TD), a strong in-line blocker for the running backs who can be utilized as a third receiver. Airing it out isn’t usually San Francisco’s method of operation, as the team ranks last in the NFL in pass attempts and 29th in passing yards (183.0 ypg).

The Lions will be aware that the 49ers want to establish the run, but preventing their foe from doing so could be a bit tricky. Detroit is allowing a mediocre average of 4.8 yards per rush thus far, which Chicago’s Matt Forte compiling 116 yards on 22 carries against the group on Monday, and linebackers Stephen Tulloch (32 tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT) and DeAndre Levy (36 tackles) figure to be busy one week after teaming up for 19 tackles against the Bears. The Lions can be tough to throw on, however, with playmaking cornerback Chris Houston (26 tackles, 3 INT, 7 PD) and free safety Louis Delmas (25 tackles) heading up a solid secondary that’s backed by a strong pass rush that was in Jay Cutler’s face all throughout Monday’s game. A defensive line anchored by 2010 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Ndamukong Suh (16 tackles, 2 sacks) is one of the best in the business, with ends Kyle Vanden Bosch (13 tackles, 3 sacks) and Cliff Avril (11 tackles, 2 sack) both accomplished sack artists in their own right. On the injury front, strongside linebacker Justin Durant (21 tackles) may be held out a third straight week due to concussion symptoms, though journeyman Bobby Carpenter (11 tackles, 1 INT) has been filling in ably.

WHEN THE LIONS HAVE THE BALL

Detroit will take a much different offensive approach than the 49ers into this contest, allowing the strong-armed Stafford (1436 passing yards, 13 TD, 4 INT) to vertically stretch the field with a vast array of quality targets that have accumulated an average of 283.8 passing yards per game (7th overall). None has been more dangerous than Johnson (29 receptions, 451 yards, 9 TD), one of the league’s premier deep threats who scorched the Bears for 130 yards on just five catches in Week 5 and has yet to be kept out of the end zone this season. His ability to command double-teams also helps open up underneath routes for reliable tight end Brandon Pettigrew (26 receptions, 1 TD) and speedy running back Jahvid Best (353 rushing yards, 21 receptions, 3 total TD), while veteran Nate Burleson (17 receptions) and rookie Titus Young (14 receptions) are outside options that must be accounted for as well. Best is an explosive dual threat out of the backfield who’s averaging 4.8 yards per rush attempt at home over his career and broke out for a career-high 163 yards on only 12 carries against the Bears, most of which came on a game-changing 88-yard touchdown burst in the third quarter. Still, Detroit hasn’t been overly effective running the football, ranking a mere 24th overall (95.8 ypg) in that category.

Another reason Stafford’s expected to be throwing early and often come Sunday is that the 49ers boast one of the better run defenses in the game. Opponents have managed a scant 76.4 yards per game on the ground (4th overall) against a San Francisco stop unit that fields three outstanding stuffers in four-time Pro Bowl linebacker Patrick Willis (40 tackles, 4 PD), inside counterpart NaVorro Bowman (42 tackles) and rugged lineman Justin Smith (15 tackles, 3 sacks). The Niners enter this week’s play not having allowed an enemy running back to surpass the 100-yard plateau in 27 consecutive games, the longest active streak in the NFL. San Francisco has also been very good at forcing turnovers, having recorded three takeaways in each of its four wins and 14 on the season. Cornerback Carlos Rogers (13 tackles, 3 INT, 7 PD), a free-agent acquisition during the offseason, has proven to be an astute pickup, with the ex-Redskins having notched an interception in three straight weeks and taking his last pick 31 yards for a touchdown in the Tampa Bay game. Rookie outside linebacker Aldon Smith (7 tackles), the club’s first-round selection in last April’s draft, has also provided a boost as a pass-rusher by registering 3 1/2 sacks over the past two games.

KEYS TO THE GAME

Detroit’s primary objective has to be to keep Gore in check. The 49ers aren’t built to win with Alex Smith slinging it around 35 or more times in a game, especially with the depleted receiving corps the reborn quarterback will be saddled with on Sunday, and a San Francisco offensive line that’s allowed 14 sacks this year will likely encounter trouble dealing with the Lions’ stout pass rush if the team is placed into obvious throwing situations.

For San Francisco, it’s about continuing to create the turnovers. The Niners own an NFC-best plus-10 takeaway-to-giveaway ratio on the season and have forced 12 mistakes out of the opposition in their four wins. That may be a task easier said than done this week, though, as the Lions have turned it over only four times in five games and have a plus-seven margin.

Start fast. Establishing an early lead will allow San Francisco to stick to its game plan of running the football and controlling the clock, which should enhance its chances of coming out with a victory. While the Lions have unequivocally shown they can come from behind, jumping out in front would take the 49ers out of their comfort zone and play to their own strengths.

OVERALL ANALYSIS

The records of these two participants indicate this game should be one of the most entertaining and competitive on this week’s docket, and that may very well be the case if both continue to perform at their recent levels. Though the Lions haven’t lost since early December of last year, they’ve been on the ropes quite a few times during their amazing streak and may not have the luxury of getting away with mistakes against a well-coached San Francisco crew that’s fundamentally sound in most areas. The 49ers don’t possess the firepower on offense as Detroit does, however, and playing in front of a re-energized home crowd should work to the Lions’ benefit as well. Detroit rarely makes it easy, but its confidence and talent may be just enough to keep its unblemished record intact for yet another week.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Lions 26, 49ers 23

BOARDMAN, Ohio – Coach Jim Harbaugh had the San Francisco 49ers pounding the pavement Wednesday.

The 49ers’ offence went through a brisk walkthrough on the concrete parking lot at the team’s hotel before going to work for real at Stambaugh Stadium on the campus of nearby Youngstown State.

“It’s the best spot I’ve found for a walkthrough,” Harbaugh said. “I got excited. It was a big slab of concrete with lines on it. It was great.”

The 49ers chose to stay in Ohio after last Sunday’s game against Cincinnati, a 13-8 Niners victory, to practice for their upcoming game in Philadelphia.

“I like the part of changing the routine,” Harbaugh said. “Sometimes, the normal stuff sucks the life out of everybody.

“Here, we have so many opportunities as it relates to friendship. You can get to know two or three things about players, coaches, trainers. Guys are not heading to their cars and going home. They are together, eating meals, watching Monday Night Football.”

Harbaugh also wants the 49ers to experience a little football tradition, since the NFL was conceived in 1920 about 60 miles west in Canton.

“We’ve come back to the roots of the 49ers,” Harbaugh said. “This is football, the Canton Bulldogs right down the street. We’ll see how good a decision it is when we play Sunday. Right now, though, we have been treated like kings here.”

Quarterback Alex Smith said the 49ers have bought into Harbaugh’s family approach. While not returning to California to practice may appear unorthodox, Smith said it gives the offence a chance to become closer.

“There’s no question we get to focus on football,” Smith said.

He said players often face distractions at home from family, friends or just household responsibilities.

Wide receiver Joshua Morgan likes the change of pace.

“It’s like training camp in college,” Morgan said. “We’ve got one thing to think about here, and that’s playing the Eagles on Sunday. That’s good because they are a tough opponent.”

The 49ers’ offence could use a lift, especially if running back Frank Gore’s sprained right ankle limits him.

Gore was hurt in the second quarter in Cincinnati. Rookie Kendall Hunter filled in, scoring the decisive touchdown on a 7-yard-run.

“I’m not in his body. My educated guess, knowing how tough he is, is that he will play,” Harbaugh said.

Gore did not practice Wednesday. Even with him, San Francisco ranks 29th in rushing at 69.7 yards a game.

They’re not moving it through the air, either.

The 49ers’ 74 passes are third-fewest in the league. Smith was sacked five times by the Bengals and struggled to move the ball until late.

Harbaugh considers the low-scoring win an enjoyable defensive battle rather than a series of offensive misplays.

“That was football,” he said. “Football is a struggle and it is tough. If you enjoy struggles, then you liked that game. I enjoyed watching the tapes. Things can get better when you know they are fixable. There can be a lot of positives on a negative play.”

One area that may be due for a change is at right guard. Starter Chilo Rachal allowed two sacks and had three penalties in the first half. Adam Snyder played most of the second half, though Harbaugh said he has yet to make a decision on who will start against the Eagles.

Notes: Placekicker David Akers spent the previous 12 years with the Eagles, but says he has nothing to prove to them. “I have to prove things for the 49ers, not them,” said Akers, who is 7 for 7 on field goals since signing with San Francisco.