In a game that matched the two top defenses in the league, the 49ers came out on top, as San Francisco turned in a dominating performance, defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers 20-3. The game was twice delayed due to power outages shutting down the lights at the stadium, but when the power came on, the 49ers played lights out defense.
It was billed as a defensive battle, and ultimately defense won the day as the 49ers won the turnover battle 4-0. All four turnovers came courtesy of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who had 3 interceptions and lost 1 of his 2 fumbles. Roethlisberger played through a high ankle sprain, and hobbled through the game, which hurt his ability to move around and buy time in the pocket, and to step into his throws.
Roethlisberger was also sacked 3 times, 2.5 by rookie Aldon Smith, who set a 49ers team record for most sacks by a rookie. Smith has 13 sacks on the season, and 5.5 in the last 3 games, and is now tied with Terrell Suggs for 5th in the league.
Other than the turnovers, Roethlisberger was effective moving the ball, as he completed 25 of 44 passes for 330 yards, but they were unable to find the end zone. The 49ers top ranked rushing defense also limited the Steelers to 84 yards rushing, and continued their record streak – not surrendering a rushing touchdown all season through 14 games.
San Francisco didn’t move the ball extremely well against the Steelers defense, registering only 287 yards of total offense, but they had no turnovers and were able to convert when it mattered most. Quarterback Alex Smith was efficient, completing 18 of 31 passes for 187 yards and 1 TD pass to Vernon Davis, who had 6 catches for 72 yards. Frank Gore added a rushing TD, along with 18 carries for 65 yards.
The 49ers defense has been taking the ball away effectively, and the offense has not turned the ball over – they own the best turnover ratio in the league. Cornerback Carlos Rogers had one interception, and cornerback Tarrell Brown had an interception for the second week in a row. Safety Dashon Goldson had a the third interception, and has had one interception in each of the last three games.
Both teams were playing without key linebackers, as Patrick Willis was out for the 49ers with a strained hamstring and Steelers linebacker James Harrison served a one game suspension for his hit last Thursday on Browns quarterback Colt McCoy.
