Cowboys losing aside, today was not a complete loss. The 49ers loss leaves a substantial sting, but that doesn't mean we can't acknowledge some of the positives. The 49ers had some positive accomplishments as they continue some potential record-setting runs.
The rush defense remains a stalwart unit. They upped their streak of non-100 yard rushing backs to 35 games. If they can hold Rashard Mendenhall under 100 yards next Monday, they will equal the Williams Wall Minnesota Vikings. Additionally, they did not allow a rushing touchdown for the 13th straight game, which continues to equal the 1920 Decatur Staleys. I believe they went 14 games to set the all time professional football record.
That rushing TD number received a possible boost against the Cardinals. Arizona was set up with a first and goal inside the five yard line early in the fourth quarter. On the first play they ran a bit of a screen pass to Andre Roberts for the touchdown. It's not the 49ers rushing defense's fault the Cardinals threw, but they did give up a touchdown. Doesn't impact the record, but sucks nonetheless. Such is life.
Stifling Defense
· Dating back to last season, the 49ers defense has not allowed a rushing TD in 14 consecutive games, which ranks 1st in team history.
· The 14-game streak of not allowing a rushing TD also ranks 2nd in the NFL since 1970.
· The 49ers defense is the only team in the NFL to not allow a rushing TD in the first 13 games of the 2011 season. The current 13-game streak to not allow a rushing TD in a single season ranks 1st in the NFL since the 1970 merger.
· The 49ers defense also became the first team since the 1920 Decatur Staleys to not allow a rushing TD in the first 13 games of the season.
Run Defense Continues Streak
· The 49ers run defense has not allowed a 100-yd. rusher in the last 35 games, which marks the longest active streak in the NFL. Since the start of the 2000 season, the 49ers streak of 35 games without allowing a 100-yd. rusher ranks 3rd in the NFL.
Knocking It Out
· The 49ers defense registered 4 PDs on the day at Arizona, giving them 88 for the season. The 88 PDs rank 3rd in the NFL this season.
Going The Distance
· RB Frank Gore notched his 5th 1,000-yd. rushing season of his career, recording 72 yds. and 1 TD on 10 carries today.
· Gore is one of 5 active players in the NFL to record 5, 1,000-yd. rushing seasons (RB LaDainian Tomlinson 8, RB Steven Jackson 6, RB Thomas Jones 5 and RB Ricky Williams 5).
· Gore recorded his 6th rushing TD of the season and 41st of his career, taking it to the house on a 37-yd. scamper, the team's longest rushing TD of the season.
Golden Boot
· K David Akers connected on 4 of 5 FGs of the day, giving him 42 FG attempts on the season. He became the all-time leader in FG attempts in franchise history, passing K Mike Cofer (38 FGs attempted in 1988).
· Akers also set single-season career-highs in FGs made (36) and FGs attempted (42) .
· Posting 135 points this season, Akers ranks 3rd in franchise history in total points. The 135 points rank 1st in the NFL this season.
Bringing ‘Em Down
· DT Justin Smithrecorded his 5.5 sack on the season and 70.5 in his career. In doing so, Smith knocked the ball loose to record his 3rd FF of the year and 13th of his career.
· LB Aldon Smith brought down QB John Skelton in the 3rd qtr. for his 10.5 sack of the season.
· Smith became the first 49er to record double-digit sacks since 2002 (DE Andre Carter 12.5) and ranks t-2nd among all rookies in franchise history since 1982.
Coming Up Big
· LB Aldon Smithnotched his 2nd FF of the season after stripping the ball from Skelton. DT RayMcDonald picked up the loose ball for his 1st FR of the season and 1st since 11/29/09 vs. Jax.
Staying Picky
· S Dashon Goldson recorded a career-high 5th INT of the season, picking off QB John Skelton in the 3rd. qtr. Goldson has now posted 5 INTs in his last 7 games.
· Goldson's 5 INTs on the season rank 2nd in the NFL and 1st in the NFC among safeties.
· CB Tarell Brown notched his 1st INT of the season and 6th of his career, marking his first INT since 1/2/11 vs. Arz.
Extending Their Streaks
· TE/LS Brian Jennings has now played in 189 consecutive games and is tied with WR Jerry Rice for the 2nd most consecutive games played in franchise history.
· DT Justin Smith has now started 168 consecutive games, dating back to his rookie season in 2001. Smith's consecutive start streak ranks 3rd among defensive players and 5th among all NFL players.
· TE Vernon Davis has now started 72 consecutive game0s, which ranks 3rd in the NFL among TE's behind Tony Gonzalez (83) and Jason Witten (80).