49ers doing all the little things right to be 6-1

By Janie Mccauley

Associated Press

Published: Monday, Oct. 31 2011 1:20 p.m. MDT

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San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh congratulates running back Frank Gore (21) after he scored a touchdown in the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns in San Francisco, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011.

Marcio Jose Sanchez, Associated Press

Summary

Joe Staley relished his shining moment after the offensive lineman caught a 17-yard pass for a first down and celebrated madly. Nose tackle and part-time fullback Isaac Sopoaga got into the action with an 18-yard reception.

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Joe Staley relished his shining moment after the offensive lineman caught a 17-yard pass for a first down and celebrated madly. Nose tackle and part-time fullback Isaac Sopoaga got into the action with an 18-yard reception.

The San Francisco 49ers know they're going well when the big boys are catching balls. They know things are right when a flat second half still leads to a 10-point victory. And, when, before October is over, the team already holds a commanding four-game lead in the NFC West.

And the way they have set themselves up, Jim Harbaugh's 49ers (6-1) could clinch their division and the franchise's first playoff berth in nine years before that highly anticipated matchup with the coach's big brother, John, and the Baltimore Ravens on Thanksgiving.

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