Jackson vs. Willis

Rams running back is ready for a breakout game and has a shot at 1,000-yard season, but 49ers' Pro Bowl linebacker will have a say in how things go Sunday

Despite his training camp holdout and a thigh injury that cost him 4? games, Steven Jackson is within striking distance of his fourth consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season. He needs 226 yards over the final two games to reach 1,000. Jackson hasn't had a 100-yard game since his return from injury but came close against Miami and Seattle, and appears poised for a breakout game. No doubt, Patrick Willis will be looking for Jackson on both running and passing downs. On Tuesday, Willis became the first 49er to make the Pro Bowl in his first two NFL seasons since Ronnie Lott. He has 153 tackles this season, plus a sack, a team-high 11 pass breakups, and an 86-yard interception return for a touchdown. "He's a headhunter," Jackson said. "He's a guy that finds the ball and makes a lot of tackles, so we definitely have to account for him in the running game and also in the passing game."

THE BREAKDOWN

When the Rams run the ball

The 49ers have switched to a strict 3-4 scheme under Mike Singletary, which puts more stress on the center and offensive tackles. Although undersized for a nose tackle, Aubrayo Franklin's improved play has helped a San Francisco defense that has allowed only one 100-yard rushing total by an opposing team in its last four games. The 49ers are tough to run against between the tackles. Opposing teams are averaging a mere 2.5 yards per carry on 135 attempts between the tackles this season. So rushing yards don't figure to come easy for the Rams, but Steven Jackson is healthy and running as strongly as he has all season.

EDGE: Rams

When the 49ers run the ball

Hard-charging Frank Gore hasn't played since suffering a sprained ankle two weeks ago against the New York Jets. He's listed as a game-time decision, but isn't expected to play after missing practice all week. But the 'Niners have a capable replacement in former Carolina Panther DeShaun Foster, who's taller than Gore and more of a slasher, but still tough between the tackles. Foster had only 78 yards rushing through San Francisco's first 13 games, but basically doubled that total with 76 yards on 18 carries last week against Miami. The insertion of Chris Draft into the lineup at middle linebacker has helped the Rams' run defense the past two Sundays.

EDGE: 49ers

When the Rams pass the ball

Under Singletary, the 49ers have tried to close the middle of the field coverage-wise. Even so, both Miami touchdowns last week against San Francisco came on passes to tight ends. Veteran corners Nate Clements and Walt Harris both had an interception against the Rams when the teams met five weeks ago; Takeo Spikes is tied for the NFL lead for interceptions among linebackers, with three. But the 49ers haven't been able to generate much of a pass rush all season. They're just a moderate blitzing team. Former Mizzou and Jefferson City High product Justin Smith is lining up almost strictly at right defensive end, after being moved around earlier in the season.

EDGE: Rams

When the 49ers pass the ball

Since taking over for J.T. O'Sullivan at quarterback, Shaun Hill has helped San Francisco dramatically reduce mistakes. The passing attempts are almost identical for Hill (224) and O'Sullivan (220) this season, yet Hill has thrown seven fewer interceptions, lost four fewer fumbles, and been sacked 14 fewer times. Hill is using fewer seven-step drops, but offensive coordinator Mike Martz - the former Rams head coach - still likes to wing it, and still likes to go downfield. The 49ers' final 22 plays last week against Miami were pass plays. For the season, they have 48 completions of 20 yards or more, the second-highest total in the NFC.

EDGE: 49ers

---

SCHEDULE AND RESULTS

Eagles 38 Rams 3 Sept. 7 Record: 0-1 Away

Giants 41 Rams 13 Sept. 14 Record: 0-2

Seahawks37 Rams 13 Sept. 21 Record: 0-3 Away

Bills 31 Rams 14 Sept. 28 Record: 0-4

Rams 19 Redskins 17 Oct. 12 Record: 1-4 Away

Rams 34 Cowboys 14 Oct. 19 Record: 2-4

Patriots 23 Rams 16 Oct. 26 Record: 2-5 Away

Cardinals 34 Rams 14 Nov. 2 Record: 2-6

Jets 47 Rams 3 Nov. 9 Record: 2-7 Away

49ers 35 Rams 16 Nov. 16 Record: 2-8 Away

Bears 27 Rams 3 Nov. 23 Record: 2-9

Dolphins 16 Rams 12 Nov. 30 Record: 2-10

Cardinals 34 Rams 10 Dec. 7 Record: 2-11 Away

Seahawks 23 Rams 20 Dec. 14 Record 2-12

49ers Dec. 21 Noon FOX

Falcons Dec. 28 Noon FOX Away