SAN FRANCISCO: Francisco’s top-rated defense forced four turnovers from Pittsburgh’s Ben Roethlisberger and the 49ers beat the Steelers 20-3 on Monday in an NFL game hit twice by stadium power outages.
The playoff-bound foes nearly needed candlelight at Candlestick Park. The start was delayed 20 minutes after an electric transformer exploded 25 minutes before kickoff and play stopped for 16 minutes after a second-quarter blackout.

San Francisco improved to 11-3, matching New Orleans for second in the National Conference in the fight for a first-round playoff bye and a home-field edge in the second round.

The 49ers have already clinched their first winning season, division title and playoff berth since 2002.

“It was a big game. It was a game about respect,” 49ers quarterback Alex Smith said. “We knew it was going to be a battle. Our defense played great and we came out on top. We’re playing well right now.”

The Steelers, who entered in control of their playoff destiny, fell to 10-4 and dropped level with Baltimore atop the AFC North division, needing a loss by the rival Ravens for any hope of claiming a division title and first-round bye.

“We had an opportunity. We didn’t seize it,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. “We will accept responsibility for that.”

Steelers quarterback Roethlisberger started despite a sprained left ankle, wearing a custom-made brace, but was intercepted three times and lost a fumble as well to help spark the 49ers’ attack.

“Him not being as mobile as he wanted hurt them a little bit,” said 49ers defensive end Justin Smith.

“We took advantage of it.”

David Akers kicked field goals of 22 and 38 yards to give the 49ers a 6-0 half-time lead, each scoring drive being set up by an interception of a Roethlisberger pass.

Stadium lights went out 2:47 into the second quarter, halting the game until power could be restored and lights illuminated once again.

“It was unusual,” Alex Smith said. “You don’t expect to have to deal with that once let alone twice. It wasn’t too bad. It was the same for both teams.”

Added Justin Smith, “For everybody out here, I don’t think it was a big deal.”

The NFL’s top top scoring defense lived up to its reputation, keeping the Steelers out of the end zone. The 49ers have not allowed a rushing touchdown all season, the first time any NFL club has gone 14 games without doing so.

“That’s huge. Congratulations to our defense for that,” 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh said.                   

AFP