San Francisco 49ers' Keys to Victory

San Francisco 49ers' Keys to Victory /

Keep Colin Kaepernick on a loose leash. The second-year quarterback can make big plays when he leaves the pocket.

Feed the ball to Frank Gore. His running keeps the offense balanced.

The D-linemen must tie up blockers to leave one of the league's best corps of linebackers free to make plays.

Make tight end Vernon Davis a primary receiver. He excels in the postseason.

Don't be comfortable settling for long field-goal attempts. David Akers has lost some of his long-range pop.

Published Dec 7, 2012