Steelers vs. 49ers: 5 Key Half-Time Stats for San Francisco

The Niners have dominated this game, but their struggles in the red zone have the Steelers in it.  Here are 5 stats that tell the story. 

43: Yards for Frank Gore 

After a hot start to the season Frank Gore has struggled the last 5 weeks averaging only 54.4 YPG.  He had almost half of that on the first drive tonight.  Jim Harbaugh is proving to Steel City that his boys line ‘em up and bang with the best of them. 

5: Missed Tackles

If either Mike Wallace or Antonio Brown break a tackle they are more likely to light-up the scoreboard.  With sure tackling Patrick Willis inactive, the pressure is on the 49ers’ DBs and LBs to keep the Steelers speedy receivers in front of them.

7:11: Time of 49ers Opening Scoring Drive 

Time for the John Madden comment of the night: It is really hard to score when you don’t have the football.  Time of possession has been a huge key for Harbaugh’s offenses dating back to his Stanford days.  The Niners opening 7 minute scoring drive was a perfect example of Harbaugh’s keep away strategy working to perfection.  

42.1: Big Ben’s QB Rating

While the Niners have not put a whole lot of pressure on the Steelers' gimpy signal caller they have capitalized on his mistakes to the tune of 6 points.  If Aldon Smith and Co. can put a little bit more pressure on Big Ben in the second half they will have a good chance of forcing him into a few more bad throws. 

2/2: David Akers on Field Goals

Don't be surprised if this game comes down to the kickers.  Akers has been solid as a rock all season and I imagine the Niners' sideline would feel very comfortable putting the game on his foot.