COMMENTARY : When Rams, Niners Clash, the Ground Game May Be Key

Of Roger Craig’s four 100-yard performances this season, three of them (plus a 97-yard effort) have come in the last eight games.

If that’s an indication that the 49ers are regaining some consistency in their running game, coach George Seifert is happy to see it.

The outcome of Sunday’s NFC championship game at Candlestick Park between the 49ers and Rams may depend on which team can move the ball on the ground.

In Seifert’s view, you can’t separate Craig’s 125 yards rushing in Saturday’s 41-13 playoff victory over Minnesota from the four touchdown passes Joe Montana threw or the offensive line allowing no sacks.

“The blocking schemes we used, as well as the running of Roger and timing between our quarterback and receivers, had a lot to do with the pass protection we got against the Vikings,” Seifert said Monday.

Not since Neal Anderson of Chicago did it last season had a runner gained 100 yards on the Vikings. They were ranked first in NFL defense and had allowed an average of 105 yards per game rushing. The 49ers totaled 162.

“It’s an honor,” said Craig, who ran for 1,054 yards and six touchdowns during the regular season. “It builds a lot of confidence.”

It’s an honor for the whole team, according to 49ers offensive line Coach Bob McKittrick. “What we did to the Vikings had to be a confidence-builder for everyone involved,” McKittrick said. “This is the time of year you want that to happen.”

Said Seifert: “I probably sound like every other coach when I say we’ve got to establish our running game, but in fact we have been getting better,” Seifert said. “It’s something we believe we must keep improving to win this game coming up.”

Craig ran for 67 yards and Tom Rathman had 42 in the 49ers’ 13-12 loss to the Rams on Oct. 1 at Candlestick. The 49ers’ offense left a lot to be desired that day, but the team was on the verge of winning until Rathman’s fourth-quarter fumble.

When the 49ers beat the Rams 30-27 in a Dec. 11 rematch in Anaheim, Craig had only 48 yards. He wound up running for the winning TD, after John Taylor helped the 49ers make up a 17-point deficit with two long scoring receptions.

“I would say our running has gotten better and better each week,” said Al Lavan, in his first year as 49ers running backs coach after nine years with the Dallas Cowboys. “I don’t think there’s any doubt we’ve made improvement from the first two times we played the Rams. As coaches we can see it, although it doesn’t always reflect the yardage from game to game.”

Craig’s best running production of the season was 131 yards in the opener at Indianapolis. He also had 109- and 97-yard games against Atlanta and 105 yards against Buffalo in the next-to-last game.

Seifert went with reserves in the second half of the season-ending rout of Chicago, giving the starters a rest.

Lavan said the two weeks between that game and the playoffs was beneficial for everyone, especially Craig.

“Teams have been keying on him all year after the season he was coming off (a career best 1,502 yards in 1988),” Lavan said. “I’m sure the rest helped Roger, as hard as he works.”

Craig said the rest definitely helped. “It’s a long season, and you take a lot of pounding going through a 16-game schedule. Your body can use some time away from that.”

Craig had his career-best rushing day of 190 yards and three TDs in a 24-21 win over the Rams last season in Anaheim. He would love to have another game like that, but the 49ers aren’t counting on it.

“It’s no secret that if you run the ball well, other good things can happen,” McKittrick said. “But the Rams are not the Vikings. Their defense is completely different. What we might have done against them in previous years doesn’t mean you can do it the next time. They adjust very well on defense.”

Rathman found it surprising that the Rams ranked 21st in overall defense and 28th against the pass but were fifth-best defending the run.

“I don’t care about the ratings, they always play (well) against us,” he said.

Lavan is encouraged by the fact that the Rams will be forced to deal with new elements in the 49ers’ offense. Keith Henderson, for example.

Henderson, third-round draft pick from Georgia, has played in only seven games this season because of injuries, but he has made major contributions--a 78-yard reception and an 11-yard TD run against Atlanta, recovery of a fumbled kickoff return to set up the winning TD in Anaheim, a 40-yard reception against Buffalo and a 15-yard reception for a first down on a scoring drive against the Vikings.

“Keith hasn’t really run that much, but he’s definitely a talent,” Lavan said. “If there’s an opportunity to use him, we will.”

Said Seifert: “There are a number of plays we didn’t use the first time we played the Rams. You start with a foundation and build up plays over a season. Most plays you can run against any defense; it’s just what area you’re going to emphasize.”

What the 49ers have been emphasizing lately will do.

49ers notes: Seifert said nose tackle Michael Carter probably will be activated from injured reserve and begin practicing “near the end of the week.” Carter has missed nine games and “probably won’t play a lot,” Seifert said, but could be used “in key situations. His presence will be valuable,” he said, if doctors say he can play.

Seifert on the Rams’ receivers: “Playing the Vikings this past week and going against receivers like Anthony Carter and Hassan Jones, you think it doesn’t get any better. But the two who have given us the most trouble are the Los Angeles receivers (Henry Ellard and Willie Anderson).”

Seifert on Rams Coach John Robinson’s switching from a run-oriented offense to a more open attack: “To be a good coach you have to be flexible and willing to adapt. He’s done that. Now he’s got an outstanding thrower (Jim Everett) and has taken advantage of it. They still haven’t lost their ability to run the ball, though.”

Tackle Bubba Paris on Minnesota defensive end Chris Doleman kicking him: “It was the best hit he made on me all day.”