SANTA CLARA – The 49ers allowed 15 sacks over the first four games of the 2007 season, many on blitzes up the middle. Their goal this season: firming up their soft underbelly of a year ago.
"One thing we've been concentrating on this year is figuring out ways the middle of the pocket is completely shut down so nobody's breaking though," center Eric Heitmann said Friday. "It's one of the things coach (Mike) Martz and the offensive-line coaches have made a point of emphasis this year."
Heitmann said that attention to detail isn't limited to the guards and center. He said it involves tight ends coming down the line to help with interior blocking, as well as running backs picking up blitzers who shoot through the "A-gap."
DeShaun Foster said he and his fellow running backs would pay special attention Sunday to Arizona Cardinals safety Adrian Wilson, who has 16 career sacks.
"They move him all around the field," Foster said. "They like to try to match him up with a running back."
Looking back – It turned out to be perhaps the most iconic play of the 49ers' 2007 season: Patrick Willis running down Arizona wide receiver Sean Morey in overtime during the teams' second meeting and preventing what would have been a game-winning touchdown.
How many times has Willis watched it since? "I can probably count on my hands – probably on one hand – how many times I've seen it," he said.
And he's not all that impressed. "It's old now," he said. "It doesn't mean anything to me now."
Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt was decidedly more enthusiastic when asked about the play.
"I was stunned that he had the ability to make that play, especially as a rookie," he said. "I guess I shouldn't say I was surprised, but he is definitely a guy that you have to account for, and he's a good young player, and I'm sure the 49ers are excited about his future with them. I'm not excited about having to play against him two times this year, that's for sure."
Clean bill of health? – Every 49er could be available to play Sunday. Safety Michael Lewis (back) and tight end Delanie Walker (calf) were held out of practice Friday, but both are listed as probable for Sunday. Also probable are nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin (knee) and linebacker Parys Haralson (shoulder).
Starting receiver – Mike Nolan said either veteran wide receiver Bryant Johnson or rookie Josh Morgan could start at split end Sunday, depending on which alignment the 49ers are in to begin the game. Both are expected to play extensively against Arizona.
Read Matthew Barrows' 49ers blog at www.sacbee.com/blogs.
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