by Sports Xchange

Offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye cited corner blitzes from Charles Woodson and outside linebacker Aaron Kampman being matched up on a running back as two concerns the 49ers face. It most instances, it would be Gore's responsibility to protect quarterback Alex Smith.

"I just have to know what I'm doing," Gore said. "They bring a lot of pressure. As long as I feel I know what I'm doing and what man to block. I'm going to try my best to block him."

And how will Gore go about trying to block Kampman, a 260-pound natural defensive end.

"I just have to attack -- get as close as I can before he can make moves, attack and keep working," Gore said.

--When starting linebacker Takeo Spikes sustained a hamstring injury before halftime of the 49ers-Bears game last Thursday, rookie Scott McKillop got the call to replace him. But at halftime, the 49ers coaches reconsidered and sent veteran Matt Wilhelm into the game.

"Matt has been in a lot of situations in San Diego and has played a lot of games and was a starter," 49ers defensive coordinator Greg Manusky said. "We just felt comfortable with Matt being in there at the time. That's why we made the transition. Nothing against Scott, it is just that right now we felt Matt had a better feel for the game and we were confident in his ability to play."

--Coach Mike Singletary gushed about the play of veteran left tackle Barry Sims, who has filled in for injured Joe Staley.

"Outstanding. It's a pleasant surprise," Singletary said. "I think he's done a great job. I'm really excited about what he has been able to bring to that position. I think he's done a phenomenal job."

However, Sims probably will not remain in the starting lineup once Staley returns, Singletary said. Staley is on target for a possible return for the Dec. 14 game against the Arizona Cardinals.

Singletary said Sims would only remain in the starting lineup if Staley were rusty. And when asked if Sims might move to right tackle? Singletary answered, "Probably not. (Adam) Snyder is doing a good job on that side."

--Instead, veteran Isaac Bruce is the one who found himself aced out of a starting job. And that hardly comes as a surprise to the 16-year veteran who ranks statistically as one of the top receivers in NFL history.

"I knew I was holding that spot for Josh," Bruce said Tuesday. "He's ready to play. He's ascending and improving a lot."

--Bruce resists the suggestion that he has served as a mentor to the team's young receivers. But Morgan said he has learned a lot from his "life coach" about issues other than football. As far as the tenets of the job, Morgan said he gleans as much as possible from "one of the best route-runners to play the game."

Bruce is in the final year of his contract, and does not figure to return to the 49ers next season. Morgan and Crabtree have a chance to team together for a long time.

"I like the progression," Singletary said. "I just want to see it faster. I want to see when Josh Morgan and Michael Crabtree line up, the (the defense) has issues on both sides.

"I think Josh Morgan is extremely talented. He's extremely physical. There are just a lot of things that he can do and present a lot of issues for a defense. So, I'm just looking for the time that, and hopefully soon, where he presents a lot of issues over there."

BY THE NUMBERS: 59 -- Number of yards per game the 49ers' passing game has improved after Alex Smith replaced Shaun Hill as starting quarterback.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "This is my first time going, so I look forward to it. There are a handful of places now I have never been and this is one of them. I look forward to it and I am excited for it. I have heard a lot about it." -- 49ers quarterback Alex Smith on the anticipation of his first trip to Green Bay's Lambeau Field.