It appeared at times that Jacksonville forgot about its star running back Sunday. The Jaguars opened the first half with 22 pass plays and just five rushing plays.
Even the Jaguars were scratching their helmets. They wanted more Maurice Jones-Drew.
"That is this team's bread and butter. That is who we are,'' tight end Marcedes Lewis said. "I'm not the one calling the plays, so I don't know, and I can't really comment on it. It is easier when we have Maurice comfortable in the game. It's easier when we get him going, because that opens everything else."
Jacksonville tackle Eugene Monroe said: "I guess the game plan this week called for something different. I know that he is frustrated when he is not getting the ball, and he should be, but that's how it went today."
Jones-Drew had fewer total yards (110) than tickets purchased (about 150). The East Bay native and former De La Salle High standout was playing at Candlestick Park for the first time in his NFL career.
"It's real tough,'' Jones-Drew said. "I haven't seen these people in a long time. To come out here and not do anything is frustrating, and I am upset. A lot of emotions are going through me right now. "... To come out here and not perform is not good enough."
The 49ers' stout run defense ruined the homecoming. Linebacker Patrick Willis said coaches emphasized all week the proper technique for taking down one of the NFL's most elusive runners.
"If you
Drew did enough to surpass 1,000 rushing yards for the season, joining Fred Taylor as the only Jaguars to accomplish that feat.
"I was going to go all the way to the huddle," Singletary said. "The (officials) say, 'Mike, just do whatever you have to do to get our attention.' So I was sprinting out there. If I have to do that, I'll do it every time."
He got there in time. Singletary signaled timeout just before the Jaguars ran a third-and-goal play from the 3 with 7:43 to go in the game.



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