SAN FRANCISCO — When members of the 49ers’ dominant defensive line step into their meeting room, they might start off by discussing life away from football or any personal issue someone is facing. There’s usually some clowning around — enough that Ricky Jean Francois has referred to this intense, close-knit group as “Looney Tunes.”
The one thing that’s never mentioned is an impressive streak that has gone largely unnoticed during San Francisco’s remarkable turnaround season: The defense hasn’t allowed a single rushing touchdown this year.
If the 49ers (10-3) can keep the AFC power Steelers (10-3) out of the end zone on the ground tonight, they will become the first team in NFL history to do so in the first 14 games.
“We take pride in stopping the run,” defensive end Justin Smith said. “The main thing is stop the run and give our team a chance to win, and that’s what we’re all about.”
The 49ers also have not allowed a 100-yard rusher in 35 straight games — though Pittsburgh’s Rashard Mendenhall, with his eight rushing touchdowns, will be determined to try to break one of those streaks.
And the Steelers will certainly look to run more if quarterback Ben Roethlisberger doesn’t play or is limited because of an ankle injury that forced him to wear a walking boot during the week. He is listed as questionable.