"It was just about six years ago that rookie running back Frank Gore broke down after a brutal loss in what would be a 4-12 season. Gore was in the Candlestick players parking lot watching teammates laugh and joke when the tears started to flow. Coming from a winning program at the University of Miami, Gore was upset that players could be so lighthearted after yet another loss.

Now Gore and the 49ers are a win away from capturing the NFC West title and securing a playoff berth for the first time since 2002. Gore is also 22 yards from surpassing Hall of Fame running back Joe Perry as the team's all-time leading rusher.

"I will," Gore said Friday when asked if he would celebrate earning a playoff berth in the eventuality of a win over St. Louis at home on Sunday. "This is my seventh year, and a lot of us have been in this locker room for a while and there have been some tough times. Our goal was always to make it to the playoffs. It's the closest we have ever been - if we do it, I'll celebrate a little bit."

Only a little bit, because the 49ers are in the odd circumstance of potentially securing a playoff berth with four games remaining. They need to keep winning to assure a home playoff game and a first-round bye."