Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

SAN FRANSICO -- The 49ers overcame a shaky start by committing to the ground game during a five-play, 75-yard touchdown drive and a 7-3 lead over Arizona.

San Francisco was sloppy early, but the Cardinals managed only a field goal on two early red-zone trips. Those expecting trickery from 49ers offensive coordinator Mike Martz have gotten smash-mouth football instead, even though a shoulder injury sidelined starting center Eric Heitmann early in the game.

The 49ers have been able to clear out Cardinals nose tackle Bryan Robinson in the running game, sometimes with double teams. That was the case on Gore's 41-yard touchdown run.

J.T. O'Sullivan completed a 16-yard pass during the touchdown drive. He appeared to settle down after throwing a couple of incomplete passes early. Gore is the 49ers' best player. Martz seems to recognize that early, a good sign for the 49ers.