How do you beat the 49ers?

The San Francisco 49ers 8-1 start begs the question: Are they Super Bowl contenders? The debate is hotter than ever after San Francisco’s 27-20 win over the New York Giants on Sunday. How can a team, following eight years of futility, suddenly be so good? Many aren’t buying the 49ers start, suggesting that their poor pass defense and game-manager quarterback will eventually bring them down in the playoffs. But the 49ers have created a winning formula despite these negative perceptions. So, what’s the formula that has led to the 49ers winning seven straight?

First off, Frank Gore has been excellent in five of the last seven games, rushing for 634 yards in that span. Alex Smith has been steady in six of the seven games, tossing nine touchdowns and two interceptions. The 49ers lead the league in rushing defense and have not allowed a 100-yard rusher this season. Lastly, the 49ers have a +13 turnover margin for the season.

So, from this list, it appears that 49ers formula is solid run defense, great running game, steady quarterback play and winning the turnover battle -- a pretty bullet proof formula if you ask me.

But it hasn’t always been that easy.

Against the Eagles the 49ers allowed more than 100 yards rushing. Yet, they still beat the Eagles 24-23 by winning the other three phases.

Against the Lions, Alex Smith was atrocious and the 49ers lost the turnover battle. But a great defense and running game was enough to down Detroit 25-19.

Against the Giants, the 49ers only racked up 50 yards from their running backs. They still managed to beat New York by winning the other three phases.

We’ve also learned a lot about how the 49ers play from behind. First the Bengals tried to beat the 49ers at their own game by running the ball and playing great defense with a second half lead. But the 49ers pulled ahead late in the fourth, winning 13-8.

Then the Eagles tried to add on to the lead with big passing plays. But the 49ers thwarted their attempts and scored 21 unanswered to win.

The Lions decided to abandon the running game entirely, taking the 49ers best unit out of the game. But the 49ers still found a way to win.

So how do you beat these 49ers?

I’d say a great passing offense combined with a great passing defense would be your best bet. The 49ers have only truly needed Lady Luck in two games -- against the Eagles and Lions. The Eagles were the only team to dominate the 49ers pass defense, and the Lions were the only team to totally shut down Alex Smith. If any team could put both together, (The Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys come to mind) it would vanquish the 49ers.

But to simply write them off in the playoffs isn’t fair. Alex Smith has proven that he can make plays against good defenses. And I encourage you to ask Matthew Stafford about the 49ers pass defense before you judge.

I think we’ve learned in the last several weeks that the 49ers are for real. They don’t have a glaring weakness, and they boast a few strengths -- special teams, run defense and run offense.

I’m not going to declare that the 49ers are Super Bowl favorites. But before you say, “I hope we get to play the 49ers in the playoffs,” remember that no team has been as consistent as San Francisco in all three phases up to this point in the season.