SANTA CLARA, Calif. - From the pick six that closed Candlestick to a pair of goal-line stands in Carolina, it seems like whenever San Francisco needs a big play from its defence one of the 49ers decorated linebackers steps up. With Pro Bowlers NaVorro Bowman, Patrick Willis and Ahmad Brooks playing alongside talented pass rusher Aldon Smith on co-ordinator Vic Fangios defence, the Niners version of the fearsome foursome has played a major part in their advancement to the NFC title game on Sunday night in Seattle. Bowman, Willis, Brooks and Smith have combined for seven sacks, one forced fumble and an interception in road playoff wins in Green Bay and Carolina that set up the showdown with the Seahawks with a spot in the Super Bowl on the line. "We just try to stay together and lead this defence," Bowman said. "We all can do special things that a lot of guys cant do in this league. Vics just done a great job drawing up the right plays and what he wants us to do out there. Were blessed to have all four of us on the same page." What makes this unit so effective is how well they work together. Smith and Brooks are elite pass rushers, able to chase down quarterbacks with their speed and overpower blockers with their strength. Willis and Bowman are the do-everything inside backers, who plug holes against the run, blitz when needed and chase running backs and tight ends in coverage. While Willis came into the year as the most decorated of the bunch as a five-time All-Pro and Smith the most feared with 33 1/2 sacks his first two seasons, it is Bowman who has led the group this season when the Niners needed it most. Smith missed five games to receive substance abuse treatment and Willis showed a few signs of slowing down, turning Bowman into the on-field leader of the group. He was named first-team All-Pro for the third straight season and has been mentioned as a candidate for Defensive Player of the Year after recording a career-high five sacks, two interceptions, five forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. That earned him the ultimate praise from Willis. "I said, Man, youre having the kind of year that linebackers want to have. I know youre most certainly having the kind of year that I would love to have," Willis said. "Hes my brother. Im always going to be his biggest fan. Hes my teammate. Im just glad to see him do well. When one of us does well, we all do well. Thats how we think as a team." The crowning moment of Bowmans year came in the regular-season home finale against Atlanta. With the 49ers in danger of losing the final scheduled game at Candlestick Park and having their playoff status put in doubt, Bowman delivered one of the most impressive plays of the season. It started with him blitzing up the middle against Matt Ryan. But after getting the centre to commit, Bowman retreated and was in perfect position when Tramaine Brock broke up a slant pass to Harry Douglas. Bowman grabbed the ball out of the air and ran 89 yards for the touchdown that sealed the 34-24 victory and clinched the playoffs for the Niners. "He just comes up big all the time," defensive lineman Ray McDonald said. "Its paying off for him because hes a hard-working guy, hes always on top of his game." Bowman was at it again in Sundays 23-10 win over Carolina, fighting off two blockers before tackling Cam Newton at the 1 late in the second quarter. After a sack by Brooks and another goal-line stop by Bowman, the Panthers had to settle for a field goal. San Francisco drove for the go-ahead score in the closing seconds of the half and never trailed again. That was the second impressive goal-line stand as Brooks stopped Newton on fourth down from the 1 earlier in the second quarter. Back-to-back sacks by Bowman and Brooks knocked the Panthers out of field goal range in the closing minutes of the third quarter in what proved to be their last chance to stay in the game. Throw in an interception earlier in the game by Willis that set up a field goal, and it was a dominating day. "We take pride on keeping teams out of the end zone," Bowman said. "Theyre going to make big plays, theyre NFL players, too. But if we can hold up at the goal line four downs in a row that lets you know were here to play and its going to be a long day." Air Max 90/1 Canada . Playing in his fourth major league game, Polanco broke a tie in the 13th inning with his first homer, helping Pittsburgh to an 8-6 victory over the Miami Marlins after the Pirates had a ninth-inning meltdown. Nike Air Max 97 Canada . The alleged sexual assault is believed to have happened over the weekend of Feb. 1, when the hockey team was in Thunder Bay for two games against Lakehead University. The criminal investigation branch of the Thunder Bay Police Service is leading the investigation with help from Ottawa police. http://www.clearanceairmaxcanada.com/air...anada-sale.html. They signed their first kicker. Ottawa inked Nick Setta, a 32-year-old native of Lockport, Illinois, to a contract. Air Max 200 Canada . -- Max Gilbert captured his first pro victory at the Tour Championship of Canada. Air Max Tavas Canada . With the final four being arguably the four best – and most complete – teams from the regular season, picking a winner is not as easy as it sounds.TORONTO -- His family isnt too happy about it but former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva says he cant wait to return to the cage after a lengthy layoff from a gruesome leg injury. The 39-year-old Brazilian is due to make his comeback Jan. 31 against Nick Diaz at UFC 183 in Las Vegas. Silva (33-6) has not fought since breaking his leg last December in a fight against middleweight champion Chris Weidman at UFC 168. The Brazilian star collapsed in the cage after his leg essentially shattered when Weidman checked his kick. "Im just dying to return to the Octagon and do the thing that I most love in my life," Silva said Friday through an interpreter on a media conference call. His family doesnt share that view, however. "To tell you the truth, theyre not too happy but they respect my wish and now theyre coping with it," he added. Asked about their objections, Silva replied: "I dont think anybodys family would like to see their family going to war and with mine it wouldnt be different." Silva had surgery the night of the Weidman fight to stabilize his broken left leg, with a 40-centimetre-long rod inserted into the tibia below the knee. His fibula was also broken in what he called "a mere accident." Silva says the injured leg is at 95 per cent and improving, promising it will be 100 per cent when he makes his comeback against Diaz. The rod may came out at a later date. He said he never contemplated retirement in the aftermath of the injury. And he said there was no hesitation when it came to delivering his first kkick back in the gym.dddddddddddd Silva said there are no limitations on his leg although he is not kicking as hard as he usually does. "Hes going to wait to kick hard at the day of the fight," said the interpreter. The 30-year-old Diaz (27-9-1) last fought in March 2013 when he lost a decision to then-welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre. Silva said he expects the fight with Diaz to be one of the best standup battles of the year. "Nick Diaz is a guy that walks forward. Hes got great boxing skills and hes going to come to fight. So the fans can expect a great fight." Asked whether he had sights set on regaining his 185-point title, Silva said his first priority was to see how he performs against Diaz. "Right now its not my priority but its not out of the question to fight for the title," said the Brazilian, who has seven fights left on his contract. Silva lost his title to Weidman at UFC 162 in July 2013. The second-round knockout ended a 17-fight winning streak that included 10 successful title defences. Silva was complimentary towards Weidman, calling him "a great champion." "Very talented. The guys for real," he said. In a conference call earlier this week, Diaz said he did not enjoy fighting and was a non-violent person. Its just something he had to do. Silva saw things a little differently, saying NASCAR drivers dont go out and burn rubber when they arent competing. "Its just a sport," he said of mixed martial arts. "Its a violent sport but it is what it is." ' ' '