The linebackers and defensive line of the San Francisco 49ers receive a majority of the credit for their strong defensive play, but their secondary is also one of the best in the NFL.

"It's not really a competition thing," Dashon Goldson said Thursday. "It's more guys want to get it done. It's being in position and putting themselves in position and seeing what they can pick up from the film in order to get their hands on the ball. It's not really guys competing with one another, it's seeing if stuff can break down and competing that way. Everybody is playing within the scheme, and they know it will come their way."

"Like I tell the players, corners have to answer the bell on the deep ball each and every game," defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said. "They go to the ground, everybody just thinks it's an incomplete pass. ... It's the corner's job to do that."

Goldson has frequently played more like a third linebacker in their nickel coverage than as a safety.

"We still have to be sound on the run game with that extra player and stop the pass," Goldson said. "It's a compliment when we're able to bring another DB on the football field and get it done."