The Steelers and 49ers (both off last week) collide at 3Com Park as Black and Gold makes its first visit to San Francisco since 1990.

The Niners own a 9-7 edge in this infrequent pairing and have prevailed in the last 3 meetings, including a 25-15 victory at Three Rivers Stadium in 1996 in the last encounter between the clubs.

The Steelers are 4-4 lifetime in eight previous visits to San Francisco dating back to 1952, but are 3-1 in four appearances at 3Com Park dating back to 1973, although their last road tilt in this series resulted in a 27-7 setback in 1990.

Numbers: The Steelers' defense has allowed just 7 offensive touchdowns in their first 7 games in '99, while their offense (1) and special teams (1) have allowed 2 touchdowns and given up 3 safeties. Since 1996 (including playoffs), the Steelers are 26-4 when limiting the opposition to 17 or fewer points, 8-21 when giving up more than 17 points. They have totaled 30 takeaways in 11 wins while forcing just 14 turnovers in 12 losses dating back to '98. The Steelers have allowed just 121 points in 11 wins (15 or fewer points in 9 of those contests) while giving up 284 points in 12 losses dating back to '98. After not committing a turnover in their first two games (2-0), the Steelers have committed nine turnovers in their last five games (2-3) in '99. The Steelers have totaled 16 sacks in four wins, four sacks in three losses in '99.

Dating back to 1997 (including playoffs), the 49ers' offense has totaled 101 touchdowns and 50 field goals in 30 wins, 15 touchdowns and 22 field goals in 13 losses. IF HE PLAYS: Including playoffs, 49ers WR Terrell Owens has scored at least one touchdown in 14 of his last 19 contests dating back to '98. The 49ers have committed two turnovers in threee wins, 13 turnovers in four losses in '99. They have been outscored a combined 59-6 in the third quarter in 7 games in '99. The 49ers have committed two or more turnovers in three straight games. Including playoffs, the 49ers have allowed 60 sacks in their last 20 games dating back to '98. They have allowed two or more touchdown passes in four straight games, including three or more touchdown passes in three straight games. The 49ers have allowed 31 or more points in three straight games and have allowed 40 or more points in 3-of-7 games in '99.

Things to look for: Bill Cowher's team used its bye-week to work on its deep passing game, which has been non-existent to date but could gain some confidence against a 49ers' secondary that has been simply awful. San Francisco's passing attack should also have its way against Pittsburgh struggling corners, which nearly cost them a victory over the Falcons two weeks ago. Two clubs still looking for an identity.

Etc.: The 49ers are 3-4 for the first time since 1991, when they finished 10-6 but missed the playoffs under since-departed head coach George Seifert. They have lost three straight games during a season for the first time since 1980, when they dropped eight straight games (49ers lost their last 2 games in 1980 and first game in 1981).

After opening 7-4 in '98, the Steelers are just 4-8 in their last 12 contests. They are 74-39 (including 5-5 in playoffs) vs. AFC teams and just 14-20 vs. NFC teams (including Super Bowl XXX) dating back to '91. The 49ers are 31-11 vs. AFC teams (33-11 if you include wins over Denver and San Diego in Super Bowls XXIV and XXIX, respectively) dating back to 1989 (1-1 in '99). They have not been shutout in an NFL-record 345 consecutive games. WR Jerry Rice has caught at least one pass in an NFL-record 200 straight games.