49ers have struck gold with Fangio’s defense

The Chiefs, after starting 0-3, could be tied for first in the AFC West at 4-3 if they beat the Chargers. That’s what happens when you play against Donovan McNabb, Curtis Painter, and Kyle Boller. And then the Dolphins and Broncos come calling. Must be nice … Jacksonville’s defense has held five of its seven opponents under 300 yards and has allowed only 7 points in the last five quarters … You can only imagine the looks Ravens offensive coordinator Cam Cameron got in the coaches meetings once it was pointed out that he gave Ray Rice only eight carries in the 12-7 loss to the Jaguars. “He’s got to get more than eight carries,’’ coach John Harbaugh said. “Eight carries is never going to be a winning formula for Ray Rice.’’ … Jaguars tight end Marcedes Lewis has 11 catches and no touchdowns since receiving a new contract worth $34 million ($17 million guaranteed). “Anytime you’re hearing stuff like that, you’ve got to perform or it will continue,’’ coach Jack Del Rio said … NFL Network and ESPN showed poor judgment in airing the Drew Rosenhaus-produced Terrell Owens informercial/workout last week. Rosenhaus admitted he was trying to manufacture buzz … If you’re looking to draw inspiration from today’s NFL players, check out the book “Insightful Player’’ by Chrissy Carew, the daughter of late Concord-Carlisle football coach Walter Carew Sr. Among the athletes profiled are current and former Patriots Kyle Arrington, Devin McCourty, Heath Evans, Jarvis Green, Steve Grogan, Steve Nelson, Andre Tippett, and Benjamin Watson. For more information, go to www.coachcarew.com.