49ers' Akers rewards Harbaugh

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CINCINNATI -- There was no decision for 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh whether to keep the points on the scoreboard on Sunday.On Sunday, his decision came down to whether to allow kicker David Akers the opportunity to line up for a 53-yard field goal in the final minutes or turn the game over to punter Andy Lee and the defense.Leading 10-6 with 2:16 remaining in the fourth quarter, Harbaugh decided to show his faith in his kicker. The 49ers signed Akers to a three-year, 9 million contract in free agency. He earned his money on Sunday.Akers' 53-yard field goal gave the 49ers a 13-6 lead with 2:16 remaining in regulation. The 49ers cashed in the points after cornerback Carlos Rogers intercepted an Andy Dalton pass."I knew it was going to make it a touchdown game, and that was big at that point in the game," Akers said. "After a pick (interception) and a momentum change, you got to make these. I'm glad I did."It says a lot because I don't want to let them down when they have that kind of expectation in you. The good thing is Brian (Jennings) and Andy (Lee) do such a great job, and of course the line has been very solid. So you give it a shot."Jennings is the long-snapper and Lee is the holder.Harbaugh said the decision to send in the field-goal unit was not an easy call."You're weighing the perils and merits of doing each thing," Harbaugh said. "You can see the merit in both. If you punt it down there, they have a rookie quarterback and a touchdown beats you."I think that it's the confidence in all our units. I was confident that our field goal unit could make the three. If we feel that we can make the three, then that's what made the decision. I have confidence in our defense, and David makes you look good."

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