The Associated Press

San Francisco 49er Tony Parrish is one game shy of tying the 34-year-old franchise record for consecutive games with an interception. Though he can't explain the streak, the strong safety is relishing the attention and success.

"I guess I'm in the zone right now," he said. "I'm playing hard, and I'm getting opportunities. You go out there and hit a lot of people, and they forget about everything else. I think I bring other skills to the game."

With seven interceptions this season for 139 yards, Parrish is second in the NFL behind Minnesota's Corey Chavous, who has eight. If he picks off a pass Sunday against the Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium, Parrish will tie the team record set by Kermit Alexander (1968-69).

Parrish had just eight interceptions in his first four NFL seasons with Chicago, but he got seven last season after signing with San Francisco to replace Pro Bowler Lance Schulters.

At the end of another strong season, the 49ers hope Parrish will get consideration for his first Pro Bowl. San Francisco has an interception in nine straight games, and Parrish's heady play in the secondary has been a primary factor in the defense's success.

Though Parrish hesitated to compare himself to 49ers great Ronnie Lott, he pointed out that Lott was known more for his hits than his hands - but Lott also had 63 career interceptions, fifth-most in NFL history. Parrish knew Lott's statistics by heart, indicating the depth of his devotion to the finer points of the game.

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