With the 49ers heading into Seattle to face their division foe after coming off of a convincing win against Jacksonville, the tables were set for San Francisco to gain some ground and keep their playoff hopes alive. & With the division leading Arizona Cardinals hosting the red hot Minnesota Vikings, things couldn't seem any better. Alex Smith had an outstanding day, throwing for 310 yards, 2 touchdowns and 0 interceptions, but the game wouldn't end there, as head coach Mike Singletary made a couple of gutsy calls to go for it on 4th down early on. The first which was on the 1-yard line ended in a dropped pass in the end-zone by TE Delanie Walker, resulting in a turnover on downs. What looked to be a potential penalty in my eyes, ended in disappointment as no flags were thrown.
However the Niners would still strike first with a touchdown pass to TE Vernon Davis. After tying the franchise record for most touchdown catches for a 49er tight-end the previous week against Jacksonville, Davis broke the record with his 10th touchdown reception on the season. After Seattle responded with a touchdown of their own, both teams exchanged punts. Then came the unthinkable. Punt returner Arnaz Battle received the kick before botching it on a reverse to Brandon Jones. Seattle recovered the ball and took the lead on another touchdown. But San Francisco didn't stop there, as they were fortunate enough to score another touchdown. Both teams headed into the half tied 14-14.
After the first 2 quarters of what should of been a first half dominated by the 49ers, a match-up of defense would then take the show. Neither team scored in the 3rd quarter, and the San Francisco offense couldn't seem to convert on 3rd downs despite the career day thrown by Alex Smith. After Seattle went up by a field goal with just under a few minutes remaining, the 49ers failed once again to come up big and take a late game lead, as they had to settle for a field goal. From there on out Matt Hasselbeck carved the San Francisco defense, executing key passes and using clock management to his advantage. & With time expiring, Olindo Mare kicked the game winner, sending the 49ers home on a sour note. With the win, Seattle tied the 49ers for second place in the division, only behind the Arizona Cardinals. Arizona, who hosted Brett Favre and company, exposed the Vikings and only made things more depressing for the 49er faithful.
In week 14, the 49ers will be on life support, hoping to put a halt to the Cardinals chances of clinching the division on 49er territory. & The best thing about the game, aside from it being on ESPN's Monday Night Football, is that I'll be there! :)
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