After failing to make it three consecutive wins last Sunday by losing to the Green Bay Packers, the 49ers returned home to face off against the Seahawks. For Mike Singletary and co., hosting Seattle meant a chance to redeem themselves after enduring their only defeat within the division this season. Having been out since Week 7 with an injured shoulder before being demoted and having his job taken over by back-up QB Troy Smith, Alex Smith made his return to Candlestick, where the boo birds were in full effect just two plays in. But having a knack for getting on the board early on the teams first offensive possession and not much after, Smith connected with his favorite target -- TE Vernon Davis for a 42 yard touchdown, silencing a bit of the crowd for the time being.
Two possessions later, the Seahawks answered with a touchdown of their own, as QB Matt Hasselbeck found wide-out Ruvell Martin 11 yards out for a touchdown, tying the game at 7. With a chance to respond, Smith marched his team down field before having to settle for a Jeff Reed field goal, as the first quarter concluded. However, the 49ers would get the ball back minutes later on an interception by inside linebacker Takeo Spikes, leading to another field goal. The San Francisco defense would come up big yet again, as LB Travis LaBoy got to Hasselbeck, forcing and recovering a fumble. This time, Smith would make the Seattle defense pay, finding WR Josh Morgan who pranced his way into the end-zone, putting SF up 20-7.
The following possession, Seattle would fail to convert on a fourth and 4, adding to their turnover total. The rest of the quarter would be dominated by the 49er offense, highlighted by a quick 5 yard pass that RB Brian Westbrook turned into a 60 yard touchdown. Jeff Reed's third field goal of the day would make it 30-7, as San Francisco entered the locker room with their biggest lead at the half this season. The 49er D that impressed to say the least, proved their first half performance would be no fluke, as Safety Dashon Goldson tacked on another TD with a pick six. After finally putting together a promising drive on offense in which Seattle reached the red-zone, 49er Cornerback Nate Clements joined the party with an interception of his own, giving the Seahawk offense not only a headache, but also their fifth turnover in six possessions.
With both teams exchanging punts, Reed would add yet another field goal to his long list of chores on the day, increasing the lead to 40-7. Special teams would then come up big for Seattle, as Running Back Leon Washington ran back a kick return 92 yards for a quick Seahawk touchdown. Hoping to inch closer several drives later, the Seahawks would decide to go for a FG, but Kicker Olindo Mare's kick would end up missing wide right. Seattle would eventually get those points back, when WR Deon Butler hauled in a 2 yard touchdown pass from Hasselbeck. However, the early hole Seattle dug themselves in, and the many costly turnovers, proved to be too much to come back from, as the 49ers continued their supremacy of beating their fellow NFC West foes.
Week 15 - With the win on Sunday, San Francisco preserved their Playoff hopes, moving within one game in the standings, and setting themselves up for a pivotal Thursday night showdown against the (7-6) San Diego Chargers. Just like the 49ers, San Diego is also in need of a win in order to close in on division leading Kansas City. Game time is set for 5:20 p.m. and will be shown on NFL Network.
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