Week 7: 49ers clip Seahawks wings, Remain in First

Entering Week 7's Thursday Night meeting between the 49ers and Seahawks, both teams stood at 4-2 in a tie for first place. And with much being said about both team's defenses coming in, both of whom allowing fewer than 16 points, a low-scoring affair was to be expected. Having played all their games thus far against opponents outside of the West, San Francisco would get their first look at a division opponent this year in prime time as 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh renewed his rivalry with Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll.

49ers running back Frank Gore has feasted on the Seahawks in the past and has had some of the best games of his career against Seattle so it was only appropriate Harbaugh went with a steady diet of run plays to his Pro Bowl back. Running for 131 yards on 16 carries to go along with 51 yards on 5 receptions, Gore would once again log another stellar day at the office versus his favorite team to run against. However, his counterpart Marshawn Lynch who ended San Francisco's streak of not allowing a rushing touchdown or 100-yard rusher last season until Week 16 at Seattle, came into the game as the NFC's top rusher and would also log a decent game, compiling 103 yards on 19 carries. As for the passing game, both Alex Smith and Russell Wilson would see better days as both QB's threw for under 150 yards passing and tossed an interception.

The only touchdown in the ball game would come in the third quarter when Alex Smith connected with his tight-end Delanie Walker who displayed nice footwork, getting a foot over the goal-line and in the end zone before being pushed out of bounds. The score ended a seven quarter touchdown-less drought and proved to be the difference in a 13-6 win for the 49ers as kickers David Akers and Steven Hauschka did the rest of the work in the scoring department. The win gave San Francisco sole possession of first place in the NFC West, a position they plan to maintain into the playoffs. 

Week 8 Preview: With 11 days off until their Monday Night meeting against the 4-3 Cardinals at Arizona, the 49ers will be well rested and will get even more rest the following week with a BYE in week 9 as the team prepares for the final stretch of the season. A BYE week in which I'm predicting the 49ers will remain atop the division after a 17-10 win in Arizona which will once again see two stellar defenses face off. 


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