49ers Dominate On Defense, Grind Out Pivotal Win Over Seahawks On National TV

Oct 18, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith (11) throws a pass against the Seattle Seahawks at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

The 49ers were embarrassed when the world was watching them last week. So, they set out on a mission to avoid embarrassment this week.

And then, their defense embarrassed Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks.

Seattle fell victim to San Francisco’s dominant defense, and the 49ers managed to grind out their fifth win of the season. Alex Smith struggled for most of the game, but he was masterful on the only touchdown drive of the game. He hit Delanie Walker for a touchdown in the third quarter, handing the 49ers a lead they never gave back.

Wilson was harassed all game, and San Francisco’s defensive line, especially Aldon Smith, caused Wilson’s problems. Alex Smith wasn’t sharp, but he did enough. He made a pair of horrible decisions on one play that cost the 49ers at least three points and raised some concern about San Francisco’s quarterback.

Randy Moss ran a deep out route while lining up slot right, and he was wide open for a while. Smith missed him, though, and forced a pass while throwing on the run. Brandon Browner intercepted the pass, preserving the 13-6 score.

Colin Kaepernick, who assumed a role similar to that of Tim Tebow, didn’t see much action, so Smith’s status at quarterback remains pretty firm. Vernon Davis didn’t catch a pass, though, which could be a concern. Also, Smith struggled against a tough defense, which brings up some concern.

Frank Gore and the 49ers rushing attack didn’t, though. Gore picked apart Seattle’s defense, providing stability for an offense that has responded to two great outings with a combined total of 16 points against the Giants and Seahawks. Gore was key in San Francisco’s win, and he helped Smith on a down light.

Marshawn Lynch tried to help Wilson, but he couldn’t do enough. Wilson struggled with a limited amount of time to throw the ball, but Lynch did well against a defense that didn’t allow a rushing touchdown until Week 16 last year. He couldn’t out-perform Gore, though, and he couldn’t guide Seattle to a win.

San Francisco wasn’t perfect, but they did enough to win. The second half defense was amazing, and that definitely has to have 49ers fans feeling optimistic. They lead the NFC West, and they have until October 29 to prepare for their next crucial showdown, which is against the Cardinals.

And for the Seahawks? Well, they did a nice job against Alex Smith, if that counts for something.