San Francisco 49ers: The Good And Bad From Sunday’s Win vs. Seahawks
By David Ochoa
December 8, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) runs past Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) and free safety Earl Thomas (29) during the fourth quarter at Candlestick Park. The 49ers defeated the Seahawks 19-17. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Yesterday, the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Seattle Seahawks 19-17. This was exactly the type of game that most people saw coming. A tough, physical low-scoring game that came down to the wire. It’s been said time and time again, but this has a making of a great rivalry.
THE GOOD
Anquan Boldin proved that he is a man’s man this Sunday. He caught six catches for 93 yards yesterday. Whether it was finding holes in the zone or just going up and wrestling it away from defenders, Boldin was not going to be stopped. Even though this is first year on the team, he feels the rivalry between the Seahawks and the 49ers, and that was evident by how fired up he was. He wanted to beat them just as bad as a life long fan did.
Frank the tank. Frank Gore continued his career hobby of gashing the Seahawks this Sunday. Although he was bottled up for most of the game, he finally broke through at the right time. Good players make big plays, and he did it right when the team needed it. He broke off a 51-yard run in the fourth quarter that essentially iced the game for the 49ers. He proved once again that he still has it and age isn’t slowing him down.
It’s nice to have a kicker that doesn’t make you feel like you’re going to have a heart attack every time he lines up to kick. Phil Dawson was 4-for-4 on the day, including the game winner. And in a close, low-scoring game like that, every single point is important.
The Defense
The defense played a good game once again. They kept Marshawn Lynch to less than 100 yards and kept Russell Wilson from throwing for 200 for the fourth straight time. Besides three points that were set up because of a punt return, the 49ers defense did not allow the Seahawks’ offense to drive and score on them at all in the second half. And that’s exactly what they had to do.
THE BAD
Yes, Willis didn’t have his best game. Two big plays were made by tight end Luke Willson at Willis’ expense including one touchdown. Willis looked flat-flooted on a few plays and just slow to react. I’m not sure if he executed the wrong play or if he was just too slow to react, but either way the play was made. Although, after that Willis had a much better game. Surely Willis will realize his mistakes and correct them and be back to dominant form next week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.