For the last week, the entire NFL world has hailed the Seattle Seahawks as the best team in football. Today the San Francisco 49ers reminded everyone that there’s still a whole lot of football to play.
In a tough, physical battle between these two NFC West rivals, the 49ers won 19-17 and made a big statement that they’re still Super Bowl contenders, even if the Seahawks remain atop the division.
San Francisco running back Frank Gore had a big day that was topped with a 51-yard run late in the fourth quarter, which helped set up the game-winning field goal in the final minute. That field goal made Phil Dawson a perfect 4-for-4 on the day.
The 49ers’ defense did a good job of keeping Marshawn Lynch in check, and although Russell Wilson was efficient and effective with his passing, the 49ers were able to contain him for the most part, and he didn’t make many big plays. If the 49ers’ defense can hold Seattle’s offense to 17 points, they’ll take that every time.
The Seahawks are still the favorites to win the division and earn home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs, but the 49ers, who will likely be an NFC wild card team, have at least made the case that they’re a team to be reckoned with in the postseason.
Still, the good news for the Seahawks is that if these teams meet a third time, it will be in Seattle.