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Early turnover gives 49ers a quick 3-0 lead

Russell Wilson

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson warms up before the NFL football NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

AP

We knew going into the NFC Championship Game that defenses were poised to dictate the game.

We didn’t know it was going to happen so quickly.

Aldon Smith forced and recovered a Russell Wilson fumble on the first snap of the game, giving the 49ers the ball at the Seahawks 15.

Predictably, the Seahawks held them to a field goal and a 3-0 lead, but it was still a shocking turn of events for the lathered-up home crowd. It was the first time all year the Seahawks have allowed a score on their opponents’ opening drive.

But the margin of error in this game figures to be so slim, that turnovers and field goals are like touchdowns when Peyton Manning’s playing, giving the 49ers an early advantage.