Lets face it, the first half of Sunday’s game between Seattle and San Francisco on the Seahawks’ home turf was frustratingly slow and sloppy. While Seattle grabbed a field goal and the 49ers were able to eek out a touchdown, it was a constant back and forth with penalties aplenty. Neither team seemed to be getting anywhere with both quarterbacks suffering three sacks apiece in the first thirty minutes.
The second half, however, was a whole other story; Marshawn Lynch dominated the field 5 yards at a time. While he had no dramatic plays, the star running back grabbed yardage like it was going out of style, devouring the distance to the goal like so many Skittles. Then came the most anti-climactic play of the game as Lynch sauntered into the end zone for a 4-yard touchdown at the end of the third quarter. Things were not looking good for San Francisco and it didn’t help much that running back Frank Gore left with a concussion in the second quarter and his backup Carlos Hyde left the game in the third with an injury.
Early in the fourth quarter things took a turn for the worse as far as the 49er’s were concerned; a seemingly clean tackle was ruled roughing the passer. This gave the Seahawks a first down and allowed for a touchdown that probably would have otherwise been a field goal, all but dashing any hopes that San Francisco could make a comeback.
View the entire slide-show of Sunday’s game here.
All in all it tuned out to be some pretty mediocre football from two otherwise tough competitors. Now the Seahawks are looking forward to their final regular season games against Arizona and St. Louis with the NFC West title and a playoff spot well within reach.
Kaepernick never quite came up with a solid gameplan despite a strong start.
Paul Richardson played a much bigger role today, including his first NFL touchdown.
Wilson struggled with 12 incomplete passes throughout the day.
Early in the second quarter, Wilson was sacked by Linebacker Dan Skuta.
Kaepernick pass is just out of reach of linebacker Jordan Hill.
The Seahawks defense had its way with the 49ers leading Seattle to a 17-7 victory Sunday. But first …
The Seagals were in fine form with their Christmas-time outfits on.
Kaepernick’s passing game looked promising and the Hawks even let him do a little running, but it fell flat after a few quick successes.
Runningback Robert Turbin is dragged down by a leaping Chris Borland at the end of the second quarter.
At the half, Seahawks fans taunted the 49ers as they headed into the locker room.
Fans big and small enjoyed the game and the beautiful weather on Sunday.
Marshawn Lynch making a graceful leap for a six-yard gain before McDonald took him down.
Hyde making a run for it in the third only to be taken down by Earl Thomas and Richard Sherman.
Lynch walks in for the Seahawks’ first touchdown of the day.
The Seahawks defense kept it together late in the game to help keep their lead and end up on top.
The record-breaking crowd of 68,454 was just as loud as always.
There’s nothing like fire and the boom of the crowd to get the Hawks in a winning mood.
As the fourth quarter started, Wilson threw a 10-yard pass to Richardson for Seattle’s second and final touchdown.
The Seagals were all smiles after the Seahawks’ 17-7 win.
Seahawks fans came out in force wearing their dedication.
A visit to Touchdown City before the game offered up free face painting.
Even teenaged fans got into the 12th man spirit … sorta.
A seahawks rooster? Why not!
Festive attire is year-round for Seahawks fans … Christmas shmistmas.
Russell Wilson was voted Seahawks’ Man of the Year.
This costume is puzzling, so we’ll just leave it up to you to figure it out.
Kearse was a beast throughout Sunday’s game leading the team in receiving yards.
While San Francisco was somewhat effective shutting down Seattle’s offense, it didn’t stop Kearse from gaining precious yardage.
Wilson’s passing game was weak, especially in the first half. He bounced back in time for the win in the second 30.
Kearse, here celebrating one of his drives with Chancellor, took the lead in receiving yards Sunday.
Wilson had a hard go of things in the first half but seemed to find his stride in the second.
Kaepernick just couldn’t get a toehold, but his running game was intact.
Anquan Boldin grabbed a pass for an 8 yard gain, one of only a few targets for the wide receiver.
Runningback Carlos Hyde had a few great plays on Sunday before an injury took him out in the third quarter.
