Looking to rebound from a disheartening loss last week against the New York Giants, the 49ers turned to 2011 for the blueprint on how to get back on track. Behind the physical play of its offensive line, hard running from RB Frank Gore and a nearly flawless effort from the defense, San Francisco started its NFC West schedule with a 13-6 win against Seattle on Thursday night at Candlestick Park.
In the first half, the 49ers (5-2) mirrored the team that struggled against the Giants, but they came out rejuvenated after halftime.
“That was the most physical 30 minutes of football in that second half that I’ve ever seen our team play,” coach Jim Harbaugh said.
The chief beneficiary of that play was Gore, who carried 10 times for 92 yards in the second half. He finished the game with 16 carries for 131 yards. It was his 32nd 100-yard game since 2005, the most in the NFL.
"I just got in a rhythm," Gore said. "My O-line, the receivers did a great job blocking and I feel like once I get a rhythm, I can't be stopped."
Coming into Thursday night, the Seahawks (4-3) hadn't given up more than 87 yards rushing in a game all season. The league's No. 2-ranked rush defense hadn't allowed an individual to rush for more than 55 yards.
For Gore, the performance was even more rewarding considering it came on national television with another of the league’s premiere backs, Marshawn Lynch, on the other sideline. Lynch finished with 103 yards on 19 carries.
"Whenever [there are] two backs who are top guys in the league -- you want to compete," Gore said. "I'm home, and that's why I wasn't going to let him outdo me tonight."
When the game turned: The first 49ers' drive of the second half. After running their touchdown-less streak to six quarters in the first half, the 49ers had one of their most complete drives of the season after the Seahawks punted to open the third quarter. The 10-play, 86-yard drive featured six first downs and was capped by a 12-yard touchdown pass from Alex Smith to TE Delanie Walker. It set the tone for the rest of the game.
Highlight moments: Russell Wilson was nearly sacked by NaVorro Bowman late in the third quarter, but the pressure contributed to Wilson’s decision to throw it deep into triple coverage and S Dashon Goldson made the interception. … Ted Ginn Jr. was explosive in the punt-return game -- he had a long of 38 yards. … Lynch bowled through Goldson early in the game -- not an easy feat against the physical safety.
Top-shelf performances
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49ers: RB Gore -- 16 carries, 131 yards
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Seahawks: RB Lynch -- 19 carries, 103 yards
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49ers P Andy Lee -- 5 punts, 4 inside the 20
- 49ers LB Bowman -- 7 tackles, 1 sack
What they said about the makeup of the NFC West:
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49ers LB Bowman: “I think it’s more smash-mouth football in this division now. Guys are determined to run the ball and not become one dimensional.
- Seahawks CB Richard Sherman: "It is always a battle out there. We are in one of those divisions where it is a defense-driven division right now. A lot of the defenses are playing well. I think all of them are in the top 20 in at least one category. With every game and every team out there, it is a heavyweight bout.”
Numbers you should know: Wilson completed just 3 of 10 passes for 19 yards in the second half. He didn’t have a completion for positive yardage until the team’s final drive. … The 49ers are now 6-2 all time on Thursday Night Football and 3-0 at home. … San Francisco improved to 5-0 after losses under Harbaugh. … Harbaugh is now 5-1 when coaching against Seahawks coach Pete Carroll. … After preventing a 100-yard rusher in 22 straight home games before last week, the 49ers have now allowed a 100-yard rusher in back-to-back weeks. … The 49ers haven’t allowed a touchdown in three of the last four games.
Injury update: Seattle -- WR Doug Baldwin (ankle) and Malcolm Smith (concussion) both left the game. 49ers -- LT Joe Staley was cleared to play Wednesday after suffering a concussion Sunday. He said he felt no side effects. Gore hurt his back in the second quarter but showed no sign of injury during the game. It was due to the injury that RB Kendall Hunter appeared on the 49ers’ last series.
Goodwin battles sickness: 49ers C Jonathan Goodwin woke up Thursday morning throwing up and needed IV fluids before the game. He said he could feel the fatigue throughout the game but battled through it.
“You only get so many opportunities to play this game. I wanted to be in there,” Goodwin said.
Smith a winner: Smith is 18-5 as a starter over the last two seasons. His 18 wins rank No. 1 among NFL QBs.
Going forward: The Seahawks will turn their attention to next week’s game against Detroit, but they now find themselves 0-3 against teams in the NFC West. They won’t get another shot at a divisional opponent until they host Arizona on Dec. 9. The 49ers travel to Arizona next week for a Monday night game against the Cardinals. It’s the second of three straight games against NFC West opponents. A bye week follows and the 49ers will return home Nov. 11 to play St. Louis.
Follow 49ers reporter Kyle Bonagura on Twitter @CBS49ers and @KyleBonagura.
