49ers Focus
By Robert Haugh

With their 19-17 victory over division foe Seattle on Christmas Eve, the 49ers (12-3) are fighting to achieve the No. 2 seed in the NFC and capture a first-round bye in the playoffs.

Overcoming adversity, the 49ers fought back from a forth quarter gaff where an Andy Lee punt was blocked by the Seahawks and subsequently run into the end zone for a go-ahead TD score by Marshawn Lynch - the first rushing TD allowed by the 49ers all season, putting Seattle ahead 17-16 with just over six minutes remaining.

Showing veteran poise, QB Alex Smith connected with Crabtree on two huge plays, setting up David Akers’ 39-yard field goal with just under three minutes remaining, putting the 49ers back on top 19-17.

But it was the Defense that clinched the triumph when LB Larry Grant tackled Seattle QB Tarvaris Jackson from behind, jarring the ball loose, with 49ers S Donte Whitner recovering with the ball with tad over a minute remaining.

Though the 49ers allowed Lynch to rush for over 100 yards, the first time the 49ers allowed the 100-yard rusher all season, the 49ers Defense shut down Seattle in the second half, allowing only 72 total yards in the second half, with the Seahawks’ lone offense coming after the blocked punt.

Smith was playing at an elite level, efficiently finishing 14-for-26 for 179 yards, connecting with Crabtree five times for 85 yards. Smith also scrambled in the pocket a few times, eluding defenders, snagging a couple first down runs. The Offensive Line protected Smith better than they have been, giving up only two sacks, allowing Smith time to make throws.

Though the 49ers eked out a thin victory and looked promising heading into the playoffs, the 49ers still struggled on third down, going just 3-for-14 on third down. Penalty gremlins also bit the 49ers once again, with six flags unfurled against the team for 77 yards.

Though the 49ers Defense is playing phenomenally, the 49ers are going to need to step up on offense in the waning weeks to contend for the NFC championship. The tools are there for the 49ers to make a Super Bowl run, but they will need to capitalize in the red zone and make more big plays happen on Offense to earn a Super Bowl berth.