Contrary to what I was told as a kid, it’s not always how you play the game, but whether you win or lose. For the third straight week, the San Francisco 49ers pulled out a win, despite playing far from their best football. Well, I should say far from their best offensive football. Once again, the 49ers’ defense dominated the game with five sacks and a game clinching fumble late in the 4th quarter. With all the injuries he’s had this year, and the Aldon Smith suspension that kept him out nine games, Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio deserves an award with the commanding performances of this defense.
As far as the offense goes – well, they’re making progress. Coming into the game with one 4th quarter TD all season, today in the 4th, after a first down was challenged and became 4th and 1, San Francisco went for it and converted. Colin Kaepernick then hit Anquan Boldin for a huge 29-yard reception that led to what would be a game-winning four yard rushing TD by rookie Carlos Hyde. So, that’s a good thing and that’s what was needed to win.
My concerns for the day include some key dropped passes, three turnovers – fumble by Frank Gore, fumble by Carlos Hyde (redeemed with the TD obviously), and an INT by Kaepernick. Overall, though, Kaepernick played really well going 20-29 for 256 yards, a touchdown, and 14 yards rushing. Jim Harbaugh said he was “great with a capital G,” and I have to agree.
But at the end of the day, they win again. And they find ways to do it, no matter what. As Kaepernick said after the game, “This team is going to fight. We’re going to fight until the end.” I like it.
The fight continues Thursday on Thanksgiving Day against the Seahawks. Nice win Niners! Time to get ready to #BeattheSeahawks! Go Niners!