49ers fall to Seahawks

by Otis Redding

Blogger, San Francisco Chronicle

In a season such as this for a proud 49ers franchise, one has to find positive notes wherever they can. There were few in this game, but enough to be happy about going into next season as the 49ers were beaten at Levi's Stadium by the Seahawks 23-10.

The game started with a solid 6 minute drive by the 49ers, with Colin Kaepernick showing off improved mechanics on the way to a Robbie Gould 25 yard field goal and an early 3-0 lead.

The Seahawks would find a big play in the form of tight end Jimmy Graham, as Russell Wilson would hit him for a 47 yard pass to put the Seahawks in the red zone. The 49ers defense would stiffen, however, and Connor Barth would trot out to kick a 38 yard field goal to tie the game at 3.

Early in the second quarter, Colin Kaepernick would unleash a beautiful pass between two defenders to Robert Woods for a 23 yard touchdown catch.

"(Colin) Kaepernick saw something there, changed the play, and threw a beautiful rainbow," Coach Winuvas said of the play in the post-game.

The teams would exchange punts for a while until Seattle again would uncork a big play, this time in the form of an 82 yard pass to Jermaine Kearse after he beat cornerback Tramaine Brock off the line.

"Terrible press by Tramaine," Coach Winuvas said of the play. "We needed to go into the half up, and that play deflated us completely."

The Seahawks would take the second half kickoff and methodically pick apart the 49ers defense, mustering a 14 play, 8 minute drive that culminated in a Jimmy Graham 8 yard touchdown pass in double coverage.

"Ridiculous catch by Jimmy," Coach Winuvas would say afterwards. "Not many guys make that catch."

Colin Kaepernick would try to bring the 49ers back, but a tip drill interception by Earl Thomas killed one drive early in the 4th, while a second interception in tight man coverage by cornerback Trae Glass would start another solid Seahawk drive, ending in a Derrick Coleman touchdown run from 1 yard out to ice the game at 23-10 late in the 4th.

Kaepernick would not quit, firing bullets the entire last drive until the last play of the game, where his final pass fell incomplete.

Colin Kaepernick showed continued improvement despite the stat line, going 15 of 29 for 201 yards and 1 touchdown to go with 2 interceptions. Newly signed free agent Chris Ivory led the 49ers' rush attack with 9 carries for 41 yards. Receiver Robert Woods went on a tear, proving why the 49ers signed him long term with 6 catches for 120 yards and the only 49er touchdown. Despite the mental lapse, cornerback Tramaine Brock led all 49ers' defenders with 5 tackles, while safety Eric Reed had 4 tackles and linebacker Aaron Lynch had a sack.

"Defense just wore down in the second half," Coach Winuvas said. "Our offense isn't designed right now to score a bunch of points. I was pleased with Colin's growth in our system, though. Even with the stat line, he made more consistent throws and was comfortable in the pocket. I also was very happy with Robert's (Woods) performance - he proved the value of us making him a priority resign."

The 49ers (2-12) host the Buffalo Bills (3-10) next week, while the Seahawks (6-8) head back to CenturyLink field to host the 3-10 Lions.

This season is a lost cause for San Francisco, but if Coach Winuvas can find some hope in the offense, all is not lost for next season.