49ers 19, Seahawks 17 quick recap

My hope is that everyone is enjoying their Christmas Eve and not reading this blog post, so I’m going to keep it very brief.

The takeaway from the locker room was that, while disappointed to be eliminated from playoff contention, players’ spirits were relatively high because of the growth this team has shown in the second half of the year. Sure the Seahawks let one get away from them today, but ultimately this team has come a long, long ways since its 2-6 start.

“We’re a good team and we’re playing well right now, and we can play anybody,” Pete Carroll said. “I just wish it wouldn’t have taken so long. We should be in the darn hunt to still be playing. It’s unfortunate that the first half of the season doesn’t allow us to.”

Let’s cover a few key points, then call it a night, eh?

Play of the game

Facing second-and-18 and down by a point, the 49ers took a shot deep and Michael Crabtree hauled in a 41-yard completion after getting past Brandon Browner.

Honorable mention to Heath Farwell’s blocked punt, which set up Marshawn Lynch’s touchdown run. If the Seahawks had won, that would have been the biggest moment.

Turning point

The Seahawks had third-and-goal from the 1-yard line late in the first half with a chance to punch the ball in for a 14-3 lead. Instead of a touchdown, they had to settle for a field goal after several players from both teams though there was a false start, leading to a broken play. Not only did that cost Seattle potentially four point, it also seemed to swing momentum in San Francisco’s favor.

Player of the game

Linebacker Larry Grant who is only playing because of an injury to Patrick Willis, had 11 tackles and forced the Tarvaris Jackson fumble that helped the 49ers clinch the game.

Key number

4—time the 49ers pinned Leon Washington and the Seahawks inside the 20 on kick returns in the second half. That, as much as San Francisco’s defense, contributed to the Seahawks’ second-half offensive woes.