The San Francisco 49ers simply could not win the battle in the trenches against the Baltimore Ravens, falling in a defensive-minded contest 16-6. San Francisco's offensive line was whipped up front by Baltimore's defense, holding Niners tailback Frank Gore to 39 yards rushing and sacking quarterback Alex Smith a bunch of times.
Joe Flacco only go it into the end zone once, but he was effective and efficient when the Ravens needed it, completing 15 of 23 passes for 161 yards and one touchdown. He led Baltimore to three field goal drives as well, and that was all that the Ravens needed to top the 49ers.
Smith didn't have a bad night passing, going 14 of 22 for 131 yards, but he threw a crucial interception when the Niners were driving at the end of the first half and San Francisco would never come close to threatening the end zone ever again. The 49ers compiled only 12 first downs and 170 yards of total offense, and were penalized seven times for 97 yards.
San Francisco falls to 9-2 on the season, but they're still in smooth position to clinch the NFC West any week now, and are still second best in the NFC by a few wins. They just ran into a defensive buzzsaw in Baltimore tonight.
To discuss the game with 49ers fans, go to Niners Nation. To talk the game with Ravens fans, check out Baltimore Beatdown.