The San Francisco 49ers pulled off yet another win on Saturday against the hometown Seattle Seahawks. The win was a skin-of-their-teeth affair, requiring two come-from-behind sequences to knock off the surprising Seattle squad. If not for the heroics of kicker David Akers, the 49ers probably would have fallen short in Week 16.
Let's take a look at some of the key stats in this game, including another record-setting week by Akers.
It was quite a week for Akers. On Monday against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he broke the 49ers record for points scored in a single season, previously held by Jerry Rice. He of course extended that record on Saturday, scoring a full 13 of the 19 total 49ers points. More impressively, Akers tied and then broke the previous NFL record for most successful field goals in a single season. The old mark was held by Neil Rackers, with 40 field goals in 2005. Following four field goals on five attempts by Akers against the Seahawks, he holds the new record of 42, with a week left to play.
Alex Smith got credit for notching his fifth come-from-behind win this season, four of which have come on the road. This ties the 49ers franchise record for comeback wins on the road in a season, last set by Joe Montana in 1989. Smith finished the game 14-for-26 with 179 passing yards, 22 rushing yards, no interceptions and no touchdowns.
The only touchdown of the game came on a four-yard run from Frank Gore, who led Niners rushers with 83 yards on 23 carries. Michael Crabtree led all receivers with 85 yards on five catches.
Finally, much ado was made about the Seahawks stunning the 49ers defense by Marshawn Lynch having scored the first rushing touchdown against them all season, as well as being the first 100-yard rusher in a game against San Francisco in 36 straight games. But it is worth noting that San Francisco still boasts the stingiest defense in the NFL. They have only allowed 13.5 points per game, which is a full point lower than the Steelers and on pace to set the mark for the lowest in franchise history.
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