Very enjoyable write up.
For me, this was the least stressful Hawks-Niners game that I can remember. Even after the goal-line stop, Niners were never able to swing momentum in their direction.
No first downs in the first quarter. Only 69 yards of first-half offense, to Seattle’s 196.
The second half they did a bit more, but the only reason I ever had doubt about the outcome is the history of these two teams. Recently, it seems that, in the close games, like this one, the dominant team usually gives up just enough to lose.
It absolutely was a heavyweight brawl, with heavy punches thrown on both sides. One contender just took all the punches in stride, only being sent reeling from a blow a couple of times, while continuing to rain heavy punches on his opponent.
It wasn’t a story of one team “having a bad game,” an off day, or failing to show up, despite what Kittle might say. The Niners brought their best, it just wasn’t good enough.
It was a masterclass in containing (league MVP IMHO) CMC who had a 25-yard first half, and only 57 combined yards for the entire game.
As Shanahan said before the game (and I paraphrase), “this game was more important than next week’s game.”
It absolutely was, and both teams played like it. One team was simply better.
I just wish the final score had been 14-3
