Seattle D dominates 49ers
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The Seattle Seahawks continued their defensive dominance of the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night, sacking Colin Kaepernick six times in a 20-3 victory in a matchup of recent NFC Super Bowl representatives.
Running back Marshawn Lynch rushed for a touchdown, quarterback Russell Wilson threw for one and kicker Steven Hauschka made two field goals, lifting the Seahawks (3-4) to their third consecutive low-scoring win over the 49ers (2-5) in the past two seasons.
Defensive end Michael Bennett recorded a career-best 3 1/2 sacks as the Seahawks recorded a near-identical win to the 19-3 victory they registered on the same field over the 49ers last Thanksgiving.
Seattle also beat the 49ers 17-7 last December en route to its second consecutive Super Bowl appearance.
Wilson passed for 235 yards, including a 43-yard touchdown to rookie receiver Tyler Lockett in the second quarter.
The touchdown for Lockett, who had five catches for 79 yards, was his first as a receiver this season after having previously returned a kickoff and a punt for scores. He became just the second rookie since 2000 to record that triple.
The 49ers intercepted Wilson twice, but he nonetheless was able to complete 18 of his 24 attempts.
Cornerbacks Tramaine Brock and Kenneth Acker recorded the interceptions, while outside linebackers Aaron Lynch and Ahmad Brooks registered two sacks apiece.
Lynch, who vomited on the sideline late in the first quarter and sat out about 11 minutes, had a game- and season-high 122 rushing yards on 27 carries.
Lynch’s touchdown came on a one-yard dive at the end of Seattle’s first possession of the game.
Hauschka’s field goals came in the second quarter, a 49-yarder, and the fourth quarter, a 46-yarder.
The Seahawks outgained the 49ers 411-148 in the game.
Phil Dawson provided all the 49ers’ scoring with a 35-yard field goal late in the third quarter.
Kaepernick was able to get off just 24 passes, completing 13 for 124 yards. He was not intercepted.
Running back Carlos Hyde had 40 yards on 11 carries for the 49ers, who have lost five of their last six games.
Tight end Vernon Davis caught four passes for 61 yards to lead 49ers receivers.
Wilson’s bomb to Lockett that increased the Seahawks’ lead to 17-0 with 2:44 left in the second quarter.
Wilson earlier connected with wide receiver Jermaine Kearse for 21 yards to ignite the five-play, 90-yard drive that took just 2:57.
NOTES: Seattle RB Marshawn Lynch’s rushing touchdown in the first quarter was his 50th in the last five seasons, 13 more than any other NFL player. … Lynch’s nine rushes in the first quarter were his most in an opening period since Week 3 of the 2013 season. … The Seahawks made a series of transactions before the game. They promoted FB Derrick Coleman from the practice squad, signed C Lemuel Jeanpierre, waived CB Crezdon Butler and placed LB Brock Coyle on injured reserve/designated for return. … Among the 49ers’ seven inactive players for the game was RB/PR Jarryd Hayne, the former rugby standout. Hayne was active for the club’s first six games. … The Seahawks wore their alternate, all-slate road uniforms. They never lost in five previous games dating back three seasons in the uniforms.
