49ers-Seahawks final score: Special teams key 49ers to 19-17 victory

What a game! I was on the edge of my seat all day, but the 49ers somehow pulled it out. The 49ers won a wild one, defeating the Seattle Seahawks by a final score of 19-17. There is so much to discuss from this game, but for now we'll keep it simple. I'm too wired!

There were plenty of "stars of the game", but I think Phil Dawson and Frank Gore deserve a little something-something. People have been saying the 49ers can't win games with field goals, but today, that was not the case. You hate leaving points on the field, but if you're gonna leave them there, Phil Dawson is the man to get three. Dawson was 4 for 4, setting the 49ers franchise record for consecutive field goals, and nailing the game-winner with 31 seconds remaining.

Frank Gore and the running game have been criticized for their struggles in recent weeks, but Gore was there when the 49ers needed him. He rushed for 110 yards on the day, saving his best for the end. Gore broke out for a 51-yard run to set up the game-winning field goal. More importantly, he wisely fell down inbounds to keep the clock rolling. Maybe the 49ers still get a defensive stop, we'll never know, but his heady play remains key.

The passing game dealt with some inconsistencies, but we once again saw some good things. Consistency remains an issue, but with Anquan Boldin, Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis out there, the pieces are in place to figure things out. There were once again plays left on the field, but they did enough to get the win.

The 49ers defense deserves plenty of kudos as usual. They held Marshawn Lynch to 72 yards, and kept Russell Wilson off-balance much of the game. Wilson found his spots and almost did enough for the win, but the 49ers defense held steady and made enough plays to end this thing.

The 49ers improve to 9-4 with the win, while the Seattle Seahawks drop to 11-2. The 49ers get a much-needed win over a "quality opponent" (depending on how you view the Cardinals), and more importantly, they maintain their wildcard lead. The Eagles win earlier today meant the 49ers needed a win to stay in the lead. The 49ers hold a one-game lead, and will head to Tampa Bay next week. The Bucs are playing some solid football lately, so this is far from a gimme, as it appeared a month ago.

We'll be back with plenty more. For now, please do NOT troll the readers at Field Gulls.