National Football League

Seahawks hit game-winning FG to edge 49ers

Published Dec. 7, 2009 2:41 a.m. ET

foxsports

The San Francisco 49ers blew a career day from quarterback Alex Smith, more opportunities to win than they could have wished for - and a chance to keep pressure on Arizona in the NFC West.

Olindo Mare kicked a 30-yard field goal as time expired to send the Seattle Seahawks to a 20-17 victory on Sunday over inopportune and angry San Francisco.

After the 49ers called timeout to try to ice the veteran on a cold day, Mare made his second field goal of the final quarter and extended his team record of 18 consecutive makes for the Seahawks (5-7). They also kept alive hopes for a winning season, if not a playoff berth.

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The Seahawks also severely damaged the postseason hopes of San Francisco (5-7).

Smith, who had never had a 300-yard passing day in his first 38 NFL games, threw for a career-high 310 yards in the 49ers' new spread offense. The No. 1 overall pick in 2005, reinstalled as San Francisco's starter in October, completed 27 of 45 throws and had two touchdown passes.

One was to Vernon Davis, who had six catches for a career-high 111 yards. Davis' 10th touchdown of the season set a single-season record for a 49ers tight end.

Yet San Francisco will regret its blown chances: two incompletions from the Seahawks 1 in the opening quarter; a fumble on punt reverse; another fumble by Gore at Seattle 22; and an ill-timed three-and-out in the final minute that left Seattle time and field position for the winning drive.