However, before and after those games (again, against a few of the best pass defenses in the National Football League after adjusting for schedule), he’s been playing like a top-10 quarterback.
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This was, perhaps, the biggest factor in San Francisco’s victory.
Colin Kaepernick went 16 of 27 for 340 yards as the 49ers won for the first time since September 14 against Minnesota.
Looking back on the season, Sunday’s game could well be viewed as a meaningless contest between two poor teams, but in the short term, it was a confidence-building game that came at exactly the right moment.
On the weekly Kaepernick issue, he looked comfortable under center, and got the ball out of his hands and to his targets quickly and crisply. Two of Kaepernick’s passes could have been interceptions had it not been for drops from the Ravens defense.
But, overall, Kaepernick’s Week 6 effort was solid. 500 this far into a season was 2005, when the Ravens started 2-4 with Kyle Boller at quarterback. Both series were sparked by Colin Kaepernick completions of 28 and 52 yards to fullback Bruce Miller. But the first big attack-plan payoff occurred early in the second quarter. In this case, the former team had the advantage because they got to take advantage of an inferior player. Boldin – a Super Bowl star for the Ravens against San Francisco – had a late 51-yard catch that set up Quinton Patton’s 21-yard reception for the first touchdown of his career. In their previous four games the 49ers had scored only 12 points per game.
Last season, before Hayne chose to sign with San Francisco, he saw the Seahawks play at CenturyLink Field.
“Yes. We’re measured by wins and losses”.
“We’re right there, and we got heart like you can’t believe”, coach John Harbaugh said.
Baltimore finally made a breakthrough, however, and it came courtesy of Steve Smith who was able to get hold of Joe Flacco’s pass that covered a 34-yard gap, bringing the Ravens closer at 19-13 heading into the fourth quarter.
Obviously, Baltimore Ravens CB Shareece Wright was in a tough spot having just gotten to the Ravens.
Equally impressive were the efforts of Boldin. Of the 49ers four tight ends, Vance McDonald was the only one with a catch, for 10 yards. [WR Anquan] Boldin, he fell, a guy fell on his leg, he tightened up, didn’t want to take a chance there. But the catch was an impressive one nonetheless. Acker wanted Smith to get called for pushing off on the play. And this will need to be something in continuation as San Francisco prepares itself for Thursday night. “The more you win the better position you’re going to be in”.
The 49ers have improved from their humiliating performance in weeks 3 and 4 and put on a fighting effort against the New York Giants as the Giants roped out a game winning drive in which many were left to say “Niners Defense!” Once more, an opponent’s top wideout was able to most more than 100 yards in the game. Ellington, who had two catches for 39 yards last game, has missed time this year with injuries to his hamstring, ankle and now calf.
By the standards of 2013, Sunday’s 25-20 49er victory over Baltimore would have left the audience flat.
Because of his rejuvenated success, the 49ers have made games competitive.
The Ravens have lost their five games by a total of 22 points.
Wright owned up to his mistake.
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Veteran safety Antoine Bethea also focused on the positives via Maiocco. He easily sprinted the 36 remaining yards to the end zone for a 76-yard touchdown. These guys come to work every day, they do.
