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What We Learned from 49ers vs. Seahawks

Select images from the San Francisco 49ers showdown with the rival Seattle Seahawks on Thanksgiving.

The hottest rivalry in the National Football league was on display Thursday night at Levi's® Stadium.

In the end, it was the San Francisco 49ers who could not come back from a 16-point deficit in the second half. The home team lost, 19-3.

The costly defeat put the 49ers at 7-5 on the season and evened the team's home record to 3-3.

Here's what we learned in the Week 13 NFC West clash.

49ers Cross the 50, Score Points

After failing to cross the 50-yard line in the first half, the 49ers put together a 12-play, 59-yard scoring drive that took 6:59 off of the clock.

Colin Kaepernick completed 3-of-4 passes for 28 yards. The 49ers signal-caller had 55 passing yards in the first half alone.

Despite getting down to Seattle's 21-yard line, the 49ers went three-and-out and settled for a 40-yard Phil Dawson field goal.

The score was 16-3 with 1:06 left in the third quarter. In a game where points were at a premium, the home team could not put together a crucial touchdown drive. Crabtree, McDonald Injured Early

The 49ers wideout had his body twisted by a pair of defenders on a first-down catch on the game's opening drive. Crabtree was able to walk off of the field under his own power. San Francisco picked up one first down and was forced to punt.

It was later announced that Crabtree had suffered a rib injury, and he was questionable to return.

Crabtree, did in fact, return on the next drive.

Defensive tackle Ray McDonald injured his finger on Seattle's opening possession. He was questionable to return and was initially replaced by Tony Jerod-Eddie. McDonald later returned in the second quarter at left defensive tackle. Kap Turnover Leads to Seattle Points

Colin Kaepernick was intercepted by Richard Sherman. Seahawks outside linebacker Bruce Irvin added insult to injury by leveling the 49ers quarterback after the throw.

Kaepernick threw behind Brandon Lloyd, his intended target, on a deep comeback route in front of the right sideline.  Seattle's All-Pro cornerback was in position to make the interception and return it five yards back to San Francisco's 45-yard line.

Following a third-down defensive holding penalty on rookie cornerback Dontae Johnson, Seattle was able to move the ball into the red zone and score on a 13-yard Russell Wilson touchdown pass to running back Robert Turbin.

It appeared as though the 49ers blew a coverage, leaving the backup running back wide open in the left flat to score on the short touchdown catch. Brooks Shines in Goal-line Stop

Wilson broke two Johnson tackle attempts. The rookie cornerback blitzed initially and missed his second chance at the Seattle quarterback when he stepped up in the pocket and completed a 63-yard pass to tight end Tony Moeaki.

Cornerbacks Perrish Cox and Chris Culliver chased Moeaki down and stopped him short of the end zone at the 1-yard line. San Francisco would end up holding Seattle to a 21-yard Steven Hauschka field goal.

Ahmad Brooks tackled Wilson for a 1-yard loss on 2nd-and-goal. Brooks also tipped Wilson's 3rd-and-goal pass at the line of scrimmage to force a field goal attempt. Cox Fumbles Punt Return

Ricardo Lockette stripped Perish Cox on a second-quarter punt return. The craziest part of the play was that Seahawks punter Jon Ryan fumbled the snap and was still able to get off a punt.

Cox returned the ball 11 yards, but the former 49ers wideout stripped the ball inside of San Francisco territory.

With Seattle up 13-0, it was a costly turnover. San Francisco was not able to put together a scoring drive to close out the half.

It was the first time the 49ers were held scoreless in the first half of any game this season.  Red-zone Defense Stands up

The 49ers held the Seahawks to a third red-zone field goal on the opening drive of the second half. Hauschka's third made kick put the visiting team up 16-0.

Seahawks rookie receiver Paul Richardson had a touchdown reception negated by an illegal screen penalty on Turbin. Aaron Lynch and Justin Smith recorded back-to-back sacks to keep Seattle out of the end zone once again.

The stiff red-zone defense was one of a couple bright spots on the night for the 49ers.

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