Tricks

1-10-SEA 47 (10:09) 20-J.Forsett left guard to SEA 49 for 2 yards (94-J.Smith, 98-P.Haralson).

Seattle runs the pitch left, inside zone right play that Jeremy Bates seems to love. It works. From a scheme standpoint, this run looks ready to break. It doesn't. Though the misdirection draws one outside linebacker wide and freezes both inside linebackers, the run is stopped. It breaks down in two places.

The first is minor: The nose tackle separates from Chris Spencer and flashes free towards Justin Forsett. Spencer is able to recover and drop the defender, but Forsett loses speed by adjusting in the backfield. One can pin that on Spencer for not holding the block or Forsett for overreacting. Either is applicable and neither conclusive.

The second is minor: Tyler Polumbus knocks back but almost instantly loses Justin Smith, and Smith separates and hits Forsett in the hole after two.

Runs can be so fragile.

2-8-SEA 49 (9:35) 8-M.Hasselbeck pass short left to 89-J.Carlson to SF 47 for 4 yards (52-P.Willis).

Matt Hasselbeck does something smart and nearly pays for it.

49ers blitz five. Takeo Spikes attacks Mike Gibson, forces him back, and split-seconds before Hasselbeck targets John Carlson, flashes free and almost blows up the play. Before all that, Hasselbeck pumps towards Mike Williams, recognizes Williams is covered, that he has seven blockers and should have time, pulls down and reads Carlson on the left. Just then, Spikes flashes free.

3-4-SF 47 (8:58) 8-M.Hasselbeck pass short right to 83-D.Branch to SF 44 for 3 yards (52-P.Willis).

Seattle breaks huddle with one on the left and four on the right in a diamond formation. The key is to line up, snap and fire before the 49ers can react, but it doesn't work. Patrick Willis not only reads the play, he gets a running start. No one blows their block. Everything works as planned from the Seahawks perspective, but surprise is not achieved and the play is blown up.

Deion Branch still almost achieves the first.