The San Fransisco 49ers hung with the Baltimore Ravens for three quarters, but at the end, the Ravens won the line of scrimmage on both ends. Baltimore's offensive line was able to get a push on San Fransisco's defensive line in the fourth quarter, while Terrell Suggs and company terrorized Alex Smith at the end of the game. Dennis Pitta scored the only touchdown of the game, catching a pass from Joe Flacco in the fourth quarter as Baltimore won by a final score of 16-6.
NFL Scores Week 12, 49ers Vs. Ravens: Baltimore Wins Fourth Quarter In Close Game
The Baltimore Ravens defense was dominant in their 16-6 win over the San Fransisco 49ers
The first half was completely a defensive battle, as the teams traded field goals. Both running games were effective while both quarterbacks avoided mistakes in the first half, but neither Smith or Flacco could get by their opposing defense in the red zone. Both teams kicked two field goals to go into halftime tied 6-6, but the 49ers could have had more. With seconds remaining in the quarter while his team was in field goal range, Smith threw an interception to Ladarius Webb in the end zone as Braylon Edwards failed to win a one-on-one battle.
Pitta scored the game's only touchdown with the first play in the fourth quarter, capping off an effective drive with an eight-yard TD reception. While the game was within reach for the 49ers from this point forward, they never looked like making a comeback. Frank Gore struggled throughout the second half, the Ravens defensive line dominated, and Alex Smith couldn't make plays without any help.
On the other end, the Ravens' offensive line was able to push the 49ers' defensive line off the ball as the Ravens killed the clock with their running game. With 3:14 remaining in the game, Billy Cundiff kicked a field goal for Baltimore to make it a two-score game.
Smith did his best to lead his team down the field for a comeback, but never had any time to throw on the final drive. He converted on one fourth down with a pass to Braylon Edwards, but failed to convert on 4th and 12 with just over a minute remaining. Smith made a good enough throw to keep the drive alive, but Ted Ginn made a terrible drop, ending the game with a turnover on downs.
The 49ers are still coasting to an NFC West championship, but are now two games behind the Green Bay Packers for the top spot in the NFC and will have to hold off the NFC East and NFC South champions for a first-round bye. With their win, the Ravens put pressure on the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers to get wins later this week.
For more insight and analysis, be sure to check out 49ers blog Niners Nation and our Ravens blog Baltimore Beatdown. Follow the rest of Week 12 of the NFL season at SB Nation NFL.
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