Kendall Hunter scored a 7-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter and the San Francisco 49ers defense picked off a pair of Andy Dalton passes in the closing minutes to seal the 13-8 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. The touchdown was Hunter's first of his career and turned out to be the only one in the game. Hunter had entered the game with just two career carries, but was given the late-game responsibility after Frank Gore had fumbled in the fourth quarter.
NFL Scores Week 3, 49ers Vs. Bengals: San Francisco Squeaks Out 13-8 Win
Alex Smith largely avoids mistakes while his counterpart Andy Dalton tosses a pair of later interceptions in the 49ers’ 13-8 win over the Bengals.
The 49ers were able to improve to 2-1 on the season despite looking absolutely dreadful on offense most of the day. Prior to the drive in which Hunter scored, the 49ers had ventured into Bengals territory just one other time. The big play of the game-winning drive was a 38-yard catch by tight end Vernon Davis, who ended the game with 114 yards on eight catches.
Alex Smith was, once again, steady if unspectacular. He was 20 of 30 for 201 yards, but avoided any big mistakes.
The same could not be said for Dalton. The rookie quarterback was just 17 of 32 for 157 yards. Worst of all, he threw two interceptions, both in the fourth quarter.
The game was also played in front of a record-low opening game crow at Paul Brown Stadium. Just 43,363 fans showed up for the game.
For more reactions, be sure to check out Niners Nation for the 49ers’ perspective and Cincy Jungle for the Bengals’ perspective.
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