When The Bengals Fall Apart, The 49ers Score Ten Points In The Fourth Quarter To Win 13-8

It came down to the fourth quarter, with both teams heading into different directions with a three-three tie.

After the Bengals scored a field goal to take 6-3 lead early in the fourth quarter, the San Francisco 49ers posted a 10-play drive that went 72 yards, scoring the eventual game-winning touchdown against a rushing defense that appeared worn out, unable to shed off the blocks that allowed Kendall Hunter's seven-yard touchdown to go with relative ease.

Down by four points, Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton forced it, doing more than he's capable. With just under four minutes, Dalton tried completing a first down pass into coverage for A.J. Green towards the right sidelines that was intercepted by Carlos Rogers. The 49ers were in a position to score a field goal, taking a 13-6 lead. It was quick. It was the ten point-swing in which San Francisco won the game.

It appeared that the Bengals offense was going to respond, after consecutive passes to Jermaine Gresham picked up 39 yards heading into the two minute warning. However Dalton tried to hook up with Gresham on a vertical, which was behind the tight end (who wasn't watching the pass) and picked off by safety Reggie Smith. The 49ers killed the clock until two seconds remained, after punter Andy Lee took a safety out of the back of the endzone. They free kicked a bouncing ball to Nate Clements upfield, who fumbled the football that was recovered by the San Francisco 49ers.

The Bengals fall to 1-2 on the season, preparing for the Buffalo Bills, who beat the New England Patriots 34-31.

Gut Reaction

• Enjoyed the defensive pass rush early in the game with the defense posting five quarterback sacks on Alex Smith; Jonathan Fanene (2), Frostee Rucker (1), Geno Atkins (1), Dan Skuta (0.5) and Chris Crocker (0.5) posting sacks.
• Additionally the Bengals forced three fumbles on Sunday; two of which were recovered by the 49ers.
• Everyone says how good Brandon Tate is. I'm still waiting on that.
• After going 1-11 against the Denver Broncos, the Bengals only converted one of 10 third down opportunities. You can't expect to win football games if you can't convert.
• Loved Frostee Rucker's effort and production, but hated the timing of his penalties, which were costly.
• Not impressed with Jermaine Gresham spiking the football on the sidelines after his 22-yard reception during an otherwise uneventful day for the tight end. If he's open, he'll get his receptions. And if turns around earlier during Dalton's second interception, the game might not end then and there.
• Cedric Benson just bored me, probably the result of a good 49ers rush defense.
• The 49ers had over a ten-minute time of possession advantage.
• The five offensive possessions before Andy Dalton's second interception went a combined 22 plays and 53 yards -- that's a 2.41 yard/play average and that's not getting it done.
• Great work by the Bengals rush defense, holding the San Francisco 49ers to 50 yards on 29 carries. But it was a rushing touchdown against the Bengals defense that contributed to Cincinnati's loss.
• Bernard Scott will get more touches, my ass.
• Vernon Davis is very good. He's even better playing against a team that's notorious for horrible coverage against tight ends.