The 49ers beat the Arizona Cardinals, 27-13, Sunday afternoon at Candlestick Park to win the NFC West and gain a week off with a first-round bye in the playoffs.
“It was a lot harder this time around to get it,” safety Donte Whitner said. “We had targets on our back all year so to be able to get a first-round bye is tremendous.”
“Winning the NFC West means a lot to us, for the players, for us as a team. It’s arguably the best conference.” Harbaugh said.
The 49ers fell behind 6-0 before Colin Kaepernick hit Michael Crabtree on a 49–yard pass play to begin the 49ers scoring and put Crabtree over the 1000 receiving yard mark for the season.
Crabtree became the first player since Terrell Owens in 2003 to have more than 1000 receiving yards for a season.
“He’s had a terrific season and he’s done it many times this year. Multiple games where he’s given us a big lift and a big spark. He’s stepped up, he’s made the plays.” Harbaugh said afterwards.
Sunday also marked a new career high in passing yards for Kaepernick, as he went 16 of 28 for 276 yards and two touchdowns.
LaMichael James had 49 yards rushing on 7 carries while veteran stalwart Frank Gore ran for 68 yards on 20 rush attempts.
Alex Smith received a standing ovation late in the fourth quarter as he took over the final two drives for the 49ers offense.
Ever the great teammate having been replaced mid-season, Smith said, “It was fun to be back out on the field I’m loving what’s going on. We have such a great group of guys and to win the division is a great feeling.”
The match up for the 49ers is simple. If the Packers win they come to Candlestick, lose, then the 49ers will face the winner of the Redskins/Seahawks. Either way, it’ll be played at Candlestick.
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