Disappointing showing from Jarryd Hayne as 49ers finally win a game

But the 49ers defense played its keys and held, right down to the Hail Mary pass deflection on the game’s last play. “The second one, it looked easier than what it was”.

The Ravens appeared to have forced a 49ers punt, but cornerback Jimmy Smith was flagged for holding on third-and-6 from the San Francisco 40 with 2:26 to play.

This was, perhaps, the biggest factor in San Francisco’s victory. The S.F. offense only notched 15 first downs the whole game, however, and the 49ers had to settle for four field goals-including two from inside the red zone.

For fans in the United States and surrounding territories, NFL Game Pass allows replays of games to be watched on demand for a fee of $99.99 for the season. Another former Raven, Anquan Boldin, had five catches for 102 yards. Three plays before his touchdown pass, Kaepernick fired a 51-yard pass to Boldin, giving the 49ers a first down at the Baltimore 28.

Entering Week 6, Kaepernick owned a Passing Net Expected Points (NEP) of -0.98. His season-best 128.2 passer rating is an indication of this. Miller hauled in a third-down 52-yard pass in the first quarter.

Hayne was also at fault for not blocking a pass rusher when 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick was sacked in the second quarter.

“Early on”, Boldin confirmed, “we wanted to get the ball out of Kap’s hands, just let guys have one-on-one situations where we can make plays….”

There were chances for Smith to make an even bigger splash in his return.

“We can’t spend too much time being happy about this win”, Smith said.

One of the best calls the 49ers made all season came in the second quarter, when Kaepernick connected on a season-long 76-yard touchdown strike to Smith. Do realize his work was achieved against a depleted Ravens secondary that was forced to start the recently cut 49er, Shareece Wright, at cornerback.

It was Hayne’s worst National Football League performance, with the 49ers electing to give the Australian the back-up running back duties to Carlos Hyde, who was hampered by a foot injury. Brees connected excellently with Ben Watson, who posted a career high of 127 yards receiving, including a fourth down touchdown catch.

Equally impressive were the efforts of Boldin. On the Smith bomb, he faked the play-action, dropped back one step and winged it – then sprinted downfield to greet Smith in the end zone. But the catch was an impressive one nonetheless. It should be an exciting night on Thursday in Santa Clara. “There’s no doubt about it. It’s going to happen, no matter how much a few people doubt us”. He finished with 62 yards on 17 carries after rushing for more than 100 yards in each of the past two games. Once more, an opponent’s top wideout was able to most more than 100 yards in the game.

Steve Smith had a monster game. The last time Baltimore was under.

While San Francisco has yet to beat a winning team, Sunday’s victory over the Ravens (1-5) for the team’s first win since Week 1 still did plenty for this group. At 25-20, however, the score was closer than it should have been.

But the 49ers did their job enough at the conclusion of the game.

“It all starts with me not making those mistakes”, Flacco said.

Veteran safety Antoine Bethea also focused on the positives via Maiocco.

Kaepernick dropped back in a wonderfully protected pocket, and as the 49ers envisioned for months, he threw deep to Smith. Players seem to be finding their roles better.

San Francisco’s defense still has its share of problems.

There was plenty of talk in the run-up to the game about monitoring – perhaps even limiting – linebacker NaVorro Bowman’s snaps after a down game against the Giants. Michael Wilhoite and Kenneth Acker came away with interceptions. And San Francisco’s offense will have to replicate its back-to-back strong efforts in the short week.

Meanwhile, Flacco explained what he was trying to do, via ESPN.com.