SAN FRANCISCO -- A few observations from the San Francisco 49ers' 19-17 win over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday:
What it means: The 49ers got the stink of two bad back-to-back losses to Seattle off their minds. This was a great game, and it will serve the 49ers well heading into the postseason. They proved they could beat a good team. The 49ers were 1-4 against teams with winning records going into Sunday's game. The 49ers are now 9-4, and the Seahawks fell to 11-2. Could we see a rubber match in Seattle in January? I would be surprised if we don't.
Dawson is hot: 49ers kicker Phil Dawson had four field goals, including a 22-yarder with 26 seconds to go. He has made 20 straight field goal attempts, a team record.
Stock watch: Anquan Boldin continued to benefit from the presence of Michael Crabtree. Boldin had six catches for 93 yards. He had nine catches last week. This could be a key component for the 49ers moving forward.
Gore comes through: Frank Gore, who had three straight slow games, had a 51-yard run on the 49ers' final drive to setup Dawson's game winner.
Third-down defense wanes: The 49ers' defense has been terrific all season, but if there has been an issue, it is the occasional lapse on third down. The Seahawks made three big conversions on third down. It's something the 49ers need to clean up.
Flag day: This was a physical game and it wasn't always clean. The Seahawks were penalized nine times for 85 yards and the 49ers seven times for 70 yards.
What's next: The 49ers travel to Tampa to play the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay has improved lately. It is 4-9 and 3-4 at home. The 49ers are 7-0 against teams with losing records.