The New England Patriots for the first time in franchise history defeated the San Francisco 49ers Sunday at Candlestick Park 30-21. The victory now puts the Patriots at 3-1 at the quarter mark of the NFL season, and gets them back in the winning column after losing to the Miami Dolphins two weeks ago at home. New England quarterback Matt Cassel  still  showed inconsistencies, as he threw two interceptions, however he was good enough to get the win. Cassel went 22/32 from behind center, throwing for 259 yards, and got 1 touchdown as he connected with wide receiver Randy Moss for a 66 yard reception in the first quarter.

The Patriots improved their running game against San Francisco as they basically played “running back by committee.” Sammy Morris rushed for 63 yards while the veteran Kevin Faulk acquired 32 yards and scored 2 touchdowns. Laurence Maroney back in action for New England gained 26 yards in the game.

Niners quarterback J. T. O’Sullivan showed talent, but made some costly mistakes, as he threw for three touchdowns, but sullied his performance with three picks.  San Francisco took the early lead as O’Sullivan threw a 16 yard pass to Frank Gore with 9:05 remaining in the first quarter. After kicker Joe Nedney put the ball though the uprights it was 7-0. New England responded with the Cassel to Moss blast with 7:44 left in the period. Pats kicker Stephen Gostkowski tied the score at 7-7.  With 5:31 left in the first quarter O’Sullivan hit Issac Bruce with a 6 yard pass, after the extra point, it was San Francisco 14 New England 7.

Momentum swung toward the Patriots in the second quarter, as Gostkowski kicked a 35 yard field goal with 5:37 remaining in the period making it a 14-10 contest. Faulk scored with just 9 seconds remaining in the half as he sprinted across the goal line for a 2 yard TD. After Gostkowski kicked the extra point, New England would walk in to their locker room with their first lead of the day as, they were ahead 17-14.

Faulk got his second 2 yard touchdown of the afternoon, with 5:30 left on the clock in the third. Gostkowski’s kick was good making it a 10 point advantage with the Patriots leading 24-14. That was the only scoring for either team in the period. Bruce got his second TD of the game in the fourth but it came in between two field goals by Gostkowski.

The Patriots will remain in California for the week as they will play in San Diego against the Chargers next Sunday night. San Francisco, now sitting at 2-3 after the loss host the Philadelphia Eagles next week.

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