Players of the game

• 49ers WR Ted Ginn gained 176 yards on kickoff returns, 92 yards on five punt returns and scored two special-teams touchdowns.

• 49ers DE Justin Smith finished with two sacks — the first coming on a spin move that allowed him to get past Seahawks LT Russell Okung.

• Seahawks rookie WR Doug Baldwin caught four passes for 83 yards, and his 55-yard touchdown with 3:56 left cut San Francisco's lead to 19-17.

Play of the game

Ginn's 102-yard kickoff return was the most important play of the game, but the most impressive play was his 55-yard punt return 59 seconds later. While some players would have still been catching their breath, Ginn simply couldn't be caught. He took a slalom course through the Seahawks' punt-coverage team, running through an arm tackle to reach the end zone.

Turning point

Ginn's 102-yard kickoff return in the fourth quarter was the longest return ever allowed by the Seahawks. He fielded it 2 yards deep and broke right at about the 15. Seahawks CB Walter Thurmond got caught inside, sealed with a block, and S Earl Thomas couldn't chase Ginn down.

Seahawks surprises

• Seattle had 182 yards of net offense in the second half, which was quite an improvement from the 37 yards it managed in the first half.

• The Seahawks were credited with one quarterback hit of Alex Smith, and while it was a worthy thump from DE Chris Clemons, that's not nearly enough pressure. The 49ers were credited with eight quarterback hits.

• Frank Gore's two biggest rushing games came against Seattle, but he was held to a 2.7-yard average on his 22 carries, finishing with 59 yards.

By the numbers

268 return yards for Ginn between four kickoffs and five punts.

219 yards of net offense for Seattle.

209 yards of net offense for San Francisco.

2 season-opening losses for Pete Carroll in 15 seasons as a head coach.

Injury report

Seahawks FB Michael Robinson suffered a first-quarter ankle injury and did not return. CB Byron Maxwell suffered an ankle injury. WR Ben Obomanu left the field with what appeared to be a head injury in the fourth quarter, but indicated afterward he was fine.

Schedule

Danny O'Neil