NFC championship: Seahawks rally, beat 49ers 23-17 to earn spot in Super Bowl (+photos)

Seattle Seahawks’ Richard Sherman celebrates with fans after after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle. The Seahawks won 23-17 to advance to Super Bowl XLVIII. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Elaine Thompson, ASSOCIATED PRESS

1 of 103

Seattle Seahawks’ Russell Wilson holds up George Halas Trophy after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle. The Seahawks won 23-17 to advance to Super Bowl XLVIII. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Matt Slocum, AP

2 of 103

Seattle Seahawks’ Richard Sherman tips a pass intended for San Francisco 49ers’ Michael Crabtree (15) in the final seconds of the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle. Malcolm Smith intercepted the tipped pass. The Seahawks won 23-17 to advance to Super Bowl XLVIII. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Matt Slocum, ASSOCIATED PRESS

3 of 103

Seattle Seahawks’ Malcolm Smith intercepts a pass in the final seconds of the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle. The Seahawks won 23-17 to advance to Super Bowl XLVIII. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Marcio Jose Sanchez, ASSOCIATED PRESS

4 of 103

Seattle Seahawks’ Richard Sherman holds up the George Halas Trophy after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle. The Seahawks won 23-17 to advance to Super Bowl XLVIII. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Elaine Thompson, ASSOCIATED PRESS

5 of 103

Seattle Seahawks’ Golden Tate celebrates with offensive coordinator Darryl Bevell after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle. The Seahawks won 23-17 to advance to Super Bowl XLVIII. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Elaine Thompson, AP

6 of 103

Seattle Seahawks’ Robert Turbin celebrates after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle. The Seahawks won 23-17 to advance to Super Bowl XLVIII. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Elaine Thompson, AP

7 of 103

Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll celebrates with fans after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle. The Seahawks won 23-17 to advance to Super Bowl XLVIII. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

Ted S. Warren, AP

8 of 103

Seattle Seahawks’ Russell Wilson, left, talks to San Francisco 49ers’ Colin Kaepernick (7) after the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle. The Seahawks won 23-17 to advance to Super Bowl XLVIII. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Matt Slocum, AP

9 of 103

Seattle Seahawks’ Doug Baldwin (89) and Golden Tate (81) celebrate after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle. The Seahawks won 23-17 to advance to Super Bowl XLVIII. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Matt Slocum, ASSOCIATED PRESS

10 of 103

San Francisco 49ers’ Patrick Willis pauses after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle. The Seahawks won 23-17 to advance to Super Bowl XLVIII. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP

11 of 103

Seattle Seahawks’ Jermaine Kearse catches a touch-down pass in front of San Francisco 49ers’ Carlos Rogers during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Elaine Thompson, ASSOCIATED PRESS

12 of 103

Seattle Seahawks’ Russell Wilson looks to pass during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP

13 of 103

San Francisco 49ers players huddle before the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Matt Slocum, AP

14 of 103

Seattle Seahawks’ Russell Wilson warms up before the NFL football NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Matt Slocum, AP

15 of 103

San Francisco 49ers’ Eric Reid (35) and Donte Whitner (31) break up a pass intended for Seattle Seahawks’ Jermaine Kearse during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Elaine Thompson, AP

16 of 103

San Francisco 49ers’ Anthony Dixon (24) dives into the end zone for a touchdown run during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Ted S. Warren, ASSOCIATED PRESS

17 of 103

Seattle Seahawks fans celebrate a Seattle Seahawks touchdown run by Marshawn Lynch during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Elaine Thompson, ASSOCIATED PRESS

18 of 103

San Francisco 49ers’ Anquan Boldin catches a touchdown pass in front of Seattle Seahawks’ Earl Thomas (29) during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Ted S. Warren, ASSOCIATED PRESS

19 of 103

Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll hugs Bobby Wagner (54) before the NFL football NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Matt Slocum, AP

20 of 103

Seattle Seahawks’ Marshawn Lynch tries to run past San Francisco 49ers’ Aldon Smith during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Elaine Thompson, AP

21 of 103

Seattle Seahawks’ Jermaine Kearse celebrates after catching a touchdown pass during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Matt Slocum, AP

22 of 103

Seattle Seahawks’ Richard Sherman (25) enters the field before the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Matt Slocum, AP

23 of 103

Seattle Seahawks’ Russell Wilson throws during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Ted S. Warren, AP

24 of 103

San Francisco 49ers’ Anquan Boldin celebrates his touch-down catch during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP

25 of 103

Seattle Seahawks’ Russell Wilson throws the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Ted S. Warren, AP

26 of 103

San Francisco 49ers’ Anthony Dixon dives into the end zone for a touchdown run during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Matt Slocum, ASSOCIATED PRESS

27 of 103

Seattle Seahawks’ Russell Wilson and San Francisco 49ers’ Aldon Smith go after Wilson’s fumble on the first play of the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle. The 49ers recovered the ball.

Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP

28 of 103

Seattle Seahawks’ Marshawn Lynch breaks away for a touchdown run during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP

29 of 103

San Francisco 49ers’ Anquan Boldin makes a catch against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP

30 of 103

Seattle Seahawks’ Jermaine Kearse catches a touch-down pass in front of San Francisco 49ers’ Carlos Rogers during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Ted S. Warren, AP

31 of 103

Seattle Seahawks’ Russell Wilson is sacked by San Francisco 49ers’ NaVorro Bowman (53) during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Marcio Jose Sanchez, ASSOCIATED PRESS

32 of 103

Seattle Seahawks’ Marshawn Lynch breaks away for a touchdown run during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Elaine Thompson, AP

33 of 103

San Francisco 49ers’ Colin Kaepernick (7) tries to get away from Seattle Seahawks’ Bruce Irvin (51) during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP

34 of 103

Seattle Seahawks’ Russell Wilson works against San Francisco 49ers during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Ted S. Warren, AP

35 of 103

San Francisco 49ers’ Colin Kaepernick (7) works against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Ted S. Warren, AP

36 of 103

San Francisco 49ers’ Colin Kaepernick (7) works against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP

37 of 103

San Francisco 49ers’ Colin Kaepernick scrambles during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Matt Slocum, AP

38 of 103

San Francisco 49ers’ Phil Dawson (9) works against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Elaine Thompson, AP

39 of 103

San Francisco 49ers’ LaMichael James lays on the field after being hit on a punt return during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP

40 of 103

Seattle Seahawks’ Russell Wilson (3) works as San Francisco 49ers’ Justin Smith (94) defends during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Ted S. Warren, AP

41 of 103

San Francisco 49ers’ NaVorro Bowman reacts to play against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP

42 of 103

Referee Gene Steratore flips the coin before the NFL football NFC Championship game between the Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Matt Slocum, AP

43 of 103

Seattle Seahawks’ DeShawn Shead reacts to play against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Elaine Thompson, AP

44 of 103

San Francisco 49ers’ Colin Kaepernick waits for the start of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Matt Slocum, AP

45 of 103

CenturyLink Field cheerleaders perform during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Elaine Thompson, AP

46 of 103

Seattle Seahawks’ Russell Wilson (3) works against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Elaine Thompson, AP

47 of 103

San Francisco 49ers’ Colin Kaepernick (7) works against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Matt Slocum, AP

48 of 103

Seattle Seahawks’ Russell Wilson (3) works out before the NFL football NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Ted S. Warren, AP

49 of 103

Fans cheer before the NFL football NFC Championship game between the Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Ted S. Warren, AP

50 of 103

San Francisco 49ers’ Andy Lee holds his leg after receiving a roughing the kicker call during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Elaine Thompson, AP

51 of 103

San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh reacts to play against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP

52 of 103

San Francisco 49ers’ Eric Reid (35) and Donte Whitner (31) break up a pass intended for Seattle Seahawks’ Jermaine Kearse during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP

53 of 103

San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh reacts to a call during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP

54 of 103

Seattle Seahawks cheerleaders perform during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Elaine Thompson, AP

55 of 103

Seattle Seahawks’ Zach Miller (86) is tripped up by San Francisco 49ers’ Tramaine Brock after a catch during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Elaine Thompson, AP

56 of 103

San Francisco 49ers’ Colin Kaepernick (7) passes the ball during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Ted S. Warren, AP

57 of 103

San Francisco 49ers’ Anquan Boldin prepares to catch a touch-down pass behind Seattle Seahawks’ Earl Thomas (29) during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Ted S. Warren, AP

58 of 103

San Francisco 49ers’ Anthony Dixon dives into the end zone for a touchdown run during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP

59 of 103

Seattle Seahawks fans yell during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Elaine Thompson, AP

60 of 103

Seattle Seahawks’ Luke Willson can’t catch a pass as he is hit by San Francisco 49ers’ Donte Whitner (31) during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Ted S. Warren, AP

61 of 103

Seattle Seahawks cheerleaders perform during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Matt Slocum, AP

62 of 103

Seattle Seahawks’ Kam Chancellor (31) saves a touchdown as he stops San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Matt Slocum, AP

63 of 103

Seattle Seahawks’ Russell Wilson throws during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Ted S. Warren, AP

64 of 103

Seattle Seahawks’ Doug Baldwin catches a pass in front of San Francisco 49ers’ Donte Whitner (31) during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP

65 of 103

Seattle Seahawks’ Russell Wilson (3) works against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Matt Slocum, AP

66 of 103

Seattle Seahawks’ Russell Wilson works against San Francisco 49ers during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Ted S. Warren, AP

67 of 103

San Francisco 49ers’ NaVorro Bowman is taken to the locker room on a cart after injuring his leg during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP

68 of 103

Seattle Seahawks’ Marshawn Lynch fumbles as he is hit by San Francisco 49ers’ Aldon Smith (99) during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Elaine Thompson, AP

69 of 103

Macklemore and Ryan Lewis perform during halftime of the NFL football NFC Championship game between the Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Ted S. Warren, AP

70 of 103

Seattle Seahawks’ Russell Wilson (3) speaks in the huddle against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Matt Slocum, AP

71 of 103

San Francisco 49ers’ Colin Kaepernick (7) moves away from Seattle Seahawks’ Michael Bennett (72) during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP

72 of 103

Seattle Seahawks’ Marshawn Lynch (24) breaks away from San Francisco 49ers’ Tramaine Brock (26) for a touch-down run during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Elaine Thompson, AP

73 of 103

Seattle Seahawks’ Russell Wilson throws while being hit by San Francisco 49ers’ Ahmad Brooks during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Ted S. Warren, AP

74 of 103

Military members hold an American flag before the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game between the Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Matt Slocum, AP

75 of 103

San Francisco 49ers’ Colin Kaepernick is tripped up after a long run during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Matt Slocum, AP

76 of 103

Seattle Seahawks’ Doug Baldwin (89) runs a ball against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Elaine Thompson, AP

77 of 103

Seattle Seahawks’ Russell Wilson throws during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Elaine Thompson, AP

78 of 103

San Francisco 49ers’ LaMichael James (23) runs against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Elaine Thompson, AP

79 of 103

San Francisco 49ers’ Mike Iupati lays on the field after being hurt during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Ted S. Warren, AP

80 of 103

San Francisco 49ers’ Donte Whitner (31) and Eric Reid (35) tackle Seattle Seahawks’ Doug Baldwin after a catch during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Elaine Thompson, AP

81 of 103

Seattle Seahawks cheerleaders perform during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Matt Slocum, AP

82 of 103

San Francisco 49ers’ Anquan Boldin celebrates his touchdown catch during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP

83 of 103

Seattle Seahawks’ Russell Wilson and San Francisco 49ers’ Aldon Smith (99) vie for a fumble during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Ted S. Warren, AP

84 of 103

Seattle Seahawks’ Russell Wilson (3) works as San Francisco 49ers’ Justin Smith (94) defends during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Ted S. Warren, AP

85 of 103

A penalty flag lies on the turf during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game between the Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Matt Slocum, AP

86 of 103

San Francisco 49ers’ Colin Kaepernick (7) works against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Matt Slocum, AP

87 of 103

San Francisco 49ers’ Colin Kaepernick (7) works against the Seattle Seahawks with San Francisco 49ers’ Vance McDonald (89) and San Francisco 49ers’ Frank Gore during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Elaine Thompson, AP

88 of 103

San Francisco 49ers’ Colin Kaepernick (7) runs off the field after a play against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Matt Slocum, AP

89 of 103

Macklemore and Ryan Lewis perform during halftime of the NFL football NFC Championship game between the Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Ted S. Warren, AP

90 of 103

Seattle Seahawks’ Earl Thomas (29) enters the field before the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Matt Slocum, AP

91 of 103

Seattle Seahawks’ Russell Wilson throws during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Ted S. Warren, AP

92 of 103

Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll reacts to a penalty call during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Elaine Thompson, AP

93 of 103

San Francisco 49ers’ Anquan Boldin celebrates his touchdown catch with teammate Anthony Dixon (24) during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Ted S. Warren, AP

94 of 103

San Francisco 49ers’ Colin Kaepernick scrambles past Seattle Seahawks’ Cliff Avril during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP

95 of 103

San Francisco 49ers’ Garrett Celek (88) and Vance McDonald (89) watch as teammate Mike Iupati is attended to after being injured during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Matt Slocum, AP

96 of 103

The San Francisco 49ers huddle during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Elaine Thompson, AP

97 of 103

San Francisco 49ers’ Colin Kaepernick (7) works against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Elaine Thompson, AP

98 of 103

San Francisco 49ers’ Eric Reid (35) and Donte Whitner (31) break up a pass intended for Seattle Seahawks’ Jermaine Kearse during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Elaine Thompson, Associated Press

99 of 103

San Francisco 49ers tight end Vance McDonald (89) dives over Seattle Seahawks strong safety Kam Chancellor (31) after a 14 yard gain in the first quarter during the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle. Smith recovered the ball.

The Sacramento Bee, Paul Kitagaki Jr.) MAGS OUT; TV OUT (KCRA3, KXTV10, KOVR13, KUVS19, KMAZ31, KTXL40) MANDATORY CREDIT, Associated Press

100 of 103

Seattle Seahawks’ Marshawn Lynch tries to run past San Francisco 49ers’ Aldon Smith during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Elaine Thompson, Associated Press

101 of 103

San Francisco 49ers’ Colin Kaepernick fumbles as he is hit by Seattle Seahawks’ Cliff Avril during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Elaine Thompson, Associated Press

102 of 103

San Francisco 49ers’ Eric Reid (35) and Donte Whitner (31) break up a pass intended for Seattle Seahawks’ Jermaine Kearse during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Marcio Jose Sanchez, Associated Press

103 of 103