Ha! I would argue they lost it the second they decided to use Alex Smith as their quarterback. Think about it: their field goal kicker set an NFL single season record for the most field goals. That is not a record I want my field goal kicker to have. He earned that record because the Niners offense in the red zone (and, heck, even outside the red zone) was absolutely abysmal, and the first, second and third reasons for that futility is Alex Smith. I posted yesterday during the game, and it bears repeating: 35 minutes into the game (i.e., 5 minutes into the 3rd quarter) and Alex Smith had completed 3 passes. Three! Can you even think of another quarterback who is less skilled (other than JaMarcus Russell)? Even Tim Tebow, as sad a passer as he is, would have won that game for the Niners.
i see your point too, ron. but it's a pity bec despite alex smith, the niners' defense was quite good, sacking eli many times and keeping the score close. sad to say, smith is not a machine gun jim kelly nor a joe montana. even in ot, smith's passes were miserable too.