SAN FRANCISCO -- Quarterback Alex Smith had the best half of passing in his NFL career Sunday as the 49ers built a 17-3 lead at halftime over the Buffalo Bills at Candlestick Park.
Smith completed 12 of 15 passes for 237 yards, capped by his 28-yard scoring strike to Michael Crabtree with 24 seconds remaining in the second quarter.That play came after Bills coach Chan Gailey elected against running out the clock at the end of the half. Linebacker Patrick Willis forced a fumble of Buffalo tight end Scott Chandler, and Dashon Goldson recovered.
Crabtree finished the first half with five receptions for 103 yards. It was his first touchdown catch of the season. Another 41-yard reception was nullified by Frank Gore's chop-block penalty.Smith's hot first half came after he bounced his first-pitch effort Saturday night prior to the San Francisco Giants' playoff game against the Cincinnati Reds.On Sunday, Smith had a perfect passer rating of 158.3 through 30 minutes of play.Smith has never thrown for 300 yards or more in a 49ers victory. The 237 yards were the most yards for which Smith has ever thrown in any half. In 2006, Smith threw for 226 yards in the second half against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The 49ers scored their first touchdown on Smith's 43-yard pass to Kyle Williams early in the second quarter.
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