SAN FRANCISCO -- San Francisco's stingy defense denied Matthew Stafford another milestone, Vernon Davis caught touchdown passes of 21 and 23 yards from Alex Smith, and the 49ers beat the Detroit Lions 27-19 on Sunday night in a September showdown of NFC powers.
Smith completed 20 of 31 throws for 226 yards and extended his franchise-record streak of passes without an interception to 216, leading the NFC West favorite Niners (2-0) to their ninth straight win in the series. Smith took a hard hand to the helmet from John Wendling late and bloodied his nose.
The 49ers ran their home winning streak against the Lions (1-1) to 12 - and there was no heated greeting afterward this time. Coaches Jim Harbaugh and Jim Schwartz met before the game with a friendly hello and handshake.
Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press
