The last time the 49ers traveled to Seattle with a winning record, they left with a broken heart.
And their anguish came courtesy of two players they currently employ: cornerback Richard Sherman and linebacker Malcolm Smith.
In January 2014, Sherman and Smith teamed for one of the most agonizing plays in 49ers’ history in Seattle’s 23-17 win in the NFC Championship Game. Sherman tipped Colin Kaepernick’s pass intended for Michael Crabtree in the end zone and Smith grabbed the deflection in the final minute to secure the Seahawks’ heart-pounding win at CenturyLink Field.
Nearly five years later, Smith’s role in the play was mentioned Thursday to 49ers left tackle Joe Staley, who counts Smith as a locker-room neighbor.