49ers Vs. Broncos Game Recap: David Akers Outscores Peyton Manning As 49ers Win, 29-24

The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Denver Broncos 29-24 in an NFL preseason game Sunday afternoon on the strength of placekicker David Akers's left leg.

Akers was in midseason form, nailing five field goals, including two from 40-plus yards out. Three of Akers's successful kicks came in the fourth quarter, in which the 49ers outscored the Broncos 9-0 to stake claim to the victory. Akers outscored Peyton Manning, who threw two touchdown passes for the Broncos, 15-12.

Manning was in midseason form as well, as he completed 10-of-12 passes for 122 yards, and connected with wide receiver Eric Decker for two first-quarter scores. He was replaced by Caleb Hanie near the end of the opening quarter, and Hanie proceeded to throw a pick on his first drive. However, he would redeem himself in the Broncos' final possession before halftime, as he connected with fellow Colorado State alum Joel Dreessen for a five-yard touchdown to put the Broncos up 24-10. Hanie finished the game 8-of-12 for 92 yards.

The 49ers fought back immediately at the start of the second half, as they marched down the field for a four-play, 80-yard drive that culminated in a 26-yard touchdown scamper from running back Anthony Dixon. Akers took over from there, as the Niners put him in position to make some kicks with solid drives led by second-year quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who went 4-for-4 for 80 yards. Meanwhile, the Broncos stalled on offense behind rookie QB Brock Osweiler, who completed just four of nine passes, for 27 yards.

San Francisco starting QB Alex Smith finished 5-of-7 for 69 yards and a touchdown. Dixon led all rushers in the game, running for 58 yards on 13 carries. The 49ers racked up 139 rushing yards overall.

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