Former Seahawks general manager Tim Ruskell had to smile when rookie receiver Deon Butler hauled in a 32-yard reception to damage the 49ers' playoff chances.

Ruskell, who resigned Thursday, traded up in the third round to select Butler from Penn State.

The rookie hadn't done much this season, but this reception to set up the winning field goal gave the Seahawks -- and division-leading Cardinals -- a needed boost.

What a horrible way for the 49ers to lose their most important December game in recent memory.

Quarterback Alex Smith has improved to the point where simply putting up impressive numbers wasn't going to be enough against Seattle.

The 49ers needed to win the game. They should have won this game.

They failed largely because they compounded a regrettable first-half decision with poor execution. Calling for a reverse during a first-quarter punt return backfired when the 49ers muffed the exchange. The miscue set up the Seahawks' first touchdown and gave them life.

I think the 49ers probably would have cruised to victory had they not turned over the ball in that situation. The Seahawks appeared lifeless early. The 49ers had the momentum. They were playing with purpose. They blew it.

Smith recorded the first 300-yard passing game of his career. He balanced risks effectively while battling horrible field position (the 49ers began four drives inside their own 8-yard line and a fifth at their 11).

The outcome prevents the 49ers from enjoying what appeared to be another step forward for Smith (despite only one conversion in 13 chances on third down). They can keep the NFC West race reasonably close by beating the Cardinals on Dec. 14, but that game would have meant so much more had they beaten an inferior Seattle team.

The Seahawks and 49ers are tied in the standings. For all the promise the 49ers have shown in recent weeks -- Smith, Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree continue to grow together -- they're one defeat away from being 5-8 for the second consecutive season.

That doesn't sound like progress.