Patriots...30 49ers...21

SAN FRANCISCO -- From Randy Moss’ dynamic 66-yard touchdown catch to Kevin Faulk’s score on a direct snap, the New England Patriots regained their usual regular-season form in an unusual place.

Faulk rushed for two scores, Matt Cassel had 259 yards passing and the Patriots won in San Francisco for the first time in franchise history, beating the 49ers, 30-21.

Moss had five catches for 111 yards for the Patriots (3-1), who returned from their bye week with an effort that should erase the bad taste of the defending AFC champions’ stunning loss to Miami last month, which ended their 21-game regular-season winning streak.

With the victory at Candlestick Park, New England has won in every NFL city except Washington.

Quoteworthy: “He kind of reminds you of Brett Favre. You don’t know where he’s going.” -- Adalius Thomas, Patriots linebacker, on 49ers quarterback J.T. O’Sullivan