Niners 21 Raiders 13
The Niners won their preseason opener, yes you heard me right. The Niners beat the Raiders 21-13 behind the arm of Tim Rattay, and some nice defensive play. It wasn't a pretty win, but it was still a win. The Niners defense started off well holding the Raiders starting unit to only 3 points. Also didn't hurt that aider kicker Janikowski shanked one. As far as the Niners offense, well let's say the first unit they had out there, led by rookie Alex Smith was horrible, and that is being nice. I believe they had one first down going into halftime, and about 30 total yards. Alex Smith clearly looked like a rookie out there, while Tim Rattay looked like the Tim of 2003. Rattay led the Niners to two touchdown drives. A 36 yard pass to Brandon Lloyd, and a 13 yard pass to Arnaz Battle. After trailing 6-0 the Niners scored 21 unanswered points in a span of 6 minutes. On the defensive side rookie Derrick Johnson made a great play where he intercepted Raider quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo and returned it 87 yards. At that point it seemed like the Niners would run away with it, but not so fast. In came Ken Dorsey. After Rattay went out the offense came to a standstill. There were some nice runs by Maurice Hicks, but the scrubs on the Offensive line ruined that...thanks Herrion. All in all there were some good things, and some bad things. Clearly Tim Rattay is the starter at this point and rookie Alex Smith needs more time, but in the end are the Niners really going to sit the $50 million dollar man.
More Game News...
Smith's debut a dud
Press Democrat: Quarterback controversy, anyone? Coach Mike Nolan said rookie Alex Smith will continue working with the 49ers' first-team offense. But he tossed in this caveat: If the season were upon us, Nolan said he did not know whether Smith or Tim Rattay would be the starter.
New leader, same old offense
Press Democrat: You have to figure Alex Smith is projected to be the starting quarterback for the 49ers. You have to figure he'll be the starter if he can breathe and walk and drink milk without it dribbling down his shirt front.
Smith goes nowhere fast in his professional debut
Sacramento Bee: Rookie quarterback struggles to move team in shaky first half Alex Smith's debut lasted far longer than planned, but it wasn't a dazzling performance that kept him on the field. Rather it was because he couldn't get off it.
Players have earned stripes
San Francisco Chronicle: At the 49ers' first minicamp, coach Mike Nolan had all of the logos stripped from the helmets. He wanted players to earn the 'SF' insignia.
'They've earned their stripes,' Nolan said of the 85 players who dressed for Saturday's game.
49ers' Smith faces season of hits, hurts
Oakland Tribune: Clubber Lang made the call two years before Alex Smith was born in an otherwise forgettable 'Rocky III.' When asked for a prediction in his upcoming fight with Rocky Balboa, Lang, played by Mr. T, glared at the camera and said, 'Pain!'
49ers' Peterson glad he's back
Oakland Tribune: Ten months after limping off the field with a torn left Achilles' tendon, Julian Peterson returned to the 49ers' lineup Saturday night in their preseason opener against the Raiders at Monster Park.
Rattay rallies 49ers in relief of No. 1 pick
San Diego Union Tribune: If you are a God-fearing person whose heart is filled with compassion for others, drop to your knees and say a prayer for Alex Smith. He could use it.
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