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Bloggin' live from 49ers-Packers exhibition game
O'Sullivan goes over his play list for tonight's game.
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As I walked across the parking lot this evening, I immediately thought about J.T. O'Sullivan.

The wind here at Candlestick Park -- that's right, Candlestick Park! -- was whipping through the parking lot. This is the kind of evening that tests a quarterback's arm strength. So how is O'Sullivan, he of a moderate-strength throwing arm, going to perform on such an evening?

We shall see.

Inside Candlestick, the wind was not nearly as ferocious. Ninety minutes before kickoff, O'Sullivan was seated on the 49ers' bench all by himself. He was looking at a white piece of paper, presumably going over the plays that Mike Martz is going to dial up for him this evening.

* * *

By the way, I am scheduled to appear on the KNBR-The Bone pregame show about two hours before every 49ers radio broadcast. For home games, the segment takes place in "Faithful City" in the Candlestick Parking lot. Stop by and say hi sometime.

* * *

Safeties Mark Roman and Keith Lewis will wear the defensive radio device this game -- just as they did in the exhibition opener. (Correction: Roman did not play last week; Michael Lewis wore the device with the starters). This might not bode well for those who hope to see Dashon Goldson win the starting job over Roman.

* * *

Cornerback Tarell Brown will not suit up due to a hip injury that he sustained in practice Thursday. Others who will not play tonight: receivers Bryant Johnson (hamstring), Arnaz Battle (hamstring) and Ashley Lelie (calf), guard David Baas (pec), running back Michael Robinson (knee) and safety Lewis Baker (thigh).

* * *

Packers notables who will not play tonight: RB Ryan Grant, WR Greg Jennings, LB A.J. Hawk, DT Ryan Pickett, DE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, DT Justin Harrell.

* * *

Niners will receive the kickoff. We get to see J.T. right off the bat.

FIRST QUARTER

--Kickoff return unit: Hudson, Thomas, Ulbrich, Keasey and Goldson on the front line; Banta-Cain in the middle; Bajema, Balmer and Norris at the 20; with Foster around the 10; and Rossum deep.

--JTO misfired on his first two attempts, but hit Vernon Davis for a 14-yard gain and a first down to the 32. It was a free play, as the Packers jumped offside on a hard count.

--After a couple Gore runs, JTO hits Davis again, this time for 15-yards on third down. The 49ers had an empty backfield on the play.

--JTO shows some wheels when he gets out of trouble (pressure off the left side). Sets up a third and- 3.

--Incomplete on third down on pass to Bruce. JTO shows his intensity as he argues a call, thinking Charles Woodson held Bruce on the play. Niners punt. Packers take over at the 49ers' 10.

--Brett Favre Aaron Rodgers jogs onto the field with 11:23 left in the quarter.

--Niners open with six defensive backs: Clements, Harris, Spencer, Roman, M.Lewis and Goldson, LB Willis, and DL Haralson, McDonald, J.Smith and R.Green.

--Offside penalties by Roderick Green and Ray McDonald give the Packers a couple first downs. Packers on the move.

--McDonald with a lot of pressure, and Lawson finishes off Rodgers for the sack.. Good pressure with a four-man rush.

--Third and 17 . . . Spencer with a HUGE hit on a corner blitz. Incomplete. No penalty. Packers to punt.

--Spencer with an illegal block in the back on the return. Niners will start this drive at the 8-yard line with 7:45 left.

--Mike Martz, by the way, is calling this game from the sideline. He called the plays from the booth last week. He said recently that he feels more comfortable calling plays from the booth.

--After Gore's 14-yard run, the 49ers' drive stalls. O'Sullivan is 1 for 3 on that series with a 1-yard completion to Delanie Walker. Niners punt it back to the Packers. GB takes over at the 24 with 6:07 left in the quarter.

--Patrick Willis throws down Brandon Jackson after a completion for no gain.

--Isaac Sopoaga jumps offside, then buries Jackson for a loss. However, it's 5 yards for the Packers. Call it second and 5.

--On third down, Donald Driver makes a short catch, but Harris is right there to pull him down for 4 yards on a third-and-5.

--Rookie Larry Grant called for holding on the punt return. Niners take over at their own 8-yard line with 4:14 left. The 49ers' starting offense is still on the field. Keasey got the start in this game at FB. He's been on the field for four of the team's first 12 plays.

--Third and 4 . . . JTO throws into coverage for Davis. Woodson with the interception. If Woodson didn't get the interception, Brandon Chillar might have. Not a good throw. Woodson returns it 8 yards and fumbles it out of bounds. Packers take over at the 49ers' 7-yard line.

--O'Sullivan is 3 of 9 for 30 yards and one interception. (Passer rating is 4.2.)

--Takeo Spikes on the field. He was the nearest defender, but Donald Lee drops a sure touchdown pass.

--McDonald with a 6-yard sack. The pass rush is looking good.

--On third down, Rodgers has a lot of time . . . the coverage is outstanding . . . Rodgers rolls to the right and throws it out of bounds. The Packers will settle for a field goal.

--Packers kicker Mason Crosby with a 31-yard field goal. It's PACKERS 3, 49ERS 0 with 1:53 left in the quarter. Packers' scoring drive was four plays for minus-6 yards.

--DeShaun Foster in at halfback for the 49ers; Jason Hill is also in at wideout. That's probably it for Gore and Bruce this evening.

--On third down, Dominique Zeigler is the third wideout. O'Sullivan throws to Foster incomplete. The ball goes back to the Packers after the punt. The offense is struggling.

--Dontarrious Thomas makes a strong tackle on punt coverage after a whole bunch of penalties were offsetting, forcing the 49ers to punt again.

--Jackson carries up the middle for 4 yards. Willis with the tackle. Packers have the ball at their own 41.

SECOND QUARTER

--Another sack as Green and Smith combine to throw Rodgers for a 4-yard loss. Good coverage down the field with Harris all over Driver. That's the 49ers' third sack of the game. That pass rush is already better than it was at any point last season.

--The starting 49ers' offense goes back on the field (minus Gore and Bruce). This drive starts at the Niners' 13.

--Foster with gains of 7 and 8 yards for a first down. Jonas Jennings is really blocking well. He's all over Aaron Kampman.

--JTO complete to Morgan for a 3-yard gain on third-and-2. Nice job of Morgan getting to the first down. (Looks like Staley is having some problems on the left side.)

--Third and 3 after Walker's 1-yard run on an end around. Niners call a timeout with 9:05 left in the quarter.

--Jonas Jennings false start makes it a third-and-8.

--Another mixup, so JTO calls another timeout. So this has not been a good sequence: two timeouts sandwiched around a false start. It's still third-and-8 . . .

--Jason Hill makes the catch from JTO, who threw the ball nicely before Hill made his break to the outside. It's a 27-yard gain. Niners have ball at the Packers' 32.

--Offensive line gave JTO all kinds of throw. He can't find anyone open, so he runs 6 yards to the 26.

--O'Sullivan with another nice pass to Morgan, who makes the catch over Jarrett Bush. Gain of 22. Niners at the 3.

--Niners went four straight times to Foster at the goal line. On first down, they had Jason Hill, Davis and Bajema as the tight ends and Keasey lead-blocking for Foster. It gained 1 yard. On second down, they spread it out three wideouts and Foster got another yard. On third and fourth downs, Barry Sims reported as an eligible receiver with Bajema, Davis and Keasey also on the field. Foster's second effort on fourth down got the 49ers the touchdown. It's 49ERS 7, PACKERS 3 with 4:15 left in the half.

--That was a nice job. O'Sullivan was 3 of 3 for 53 yards on that drive. And Nolan even decided to go for it on fourth down.

--The 49ers' second-team defense is on the field: DLs Balmer, Fields, Curry, LBs Haralson, Spikes, Thomas, Banta-Cain; DBs Strickland, Spencer, K.Lewis and Goldson. The Packers' starting offense is still out there, so this should be a good test.

--Curry with the sack of Rodgers, which comes one play after Goldson stops James Jones for no gain on a reception. Loss of 9 yards on Curry's sack.

--Packers convert on a third and 19 when Rodgers hits RB Vernand Morency on a screen that goes for 20 yards.

--We're at the 2-minute warning.

--Just watching that play (incomplete pass), Balmer couldn't get much going against Packers LG Daryn Colledge. He barely got off the line of scrimmage.

--On third and 9, Jordy Nelson catches a slant from Rodgers. Rookie Reggie Smith makes the quick stop to force a punt. The Niners call timeout, so they'll get the ball back with a little time left. We get to see JTO run the two-minute drill.

--Niners with four wides in the game: Zeigler, Ortiz, Hill and Morgan.

--JTO hits Zeigler on a hot read/quick slant for 13 yards. (On the previous play, Zeigler made a great catch on a ball that was out of bounds.)

--O'Sullivan clearly upset with himself after he hangs Foster out to dry on a swing pass. Foster is leveled on an incomplete pass.

--He's not upset with this play. O'Sullivan makes a beautiful deep ball to Morgan, who catches a 59-yard TD. That's something we haven't seen in a long, long time. It's 49ERS 17, PACKERS 3 with :58 remaining. When's the last time we saw a quick-strike offense with the 49ers?

--Dashon Goldson with a near-interception of Rodgers. The ball slipped through his hands on his diving attempt. Referee Mike Carey will take a look at this play on a replay challenge originating from the replay official upstairs (because it's in the final two minutes of the half.)

--That's it for the first half. O'Sullivan completed 8 of 17 for 154 yards with one TD and one interception (passer rating of 74.1), while Rodgers completed 9 of 16 for 58 yards (passer rating of 64.1). I think I hear boos all the way from Green Bay, Wisc.

--By the way, the 49ers' longest pass play all last regular season was 57 yards -- Trent Dilfer to Arnaz Battle. Ah, that brings back some memories, huh?

THIRD QUARTER

--The Packers will receive the kickoff. Meanwhile, on the 49ers sideline, Alex Smith is warming up. O'Sullivan is done for the evening. He's got a towel around his neck to stay warm.

--Brian Brohm is at QB for the Packers vs. the 49ers' No. 2 defense.

--Donald Strickland dropped an interception while covering Packers WR Jake Allen.

--Rossum, who has been pretty daring about returning punts around the 10-yard line, let this one go over his head for a touchback.

--Smith and the offense are on the field. Offensive line: LT Toledo, LG de la Puente, C Wallace, RG Rachal, RT Sims. Hill and Morgan are the WRs, with Clayton and Norris in the backfield. Bajema's at TE.

--Clayton two runs. It'll be third and 4 for Smith.

--Pass was behind Zeigler, but he makes a nice catch for a 7-yard gain and a first down.

--Smith's throw to Morgan was badly underthrown vs. Bush's coverage. It could've been six points on the deep ball.

--Smith throws it on a line to Morgan for a first down. Morgan showed nice hands to make that catch. It's a 25-yard gain to the Packers' 37.

--Two incomplete passes. It's going to be third-and-10.

--Smith to Zeigler but short of the first down. (Cam Colvin was on the first as part of a three-wide formation.)

--The 49ers don't go for it on fourth and 4. Nedney kicks a 49-yard field goal. It's 49ERS 17, PACKERS 3 with 8:24 left. The Niners drive: 10 plays, 49 yards in 4:12. Some good on that drive for Smith, but he missed a big opportunity on the deep ball to Morgan.

--Nice return by Jordy Nelson. He's finally stopped by kicker Ricky Schmitt. Packers take over after the 56-yard return. Packers' ball on the 49ers' 33-yard line.

--They initially called a holding penalty on Packers guard Allen Barbre for tackling Marcus Hudson on a screen play. But they picked up the flag saying it was a legal play. Hmmmm. Hudson got up very slowly.

--Crosby makes a 49-yard field goal. It's 49ERS 17, PACKERS 6 with 7:07 left in the third.

--Touchback. The 49ers take over at the 20.

--Smith hits Hill with a 19-yard gain to the 39.

--Clayton doesn't get much, but there'a 15-yard face mask that moves the ball to the Packers' 41-yard line.

--Third and 15 after Walker's false start and an incomplete pass . . . Niners had a free play on an offside, but Smith throws shallow to Zeigler. Now it'll be third-and-10 after the Niners accept the offisde.

--Smith overthrows Walker down the field under pressure. The 49ers will punt from the 41. It's Ricky Schmitt who's punting. He dumps it down at the 12-yard line. Interesting note on Schmitt: Since NFL Europe disbanded, the NFL did not carry over those exemptions. Each team has fewer players in camp this season. Therefore, the 49ers decided to bring in a player who can handle both kicks and punts to take some of the wear and tear off the legs of Nedney and Lee.

--Big cheer from a half-full stadium when it's posted on the board at Michael Phelps won his eighth gold medal this evening (or tomorrow morning in Bejing).

--Ronald Fields recovers a fumble on a poor center-QB exchange. Niners take over at the 16-yard line.

--Clayton actually bounces off a would-be tackler to gain 7 yards. Nice run.

--On third down, Smith overthrows Hill in the end zone. Another opportunity for Smith evaporates. But the 49ers are going to go for it on fourth down.

--Smith throws fade to Cam Colvin in the end zone. Jarrett Bush is called for pass interference. It's first and goal from the 1.

--Norris with the 1-yard TD run with 2:56 remaining in the third. It's now 49ERS 24, PACKERS 6 after Schmitt's point after.

--The 49ers have scored 10 points in Smith's three possessions, but he has been far from perfect. He's 5 of 12 for 62 yards.

--Second defense back on the field for the 49ers . .. with Reggie Smith and Markus Curry at the corners, though.

--Packers have put together two first downs. They have the ball at the 49ers' 42 as the quarter comes to an end.

FOURTH QUARTER

--Markus Curry with a PBU on fourth down. The 49ers get the ball back at their own 39.

--Shaun Hill is on the field with the offense. The only change to the offensive line: No. 77 Chris Patrick is at LT in place of Joe Toledo.

--Two running plays to Clayton lose 2 yards. It's third and 12 for Shaun Hill. . . . Zeigler made a nice catch at the sideline for 16 yards and a first down. This guy has fantastic hands. You may remember last season, Zeigler was on the practice squad. He made a highlight-type catch seemingly every week.

--The Packers are challenging the call on Zeigler's apparent catch. It's a catch; the call stands.

--By the way, Smith's final stats: 5 of 12 for 62 yards (passer rating of 58.3).

--Schmitt with a 30-yard field goal. It's 49ERS 27, PACKERS 6 with 9:55 remaining. The drove 49 yards on 10 plays for the score.

--Banta-Cain with sacks on back-to-back plays. He can't be happy that he's still on the field in the fourth quarter -- and he didn't get much action earlier in the game. So he's taking out his frustration on Packers No. 3 QB Matt Flynn.

--Working away on my story for tomorrow's paper, but I looked up in time to see Rossum's 67-yard punt return. That makes it 49ERS 34, PACKERS 6 with 3:15 remaining.

--Feel free to carry on without me. Gotta get to work.

* * *

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Posted August 16, 2008 1:45:34 PM
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O'Sullivan goes over his play list for tonight's game.
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Comments | Add Comment

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (17/08/2008 1:28:18 AM)
Comment: Wilson, I'm in it for the Defense this season, no question. The QB debate is really an open forum on what we do with the Number 1 Pick? High expectations and big cap dollars are a tough spot to be in. Loved the W tonight, but also realize that GB isn't risking too much in the preseason. Agreed that we are showing signs of life on offense and we all want to remain optimistic, but you have to admit that a QB controversy is divisive on any team, so it almost forces ownership to solve the squabble and remove the lesser candidate from the mix. Does it become potential or cap dollars, Martz or Nolan, now or next year? Tough situation, we just share opinions here.

Posted By: Wilson (17/08/2008 12:13:51 AM)
Comment: I have to say that most of you guys are weird as hell. Here we had a dominating performance against what was a really good team last year and you dumbasses can do nothing but complain. Weird! JTO looked bad for a while but had some very nice throws. Alex isn't accurate but I'm not sure that's permanent - may be the aftereffects of surgery - because he was actually pretty accurate before his injury. Shaun Hill threw some balls with zip on them and looked pretty good with the third stringers. So all three QBs moved the ball pretty well. The offensive line did a much better job, which is critical - 6 sacks by our defense against 0 by the Pack. Our defense was fantastic. So this was a tremendously positive game and all I'm hearing is whining. Jeez. Makes me think that you guys aren't real fans and enjoy bitchin more than cheering.

Posted By: Fathead (17/08/2008 12:05:49 AM)
Comment: The smack between the Smith camp and the JTO camp is entertaining. Neither Smith or JTO looked exceptional, but face it... the offensive SYSTEM is better than it's been in years. With the new system, the team has a chance with either QB. The play-calling was much more aggressive tonight compared to last week. That said, all the dumbwads who keep screaming about Smith's inaccurate throws should watch the game a little closer and pay a little more attention to where the defenders are in relation to the receivers. I'm not talking about the passes to Hill and Morgan, those were just lost TD opportunities with no excuse. I'm talking about the underthrown or "behind-the-receiver" passes in traffic...it seems each game, one or two of these throws that he gets slammed for are actually good plays on his part. He has a knack for throwing the ball where ONLY his receiver can make a play, whereas JTO tends to throw more passes that allow a defender to make a play on the ball. Probably accounts for some of the JTurnOver difference between the two so far.

Posted By: Nate (16/08/2008 11:51:12 PM)
Comment: Our front seven just manhandled last year's NFC champion offensive line. Think about that. And not to mention we're two-deep at every defensive position. By the way, I vote for Alex. The first quarter offense stalled, and that 59 yarder to Morgan was was as poorly underthrown as Smith's deep ball - JT's numbers look good but I think the tape will go in Alex's favor.

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (16/08/2008 11:07:16 PM)
Comment: Berger, the D is something to get excited about certainly. Alex is another story altogether. The biggest quality a QB needs is the desire to lead and take control. Grace under pressure is not his strong suit and it's probably his biggest weakness. Can we trade his contract? I doubt it, but let's see how they handle it, it won't be easy. Kitna has fire, Warner too for that matter, JTO seems to show that desire to lay it on you too. It will take time, the defense should be strong enough to give them the needed cushion to gel.

Posted By: Berger (16/08/2008 10:49:16 PM)
Comment: Marc-NJ49er - I'm still rooting for Alex, but if JTO is better, I'm all for playing him instead. You, and everybody on this site, know how I feel about D-lines winning championships. This is two games in a row with a pass rush without having to blitz! I'm getting a funny feeling. I'm about to take a Tylonol PM just to be able to go to sleep because I'm so elated with the developments by Manusky. I assume we were one gapping again. Boy, I wish I could've seen it.

Posted By: NINERMD (16/08/2008 10:46:37 PM)
Comment: JTO MIGHT HAVE THROWN A HORRIBLE INT, BUT ATLEAST HE HIT SOMEONE, SMITH SUCKS SO BAD HE WOULD HAVE MISSED ALL THREE OF THOSE GUYS, ALL THE SMITH LOVERS SHOULD KNOW NOW THIS IS THE SECOND GAME HE COULDT THROW A TOUCHDOWN AGAINTS A SECOND STRING TEAM, AND NOOO HANDING THE BALL OFF FOR A ONE YARD RUN DOESNT COUNT. THE PASS BEFORE THAT, JORDAN COULDNT HAVE CAUGHT. HE SUCKS PERIOD17538

Posted By: Berger (16/08/2008 10:40:24 PM)
Comment: Mike in SF#2- Thank you for the update. I've been saying that 50 sacks = play-offs. Might be a bit ambitious to think we can get 50 sacks, but what if? I do not worry about our offense with Martz coaching it, our defense is the key! Having said that, Morgan sounds like a 6th round steal! Zeigler sounds good, and on defense, Holmes sounds like a keeper. I just hope we back this performance up with a similar one in Chicago.

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (16/08/2008 10:39:53 PM)
Comment: Berger, the name of the game is Cap Money now. Alex can't be blamed for the contract the team handed him. We all would say take what you can get. Now it's about learning the Martz Way and JTO clearly has the lead. Tools? Nothing like Alex, but Warner proved that it's not rocket science, it's confidence in the system and the guys who make it run. This year is all about DEFENSE. We keep 'em close and the Offense comes around later. I'm working on getting some Gov't Mule together for you also, Tognoni is definitley a keeper.

Posted By: shobbrobb (16/08/2008 10:33:47 PM)
Comment: Yeah,Berger the pass rush is there.Ray MacDonald is consistantly providing pressure and promise and if he continues during the regular season we will have a rush with him and J.Smith,i also noticed that RayMac lined up at DT a few times one of which he got the pressure that created a sack for M.Lawson

Posted By: Mike in SF#2 (16/08/2008 10:32:48 PM)
Comment: Unless Alex agrees to restructure his contract (which he could) no one can/would trade for him. I'm still not convinced the door is fully shut on him. But, that decision is in Mr. Martz hands now.

Posted By: mike in SF#2 (16/08/2008 10:27:51 PM)
Comment: Berger - You would have been proud. 4 man lines gave pressure all night. SportsCenter just did a segment on how little time Rogers had to pass using a clock to count the second before the pocket crashed in on him. Its only pre-season game #2, but the Packers are a good team and I was very encouraged by our D. If that front line push is for real..... watch out for this D. Also- Josh Morgan is for REAL. He would have had another 30 yard TD but Alex under threw him. Kids a STUD.

Posted By: Berger (16/08/2008 10:25:48 PM)
Comment: Marc-NJ49er -Some guy on Lynch's blog just said that word in SoCal is Alex is on the trading block. BTW, just listened to Rob Tognoni!

Posted By: FloridaFan (16/08/2008 10:25:41 PM)
Comment: Josh Morgan is the best thing these quarterbacks have going! The O'Sullivan td pass was underthrown as bad as Smith's, but he had just burnt the coverage so bad that he made it look easy. As a lifelong Niner fan, I just want the best players on the field. I don't think there's much difference at qb...I'll be happy with JT or Smith, but Morgan better start over anyone else! For that matter, Goldson over Roman, Spikes over Ulbrich (sorry Jeff), and Gore over Foster (jk...not a real battle, but Deshaun looked good tonite).

Posted By: art e. sanchez (16/08/2008 10:24:06 PM)
Comment: tonight i had the best seat in the house, my leather sofa, free snacks, and no restroom lines. either the packers were jet-laged and tired from their monday night game or could it be that the niners could actually be showing a semblence of a pass-rush. star of defense was ray mcdonald. star of offense was (get use to the name) josh morgan. i know it was only a pre-season game but i sure feel good right now!

Posted By: shobbrobb (16/08/2008 10:23:43 PM)
Comment: To all of u that think Alex will get better and take over a more likely scenario is that as Alex improves JTO will also,But JTO will have to minimize the turnovers

Posted By: Ronnie - Fresno (16/08/2008 10:20:02 PM)
Comment: I live in Fresno. I like the place, but it's a sorry Raiders market ... so no preseason game for me :(

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (16/08/2008 10:19:52 PM)
Comment: Does Dr Harry Edwards provide any couseling for the team any longer Matt? I think Alex needs some 'QB Whisperer' services to clear the cobwebs or something? Seems like the tools are working but the timing and desire to put the pedal to the metal are missing right now. If the fire is lit and the timing come into focus for him, who knows? He's pressing and it shows. Zero Confidence + Second Team = Trip to bench and Clipboarding 101.

Posted By: Berger (16/08/2008 10:15:07 PM)
Comment: Somebody help me, I did not see the game but have been reading as many articles and blogs as I can find. It sounds like we had a pass rush without having to blitz. Is this true? Somebody who saw the game, please let me know! I can't believe it, a pass rush!

Posted By: shobbrobb (16/08/2008 10:13:31 PM)
Comment: I wish JTO was as good as Steve Deberg,Everywhere Deberg went a Hall Of Fame QB followed.

Posted By: mt (16/08/2008 10:12:13 PM)
Comment: Anybody else notice that Alex Smith keeps locking his left knee when passing - resulting in all the high throws? More than half his passes were high. We've all heard Ron Jaworski point this out last year as a weakness in his delivery and we've all read Matt's mention a few days back about Martz telling him to keep his knee bent. Why can't he break himself of such an obviously bad habit? Is it because he's just not that good? - - - And another point - since so many readers of this blog complained for three years about Alex Smith - and since so many readers of this blog called for a new Offensive Coordinator last year and during the offseason - and since they've brought on a recognized QB teacher and great offensive mind in Martz - why are so many readers of this blog upset with Martz's choice of JTO as QB? I don't understand the people who are still calling for Smith to start. Granted, none of the 49er QBs are fabulous, but haven't we seen enough of Smith to at least appreciate the glimmer of hope JTO and Martz provide? Riddle me that, Batman.

Posted By: Ronnie - Fresno (16/08/2008 10:10:33 PM)
Comment: Come on guys, everybody, say it out loud "JT O'Sullivan starting at quarterback" It doesn't sound right for a reason.

Posted By: Macro from Stockton (16/08/2008 10:06:36 PM)
Comment: It's a good win. I am more hopeful then I have been. The O Line played better and the defense is becoming real good. JT when the GB's def first team was in(1st quarter) was so so, but what the hell enjoy it.

Posted By: Cody Pickett (16/08/2008 10:05:08 PM)
Comment: Most of you guys are too young to remember QB Steve DeBerg, but JT O'Sullivan reminds me a lot of DeBerg, who could play play like a star for 19 plays, and then on the 20th play would blunder so badly that it was almost incomprehensible, like throwing into triple coverage when the plan was to run out the clock with no turnovers. Last week JTO threw that that super-stupid backward (live ball) lateral, tonite it was the almost incomprehensible interception to Woodson on double coverage that made a completion impossible. IMHO, JTO means about 5% to 10% of his passes are going to be almost impossible to explain turnovers.

Posted By: Ronnie - Fresno (16/08/2008 10:02:31 PM)
Comment: The one "decent" year Smith had in 2006, let's put it in perspective. He had clearly superior numbers to the overhyped Vince Young who went to the Pro Bowl that season. I'd have loved to have been a fly on the wall for all the behind closed doors discussions this entire offseason regarding the quarterbacks. The speculation that Smith is sitting in order to save the team from paying him incentive bonuses is disturbing. I still can't figure out how I feel about Mike Nolan going with the guy most likely to keep him his job rather than the guy who will likely be better for the team in the long term. Most people (from local beat guys to national media) agree that the Niners should go with Smith this year to see exactly what they have. The way this quarterback situation has developed just seems short sighted to me, and I have the sinking feeling the team is doing the wrong thing. Smith has been the subject of so much bad luck with the musical chairs routine with our Offensive Coordinators he's had to deal with. Now he's just being jerked around.

Posted By: Go Niners (16/08/2008 10:00:04 PM)
Comment: Alex might show more poise, but JTO shows more pocket presence in general I think, which has been one of Alex's main issues to work on. Alex will create less turnovers, but JTO has more big play potential right now. Tough call for Martz I think

Posted By: shobbrobb (16/08/2008 9:59:25 PM)
Comment: Make A Decision? In case u been on vacation the last 2 weeks the decision has been made

Posted By: shobbrobb (16/08/2008 9:53:38 PM)
Comment: Like shining a turd?.WOW,roflmao

Posted By: Nate (16/08/2008 9:51:59 PM)
Comment: Ray McDonald Josh Morgan where were you guys last year?

Posted By: ninerman (16/08/2008 9:51:28 PM)
Comment: Hey Homer u dont lose hours when u fly from GB to SF idiot u gain. on another note did anyone get a real good look at Balmer thats a big s.o.b. he is listed at 315 but he looks about 330 and heis built like a tree trunk that could be our future NT everyone has been dying for.

Posted By: Make a Decision (16/08/2008 9:46:37 PM)
Comment: Alex shows more poise but doesn't make the throws. JT makes a few throws but looks erratic. My vote goes to Alex. I think you've got to give him the majority of the reps so he gets his timing and accuracy down. He does little things like the hard count that don't show up in passer ratings. He looks steady. He doesn't turn the ball over. He doesn't lay out his receivers. He just needs more throws to improve his accuracy and learn the system. Meanwhile Shaun Hill is a nice backup, but he only looked good last year because he replaced Trent Dilfer. JT just doesn't look like an NFL QB to my untrained eye. That's my two cents.

Posted By: sd_ninerfan (16/08/2008 9:39:37 PM)
Comment: shob, you'll get no argument from me on how below average Smith has been, it's obvious. But to say JTO is better, is like shining a turd. In the end, they're still turds. Smith improved under Turner, but he couldnt go anywhere but up. O'sullivan has been in the league for 6 years and has done NOTHING, EVER. 3 turnovers in 3.5 quarters doesnt scream improvement over Smith. That's the problem with this team. Nobody, none of the QB's are an improvement over Smith. If they were better QB's than Smith, there wouldnt be any argument or "competition".

Posted By: shobbrobb (16/08/2008 9:39:34 PM)
Comment: Hopefully Matt can block your IP address...and we wont have to subjected to this type of crap

Posted By: Mike Martz (16/08/2008 9:36:52 PM)
Comment: Coach Hudd, relax I'm on. I've already faxed a letter to the Vikings. Wait, they just responded..."We'll take Smith, but we need to invest in some slower WRs to accomodate for Smith's inability to throw in front of a WR.

Posted By: Coach Hudd (16/08/2008 9:32:47 PM)
Comment: Maybe they can trade Smith to MInnesota. Their starting QB jacked up his knee tonight. They are looking for a QB now!!!!! Get on the phone!!! Nice win,

Posted By: shobbrobb (16/08/2008 9:30:43 PM)
Comment: SD..Alex Smith has looked below average his entire career,heck his BEST season with Norv Turner(u know the season u Alexfans like to rave about)was below average by NFL standards

Posted By: Rich, DE (16/08/2008 9:29:24 PM)
Comment: They're getting better. Defenses aren't going to know what Martz has planned for them. No more 8 men in the box.

Posted By: Manny Ramirez (16/08/2008 9:29:07 PM)
Comment: I hooked them up with my guy.

Posted By: Andrew G (16/08/2008 9:26:58 PM)
Comment: Sorry, but Morgan was the player of the game. 5 catches, 114 yds and a TD? Yes, that man deserves it. This was fun

Posted By: Quarterback Guru (16/08/2008 9:25:15 PM)
Comment: Sully's side arm worries me. Does Eric Davis and Zak Keasey get their hair done at the same place?

Posted By: Richard Simmons (16/08/2008 9:23:01 PM)
Comment: Fun with each other? I want in...

Posted By: MC (16/08/2008 9:22:47 PM)
Comment: Ninertom, I said that Smith had a poorly thrown ball and will be the 1st to admit he was erratic on some throws. But he didn't turn the ball over and they scored 10 points with him leading the way. JTO played like crap until the 2nd stringers came in; to the tune of 3/10 with an INT.

Posted By: sd_ninerfan (16/08/2008 9:21:02 PM)
Comment: "ninertom" - For all that smith hasnt done in this league, JTO has done 10 times less. He's looked below average all game, with the exception of a shotput pass to morgan, who's lucky he had a big lead on the CB. Smith didnt look any better....our QB situation isnt going to be "GREAT" regardless of who they pick to be QB.

Posted By: ninerindallas (16/08/2008 9:19:51 PM)
Comment: i would like to describe the offense performance tonight by comparing it to a scene from a movie. remember in the 1st matrix when neo{offense} stopped in the subway to fight the agent{any defense}, then it cut to trinty{nolan} and morphues{martz}. trinty says to morphues "what is he doing" and morphues replies "he's beginning to believe"....lol

Posted By: shobbrobb (16/08/2008 9:17:09 PM)
Comment: At least we can have fun with eachother tonight,bottom line is the team is improving.thats all we can hope for

Posted By: sd_ninerfan (16/08/2008 9:15:23 PM)
Comment: JTO sucked for a quarter and a half, until the 2nd stringers came in. Alex's passes were off on a few throws. J-Hill needs to learn to jump about 6" and Alex woudlve had a TD Pass. Overall, starting QB "competition" is still incomplete. Good game over all....and we actually put some Points on the board...GO NIners

Posted By: shobbrobb (16/08/2008 9:13:32 PM)
Comment: Mike Martz?..........classic!

Posted By: ninertom (16/08/2008 9:11:02 PM)
Comment: MC... your ugly bias is showing up. however, your opinions and analysis (if it can be called that) will be shown as the true garbage when Osullivan is the starter this year. Hopefully, you will still disgrace yourself by continuing your whining ways (especially when the team is performing better than last year) because your boyfriend AS isnt playing. Dude, when did all you retards stop being niner fans and start being AS fans...this aint joe montana we are talking about, he has done nothing in the nfl to deserve your love and adulation NOTHING!!! Stop with the whining and back biting, and start enjoying this team!!

Posted By: shobbrobb (16/08/2008 9:07:04 PM)
Comment: Hey guys lets not forget. 2 BIG developments that we have lost in the mix .!How Martz worked therun game and how Ray MacDonald has improved if he can step up like that during the regular season our defense will take a major step

Posted By: Mike Martz (16/08/2008 9:07:01 PM)
Comment: Dear Minnesota Vikings, I see that Tavaris Jackson is injured. We'll give you Alex Smith for whatever you want to give up. No, his accuracy isn't off. The WRs are too fast.

Posted By: Quarterback Guru (16/08/2008 9:02:33 PM)
Comment: Shobbrobb, the Guru apologizes, Kelseyville9er sums it up best...4 young stud WRs for '09 would spell the end of Battle as a 9er. How about J.T.O., Battle and Robinson as our '09 QBs? Go easy on me Tim...

Posted By: P from SF (16/08/2008 9:02:32 PM)
Comment: JTO won this round, obviously, the guy scored on a pass, give him some credit. Alex had some good throws but he dug himself in a hole by underthrowing the morgan pass AND the hill pass, both for TD's. If he would have hit those passes, he's ahead in the race in my eyes. Word of advice to the coaches, start Alex Smith against Chicago, let's get some comparison , him with the 1s and JTO with the 1s.

Posted By: Fan in the stan (16/08/2008 9:01:55 PM)
Comment: Thanks for the updates. I am an aid worker in Afghanistan that cannot get the games (aid workers do not get armed forces network). So my "watching" of the games consists of refreshing this blog and following the tracker on nfl.com.

Posted By: Kelseyville9er (16/08/2008 8:57:31 PM)
Comment: Keasey does sucks, it's the dreads...Next season with a WR group of Morgan, Hill, Colvin and Zeigler could spell the end for Mr. Battle (unless he DOES start throwing the pigskin, remember when he wore #3 at Notre Dame - just like Joe).

Posted By: shobbrobb (16/08/2008 8:57:23 PM)
Comment: GURU dont forget Cam Colvin,hes not as advanced as Morgan but the kid is a keeper,he ha just as much potential

Posted By: Transporter (16/08/2008 8:56:52 PM)
Comment: Again the name of the game is to win...I really like that we have seen a little bit more of the play calling by Martz... He will open the offense up more as we move forward... Nice job as JTO rebounded after starting cold and Smith had some nice throws... Really liked the play calling and the play making ofthe young 49ers.

Posted By: shobbrobb (16/08/2008 8:53:34 PM)
Comment: 'Led them to 10 points'? Are u kidding the defense gave him the ball on the 16 of the Packers!.....DENIAL IS NOT A RIVER IN EYGPT!

Posted By: shobbrobb (16/08/2008 8:49:46 PM)
Comment: Is it me or does Zak Keasey suck?

Posted By: MC (16/08/2008 8:49:41 PM)
Comment: Now that Smith and JTO are out: I don't think we're any closer to solving this QB nonsense.JTO was GARBAGE against the Packers 1st string and had 1 good throw in 17 attempts (the over the shoulder to get them inside the 10). Smith had 1 severely underthrown ball but led them to 10pnts in 1 quarter and didn't turn the ball over. For JTO this is now 4 bonehead plays in 3.5 quarters of work through, which is simply unacceptable.

Posted By: Quarterback Guru (16/08/2008 8:48:20 PM)
Comment: Shaun Hill's in...yawn. So, is J.T.O. the man for '08 and beyond? We'll have to see how the year goes. A nice little story could be brewing for next year...J.T.O. gets us 8 - 9 wins and plays well, but Smith has no trade value and is due almost 10 mil...wait, Hill got some nice touch. I guess he'll need to ice down for about a week (weeny arm). Jason Hill and Josh Morgan look good (Rice and Taylor of the future, in a way).

Posted By: Homer (16/08/2008 8:47:33 PM)
Comment: luckily for Nolan & his supporters, the Packers just played on last Monday and had to play again today on Saturday while having to travel from Wisconsin to San Fran (so not only did they have to travel a while, they also lost a couple hours).

Posted By: shobbrobb (16/08/2008 8:45:50 PM)
Comment: Who are these idiot moron losers,who are making references about Alex's friend and the tragedy u are sickening to us all please leave and dont come back

Posted By: Kevin (16/08/2008 8:45:19 PM)
Comment: You an an A-hole. Have some respect for people and don't blurt out spoilers. You ruined my joy of watching the race. A=hole~!!!

Posted By: Mike in Sac (16/08/2008 8:44:11 PM)
Comment: Are some of you watching the same game I am? Smith stil throws behind receives and what is this crap where he is throwing everything up high. He still has that F-ing front leg locked out all the time....this kid is not good!

Posted By: Andrew G (16/08/2008 8:43:22 PM)
Comment: Matt- am I being a homer to think Smith looked quite a bit better than he did last week? Especially considering what he dealt with RE: his friend. Seems like he's improving quite a bit, especially w/ the players around him.

Posted By: 9er1 (16/08/2008 8:43:11 PM)
Comment: Hey Dean -- yeah, sounds like a great excuse. But what about the other 3 years of this garbage? Forget 400 yards, how about a semi-respectable game with a completed forward pass that isn't 10 feet over a WRs head??? Maybe favre should've used that excuse the night his dad died and he played the Raiders. Ugh.

Posted By: shobbrobb (16/08/2008 8:42:31 PM)
Comment: Nice throw by the 2nd string QB S.Hill!

Posted By: Indiana Jim (16/08/2008 8:42:13 PM)
Comment: MC I wasn't going to say that because I would have been called biased, but yeah Hill needed all of six inches vertical to get that TD. He let Hill's easy TD go right through his hands last week.

Posted By: Mike in SF#2 (16/08/2008 8:38:28 PM)
Comment: Well said JC.

Posted By: Dean (16/08/2008 8:36:31 PM)
Comment: 9er1- Yeah, Smith just buried his best friend yesterday and he can't even come out to Candlestick and put up 400 yards, what a loser...

Posted By: JC from SC (16/08/2008 8:35:14 PM)
Comment: MC... point taken, just realying direct quote from Starkey, which, of course, Plummer politely offerred a different comment to quietly disagree or shake his head... as for anyone who is believing 9er fans are reading ANYTHING into this game, I'll speak fopr myself that I'm not. I am simply enjoying a decent performance from my team resulting in an easy victory... has not been easy to come by in recent years

Posted By: Quarterback Guru (16/08/2008 8:35:12 PM)
Comment: Matt, since Morgan is stepping up and Hill's holding his own...any chance Bryant Johnson is let go? We Bruce, Morgan, Battle (hey...there's a QB possibility), Hill. Waht about Zeigler and Colvin? Your thoughts sir...

Posted By: Randy in Santa Rosa (16/08/2008 8:34:29 PM)
Comment: NIIIIINNNNNEEEEERRRRRSSS!!!!

Posted By: shobbrobb (16/08/2008 8:34:05 PM)
Comment: Lets not get too excited about the preseason. Remember when we beat up on the Bears?

Posted By: SS (16/08/2008 8:32:28 PM)
Comment: I think AS is e\the equivalent of Rick Ankiel or Dontrelle Willis-for some reason he has just lost the strike zone! Needs a sports psychologist.

Posted By: Kelseyville9er (16/08/2008 8:32:11 PM)
Comment: As long as Smith isn't working with the 1's or playing at least 1 half, he'll never get into a rythm. He needs to play more to develop his timing w/ the WRs.

Posted By: JC from SC (16/08/2008 8:30:05 PM)
Comment: NORRIS takes it in from 2-ft; give credit to AS... btw, in any game, how lonmg has it been that the 9ers have scored 20+ and held a lead of 14+? Pre-season, obviously, but still it is progress... and how about that defense!!!! BTW, wonder if Lawson is going to come out as STRONG as he was in the 2 games last season... I havbent read much on Manny except that he is healthy and ready to rock... our defense is offerring our only hope right now.

Posted By: MC (16/08/2008 8:29:27 PM)
Comment: JC...putting arc on a throw into the end zone unless its a fade or to a corner, is a quick way to an INT. Hill didn't even jump for the ball....if he had it would have been an esy score.

Posted By: SFJay (16/08/2008 8:29:09 PM)
Comment: Wow!! We have had such an awful ride at the QB position that some people are excited by 2 good throws in preseason by a career 3rd string / practice squad QB. Man are we in for a huge surprise come the regular season when this guy's true colors show through. 8 of 17 for 154 (59 on 1 play) with 1TD, 1 Int in PRESEASON is nothing to get to excited about. I am not buying into the O'Sullivan bandwagon, not until he at shows something through 5-6 games in the REGULAR season.

Posted By: Indiana Jim (16/08/2008 8:28:55 PM)
Comment: SO SWEET beating the Packers!!!

Posted By: 9er1 (16/08/2008 8:27:50 PM)
Comment: Alex misses Hill open in the back of the endzone for an easy TD. Good thing he's only getting 50 million dollars for this crap. Yeah...who could EVER say JTO had a good half. I mean, JTO was ok, but he's no Alex Smith!!!!!

Posted By: shobbrobb (16/08/2008 8:27:26 PM)
Comment: Just what are these skills that A.Smith posess. overthrowing,underthrowing,throwing in front of and behind the receiverWhen Smith gets cut he will be lucky to get another job

Posted By: Indiana Jim (16/08/2008 8:27:25 PM)
Comment: Uh... the wind? Matt Damon?

Posted By: JC from SC (16/08/2008 8:25:28 PM)
Comment: Incompletion in end zone... plenty of time, overthrew Hill, Starkey: "There was no arc on the ball"... AS may be saved by the flag... lets see if AS/the team can capitalize

Posted By: Nick (16/08/2008 8:24:47 PM)
Comment: thanks for the spoiler on phelps...wtf

Posted By: shobbrobb (16/08/2008 8:23:27 PM)
Comment: Cut Smith, trade for Plummer

Posted By: Quarterback Guru (16/08/2008 8:23:25 PM)
Comment: Guru says...J.T.O. got scores, but his skills a limited, side arm throw will get him in trouble. Smith has better skills, but his accuracy is not there, he's pressing...trying to throw the ball to hard. You can see him thinking out there. He held the ball too long on that roll out. He needs to play loose. Can we combine J.T.O.'s attitude w/ Smith's skills (let's pretend his accuracy is right on)? Hill's coming in for the 4th quarter....so it must be bedtime.

Posted By: JC from SC (16/08/2008 8:22:55 PM)
Comment: Can AS score with 16 to go? Leading a 16-yd drive for 6??? Guess we'll wait to see...

Posted By: Indiana Jim (16/08/2008 8:20:56 PM)
Comment: Who's that guy posting as me? That guy is crazy. Really. Seriously. I mean it. Yeah Morgan came back because JTO told him to.

Posted By: JC from SC (16/08/2008 8:20:37 PM)
Comment: Oh, and no score on this drive AGAIN... sorry, but the results don't lie...

Posted By: 9er1 (16/08/2008 8:20:01 PM)
Comment: Another inaccurate dirtball and then more off target passes including a pass 10 feet over Walker's head, by the 50 million Dollar kid. Good job Alex. Way to be consistent.

Posted By: suicide girl (16/08/2008 8:18:02 PM)
Comment: Smith sucks!! Awful. He'll be cut next week and nobody will want him.

Posted By: shobbrobb (16/08/2008 8:17:28 PM)
Comment: Alex Smiths best throws are incompletions...

Posted By: Kevin (16/08/2008 8:16:51 PM)
Comment: FYI, Phelps won his 8th gold

Posted By: JC from SC (16/08/2008 8:16:13 PM)
Comment: yo I.J. ... MORONS??? Nice. Cant believe your so upset that you r lashing out... come one, be a man. BTW, the pass was only in Morgan's hands becasue Morgan CAME BACK to iut and MET the DB there for a nice collission. AS has a consistent history of 1 or 2 good passes in a heartening drive, but that is it... along with his consistent history of throwing behind receivers.

Posted By: Sweet (16/08/2008 8:16:00 PM)
Comment: Soon as I say that, Hill slips and drops a great throw

Posted By: shobbrobb (16/08/2008 8:15:20 PM)
Comment: Mike Nolan is a GENIUS!

Posted By: Toby (16/08/2008 8:15:17 PM)
Comment: Indiana Jim - I'm usually respect your opinion, but you're wrong on this one. Morgan was open, JTO hit him for a TD. Morgan was open, Smith missed him. End of story. I will say, Smith has more zip on his ball then JTO, I just wish he would hit them in stride instead of behind them or above their head.

Posted By: Indiana Jim (16/08/2008 8:14:53 PM)
Comment: You guys are great, really. Both guys underthrew it and we're arguing. Ha. Nice.

Posted By: Sweet (16/08/2008 8:13:28 PM)
Comment: Smith is gunning it, accuracy ok. Couple of nice grabs by Hill to compliment Josh

Posted By: true niners fan (16/08/2008 8:12:57 PM)
Comment: Indiana Jim just a biased Smith fan? Surprise!

Posted By: Dr Jones (16/08/2008 8:10:56 PM)
Comment: Big Jimmy.... Watch the replay PLEASE before Alex lets loose Morgan had 5 yards on his guy. He slowed when he saw how underthrown the ball was. Common man.... I'm not jumping into this debate but don't say Morgan wasn't open.

Posted By: JC from SC (16/08/2008 8:10:46 PM)
Comment: MC... in this weak competition, 2 good drives just might be enough to call the early winner... assuming both drives were against 1st tema defense, it would really put JTO ahead... I'm not crazy... I don't LOVE JTO, I just am really unimpressed with AS's football abilities

Posted By: shobbrobb (16/08/2008 8:10:22 PM)
Comment: Thats what was takin u so long, U were looking for an excuse for him again.My bad i thought u tucked your tail and shutdown your computer.

Posted By: shobbrobb (16/08/2008 8:08:00 PM)
Comment: WAS THAT ALL IT TOOK?...ROFLMAO.....WELL GET TA STEPPIN JIMMYBOY!...LMAO

Posted By: 9er1 (16/08/2008 8:07:53 PM)
Comment: Morgan had to come back for that ball. It would've been 6 if it was accurate. But if it was accurate, it wouldn't have been Alex throwing it....

Posted By: Indiana Jim (16/08/2008 8:06:58 PM)
Comment: And Morgan was not "Wide Open." The corner was right on his hip.

Posted By: 9er1 (16/08/2008 8:05:44 PM)
Comment: Morgan breaks lose downfield, open for the big TD, but the big underthrow by Alex. Classic. Never gets old.

Posted By: Indiana Jim (16/08/2008 8:05:11 PM)
Comment: Hey MORONS. JTO Threw WITH the Candlestick Wind, Smith threw AGAINST it. The ball was in Morgan's hands, period.

Posted By: shobbrobb (16/08/2008 8:04:20 PM)
Comment: INDIANA JIM?

Posted By: shobbrobb (16/08/2008 8:03:27 PM)
Comment: This is nothing new from someone who constantly overthrows and underthrows SCREEN passes!

Posted By: JC from SC (16/08/2008 8:03:06 PM)
Comment: AS completion on 3rd down, but short of 1st down marker... another frustrating reminder of ... WHY??? Why not throw beyond or near 1st down marker??? Nedney covers by hitting 49-yarder

Posted By: Sonoma Steve (16/08/2008 8:01:35 PM)
Comment: Hey Indiana Jim-Alex Smith missed a wide open Morgan JTo Hit him. Your pathetic.

Posted By: shobbrobb (16/08/2008 7:59:54 PM)
Comment: ROFLMAO.........INDIANA JIM DID U JUST SEE SMITH MISS THAT LAST PASS FOR A TOUCHDOWN HE WAS WIDE THE F'''' OPEN!

Posted By: Mike in SF#2 (16/08/2008 7:59:30 PM)
Comment: Indiana Jim - and at least JTO makes that play. So alex under threw it by 10 yards.

Posted By: FAN (16/08/2008 7:59:24 PM)
Comment: What the ..... was that poorly thrown long ball?

Posted By: JC from SC (16/08/2008 7:59:14 PM)
Comment: AS completion thrown behind Ziegler... oh and AS long attempt to Morgan (WIDE OPEN) well under thrown and DB blasts Morgan as ball arrives... no I.J., you have no reason to diss JTO in favor of AS

Posted By: MC (16/08/2008 7:57:35 PM)
Comment: I don't see how anyone can say JTO had a good half. A horrible INT, some bad throws and even his TD throw was underthrown and led his receiver back to the inside towards the safety.....not to mention his only decen work was agains the 2nd stringers.

Posted By: shobbrobb (16/08/2008 7:57:21 PM)
Comment: hey truth,thats a terrible analogy my friend considering recent history,please lay off the death analogies

Posted By: are you kidding (16/08/2008 7:56:13 PM)
Comment: The Truth - are you aware that Alex's best friend shot himself 5 days ago? Go F*(* yourself.

Posted By: JC from SC (16/08/2008 7:55:47 PM)
Comment: Indiana Jim... props since I know your legit, but come on... dissing JTO cuz Morgan was open? He completed the pass & TD... not confident AS would have connected... also, I have absolutely no confidence AS would have led the 9ers 1st TD, even if the rushing was predominant reason as he simply doesnt make the connections a defensive coordinator must porotect against... again, all due respect as we're both rooting for the same end... but it might be 3-0 (or worse) if AS played 1st half. Anyway, here goes AS...

Posted By: shobbrobb (16/08/2008 7:54:44 PM)
Comment: Indiana Jim i see JTO just reeling u in buddy,by the end of the preseason you will be wearing a JTO jersey

Posted By: FAN (16/08/2008 7:53:24 PM)
Comment: I think it's time for the niners to relize the Bant Cain signing was a mistake.

Posted By: The Truth (16/08/2008 7:52:25 PM)
Comment: Hey Indiaana Jim, and all you other weak minded retards of the Smithonian Cult- your all great leader, the chosen one, Alex Smith has an important message for you: Put a gun in your mouth and pull the trigger. Its time for the Mass Suicide of Smithtown, sawed-off Shotgun Style. After your brain has been splattered Alex promises you that you will then board his majestic spacecraft and be taken to the planet Interceptionia where you will construct a utopian society of crappy quarterbacks. Your spacecraft awaits you, so load those shotguns and lets get popin' Smithonians. Your spacecraft awaits you.

Posted By: JTO (16/08/2008 7:49:52 PM)
Comment: There's no Crying in Football! Ray

Posted By: Big M (16/08/2008 7:49:03 PM)
Comment: That JTO TD pass was more of a good play by Morgan... It was Cover 2, so it should have been thrown outside down the sideline.

Posted By: 9er1 (16/08/2008 7:48:32 PM)
Comment: At least OSully can complete a forward pass without a WR having to reach 7 feet over his head or turn into a contortionist reaching in back of himself to get it. Sure, OSully made the bad play throwing to Vernon in double coverage for the INT, but he also made some big plays with the plays to Hill and the beautiful toss to Morgan on the first TD drive, and the other beautiful throw to Morgan catching him beating the DB for the big TD. So much for any QB "controversy" or competition"....OSully will be the starter on opening day, bank on that.

Posted By: Ray (16/08/2008 7:47:02 PM)
Comment: Don't let anyone forget that the Packers just played on Monday night and had to travel cross country, so they didn't get much time to recover and prepare.

Posted By: Mike in SF#2 (16/08/2008 7:46:50 PM)
Comment: Did I mention 4 sacks at half?

Posted By: Mike in SF#2 (16/08/2008 7:45:16 PM)
Comment: 46 total yards (GB) to 233 yards (SF) at half. Dare I say for the first time in YEARS we are on the good side of that stat?

Posted By: JTO (16/08/2008 7:44:58 PM)
Comment: Hey easy on me, you know this the best our offense has looking in years.

Posted By: J from SC (16/08/2008 7:43:50 PM)
Comment: P from SF... how in the world would a TD be a bad thing for A.Smith? Can we stop giving this kid so much undeserved love... he AIN'T the 2nd coming of Montana, Young, or Garcia... given that he has had 3 bad seasons (regardless of injury or not), I say... NEXT!!! BTW, JTP better work on adding zip to the ball or else he'll never complete anything in the middle of the field. Receivers wont lay out to catch it. BTW, A.Smith never would

Posted By: Rich, DE (16/08/2008 7:39:47 PM)
Comment: At halftime: the offense looked better than anything last year. That's even with the interception.

Posted By: JayrodAK (16/08/2008 7:39:33 PM)
Comment: im with all of you...morgan seems to be a STEAL. Been a LONG time since i was excited about a niner reciever. By the way, thanks for whoever posted the live webcast link http://www.justin.tv/kostatz appreciate it. Matt, see you wk1 opener at your radio spot!

Posted By: Indiana Jim (16/08/2008 7:38:54 PM)
Comment: With as WIDE OPEN as Morgan was, that pass should have been on his shoulder in stride, not five yards inside with an almost tackle by the secondary. Dear JTO: You still suck.

Posted By: FAN (16/08/2008 7:38:46 PM)
Comment: I don't know about you Matt but Goldson nees to be the starter.

Posted By: Sweet (16/08/2008 7:38:29 PM)
Comment: Everyone was looking for the new Marques Colston (very late round pick who plays like a 1st rounder)...looks like we may have found him!

Posted By: Jared (16/08/2008 7:38:22 PM)
Comment: Sorry Packers 3 not 4, I can see how easy it is to slip.

Posted By: 49er FAN (16/08/2008 7:37:20 PM)
Comment: Oh boy... JTO sucks... can we bring in A.Smith before we score any TD's this season or pre-season

Posted By: Jared (16/08/2008 7:37:19 PM)
Comment: 49ers 14 Packers 4, you have 17 Matt, but great coverage. Always good work. How is the wind and JTO handling it?

Response: The wind is not bad at all. --Matt M.

Posted By: ev9erfan (16/08/2008 7:34:46 PM)
Comment: I'm really liking this Morgan kid. Matt what are the chances that he becomes a 3rd receiver over battle or I guess maybe even be higher??

Posted By: Mike in SF#2 (16/08/2008 7:32:02 PM)
Comment: Kartikay - Its a mix. Morgan beat Charles Woodson off the line..... we need Morgan and GOLDSON to start

Posted By: P from SF (16/08/2008 7:31:51 PM)
Comment: I got Morgan's autograph on my football, good guy. As for JTO, good play his last 2 drives, his throws do seem weak, but he got the job done, way to go JTO. Alex is somewhat at a disadvantage in that he has to play against the 2nd team and even if he scores, that might go against him, we'll see how well he throws the ball in the 2nd half.

Posted By: Kevin (16/08/2008 7:31:09 PM)
Comment: JTO looking sharper. It's good to see the pash rush as well. And if Morgan keeps this up, he should start.

Posted By: Sean,PA (16/08/2008 7:30:59 PM)
Comment: JOSH MORGAN!!!!!!!!!

Posted By: Kartikay (16/08/2008 7:28:19 PM)
Comment: Matt, thanks for the response so I'll try again. As Morgan scores from 59-yards out, are the Niners facing most of the Packer's second team D or are a few starters still out there?

Response: The starting safeties were out there, but I don't believe the starting corners were on the field. So it was a mix of starters and second-stringers. --Matt M.

Posted By: Mike in SF#2 (16/08/2008 7:28:00 PM)
Comment: I'm SOLD on Josh Morgan. This kid should start!!!!!!

Posted By: crency (16/08/2008 7:27:33 PM)
Comment: damn, jto nearly got deshaun killed. killed i tells ya...morgan makes it up

Posted By: Andrew G (16/08/2008 7:24:48 PM)
Comment: I don't wanna be too negative, but am I crazy to think that O'Sullivan's passes, even the long ones, have been really weak?

Posted By: PrimeTimePsycho (16/08/2008 7:23:56 PM)
Comment: Did anyone notice that all of JTO passes are floaters. He has zip. If the wind ever picks up he wont even be able to throw a screen.

Posted By: carstanzel (16/08/2008 7:23:53 PM)
Comment: "he's a hard working guy"

Posted By: Big M (16/08/2008 7:23:31 PM)
Comment: "And Nolan even decided to go for it on fourth down." That got a chuckle out of me.

Posted By: ev9erfan (16/08/2008 7:19:42 PM)
Comment: It's about time we score a TD!! It's great to see the D making a splash.

Posted By: Jill (16/08/2008 7:19:00 PM)
Comment: I like how we have become attached to smith even though he is not very good and are just waiting for JTO to suck to chant for smith to play. Too bad he made that pass to hill. put smith in!

Posted By: shobbrobb (16/08/2008 7:14:35 PM)
Comment: Its feels damn good to have QUALITY gepth at the running back spot

Posted By: Indiana Jim (16/08/2008 7:06:09 PM)
Comment: Dear J.T. O'Sullivan. You are NOT GOOD. Thank you.

Posted By: FAN (16/08/2008 6:59:16 PM)
Comment: What offense, it looks like they we're double or triple timing VD out there. Looks like the game is to big for JTO. Next

Posted By: Andrew G (16/08/2008 6:58:42 PM)
Comment: Rossum needs to let these go into the endzone...

Posted By: Sweet (16/08/2008 6:58:01 PM)
Comment: Great pressure, again. Rossums problem is too much East-West and not enough North-South

Posted By: Mike in SF#2 (16/08/2008 6:57:12 PM)
Comment: Love this D line play.

Posted By: Marco from Stockton (16/08/2008 6:51:51 PM)
Comment: Defense looks good, now about that offense.

Posted By: FAN (16/08/2008 6:51:38 PM)
Comment: WOW Mcdonald is looking real good!

Posted By: Kart (16/08/2008 6:49:29 PM)
Comment: Matt, with JTO not playing lights out football, why not alternate Smith and JTO drives so both can play with the A-team?

Response: Because O'Sullivan is the starter and he's playing the first half with the starters. --Matt M.

Posted By: Crency (16/08/2008 6:47:45 PM)
Comment: Damn, still JTO

Posted By: mike in SF#2 (16/08/2008 6:46:09 PM)
Comment: Wow - More 4 man D-line pressure. Its been sometime since we have seen this. With our DBs this could get NASTY

Posted By: Crency (16/08/2008 6:45:11 PM)
Comment: With Alex standing, taking direction from Martz and with JTO furthest from Martz, I say Alex next series

Posted By: Mike in SF#2 (16/08/2008 6:43:52 PM)
Comment: Here come the JTO sucks comments. BTW - This D is going to be FUN to watch

Posted By: Chute Box (16/08/2008 6:43:09 PM)
Comment: Cana Alex come into game now please!

Posted By: Coach Hudd (16/08/2008 6:42:47 PM)
Comment: Ouch!!!! Come on JTO. I mean Tim Rattay can throw interceptions. Let see some progress here.

Posted By: markegan (16/08/2008 6:42:47 PM)
Comment: Great, JTO throws it to 2 packers? wtf?

Posted By: Mike in Glendale (16/08/2008 6:38:32 PM)
Comment: Stupid penalties! Otherwise, the D is looking strong today - here's hoping it keeps improving. Manusky's done good work!

Posted By: Sweet (16/08/2008 6:26:02 PM)
Comment: Thanks Randy, the link works a treat, nice one

Posted By: markegan (16/08/2008 6:25:15 PM)
Comment: Randy in Santa Rosa. God bless your soul for posting where I can see this on the web!!! I'm in nyc.

Posted By: sukhi (16/08/2008 6:13:15 PM)
Comment: Matt, i just noticed Martz is on sideline. I thought he was going to be in the booth?

Posted By: Jonas Ymir Jonasson (16/08/2008 5:46:08 PM)
Comment: Another night following my beloved 49ers play well tonight.

Posted By: Randy in Santa Rosa (16/08/2008 5:36:46 PM)
Comment: I posted this on Matt's previous blog... You can watch the game online here: http://www.justin.tv/kostatz

Posted By: Matt (16/08/2008 5:34:08 PM)
Comment: Sweet--Candlestick Park is officialy back to being called Candlestick Park, no more Monster(no more sponsorship). I never called it anything different myself but then again I wasnt getting paid by 3-Com or Monster to do so.

Posted By: Hey King (16/08/2008 5:32:16 PM)
Comment: Try this: http://www.myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?&matchid=16645&part=sports You may need to go to www.sopcast.com and download the software first, give it a try

Posted By: Dartagnan (16/08/2008 5:30:39 PM)
Comment: I thought Michael Lewis had the radio device last week, not Roman?

Response: You got me. Correction has been made. Roman did not play last week. --Matt M.

Posted By: KingFaisal916 (16/08/2008 5:25:05 PM)
Comment: Does anyone know if the game will be streamed online? And if so, what's the URL? Thanks

Posted By: Sweet (16/08/2008 5:23:48 PM)
Comment: "Candlestick Park", nice one Matt...thats what it'll always be to us fans!

Posted By: Coach Hudd (16/08/2008 5:08:06 PM)
Comment: You would think all the QB's would be going over the plays if this was a true QB competition. Smith is probably in some corner all huddled trying to think if the new UFL will pick him up as a QB. Hill is still wondering if the XFL might make a comeback. I dont care who our QB is as long as they put the team in a position to win some games. Good luck tonight 49ers!!!

Posted By: coach hudd (16/08/2008 5:02:45 PM)
Comment: Happy Blogging tonight Matt!!!! Go Niners. Time support our starting QB JTO!

Matt has MOVED! Check out the NEW 49ers blog at pressdemocrat.com/49ers

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