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49ers beat Packers decisively
By Morris Phillips August 16, 2008 |
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In the 49ers summer-long search for a starting quarterback, a promising wide out has emerged. Fortunately, J.T. O'Sullivan has the full moon over Candlestick shining on him, probably ending the quarterback sweepstakes, but based on his play in the two pre-season games, excitement and skepticism are running neck and neck. But overall, the 49ers were a success in their second pre-season outing, running away from the Green Bay Packers in the second half, 34-6. Meanwhile, if you projected rookie receiver Josh Morgan's production in the first two preseason contests over the entire season, you would have the most exciting 49er offensive threat since Terrell Owens. His 59-yard catch and touchdown run may have come against broken coverage, and received the most attention, but Morgan also showed the physical, across-the-middle ability that has always been the hallmark of great 49er receivers. "I just do what the team asks me to do, be a complete player," said Morgan. "Going across the middle is part of that." Morgan finished with 114 yards on 5 catches, which automatically puts him on the fantasy radar, if not on the Niners depth chart as a challenger to Jason Hill, Arnaz Battle and others. And his performance last week against the Raiders is no longer an anomaly, but part of a pattern of success. On defense, the front seven had the Packers backsliding, as Coach Mike McCarthy was forced to say his guys may have been confused by 3-4 defense that they rarely see in the NFC North. Confusing, and effective, the Niners defense showed teamwork, as stunts and bull rushes were effective throughout the game. Coach Mike Nolan was effusive about the play of backup defensive end Ray McDonald, who was credited with two sacks, and his working chemistry with the versatile Justin Smith. "Since mini-camps, the coaches have emphasized stopping the run, getting sacks, and working together," said McDonald. "To be a great defense, it takes working together as a team." The victim of the strong 49er pass rush was starting quarterback Aaron Rogers who only has the whole state of Wisconsin waiting for him to grow into his new position. If he doesn't mature quickly, every football fan in the state might migrate to New York each Sunday to watch Brett Farve. No pressure, right Aaron? Rogers managed only 58 yards of passing offense, on nine completions, while being sacked four times. "His productivity wasn't very good. Even if the quarterback does well, that doesn't matter. The consistency wasn't there for the whole offense." But that why it's pre-season football: a money maker for the league, but something less for the fans. Before the 49ers impacted the scoreboard, this first quarter sequence took place: O'Sullivan was intercepted by former Raider Charles Woodson, who then fumbled the ball out of bounds. On the next play, Rogers saw his touchdown pass dropped by Donald Lee, then Rogers was sacked by McDonald. On the next play, he retreated 15 yards and threw an uncatchable ball to Jordy Nelson, forcing the Pack to settle for a field goal. For creating excitement among the 49er faithful, Allen Rossum and his 67-yard punt return did the trick, complete with a couple of whiffs by Green Bay tacklers who thought they had Rossum measured up. For comparison, San Francisco managed to score more than 34 points in only one game in 2007, and they needed a touchdown in overtime against Arizona to get there. Has a new day arrived? Maybe, but you better tune in to next week's exhibition tilt in Chicago against the Bears to find out. |
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