Niners get first win, down Raiders

By Scarybarry Rodriguez

October 17, 2010
 
 



After hours of rain and under stormy clouds the San Francisco 49ers finally chalked up their first win of the season against the hapless Oakland Raiders. It was billed as the " battle of the bay " but could have been called the " battle of the bottom feeders ! ". Two struggling teams battling it out in wet conditions.

The first half of the game was true to form for the Niners. Quarterback Alex Smith was missing the mark and luckily the Raiders could only score on three field goals in three red zone tries. The fans constantly booed poor old Alex Smith as the Niner offense was punchless. The defense kept the game close. Near the end of the half the 49ers scored on a field goal to make the score Raiders 9, 49ers 3.

Up to this point the game was a snooze fest. Both teams were penalized numerous times. Oakland's starting quarterback Bruce Campbell didn't look much better than Alex Smith. They had no run game and only 28 passing yards. I interviewed 49er defensive lineman Ricky Jean Francois and he told me that due to the wet condition of the field the defense was just trying not to over commit and give up big plays.

In the second half Alex Smith led the Niners on a 13 play, 91 yard drive that ate the clock and ended in a touchdown pass Michael Crabtree at the start of the fourth quarter. The 49er defense kept the Oakland offense in check. Than Niner RB Frank Gore broke out and rambled 64 yards . Smith than tossed a touchdown pass to TE Vernon Davis putting the score at 17-9 in favor of San Francisco.

Late in the fourth quarter LB TaKeo Spikes made an interception in the Raiders territory to lock up the victory. Alex Smith and the Niners had no turnovers and that was the key to the game. The Oakland Raiders entered the game with an injury report as long as a hospital's patient list and many of the same organizational problems that plaque the 49ers. This game didn't represent a giant leap forward for the home team.

Before I left the stadium I observed Raider owner Al Davis leaving. He was using a walker and surrounded by a mob of bodyguards. He couldn't have been impressed by his team's performance. There should be no dancing in the stands for the 49er faithful. For now the media talking heads can discuss some other teams disappointing effort. Next week brings no guarantee.

 

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