49ers Focus
By Robert Haugh

With very little practice under their belt, the 49ers showed tremendous upside by defeating their Bay Area rival Oakland Raiders 17-3 in pre-season action on August 20.

Highlights of the 49ers' second pre-season game included a one-handed grab by WR Braylon Edwards, numerous third-down stops on defense clutch INTs, plus an offense steadily moving the chains.

The 49ers offensive line looked in fine form, providing gaps for the 49ers' rushing attack to amass 239 yards on the ground, led by rookie RB Kendall Hunter who compiled 105 yards including a 53-yard TD run. In all, the 49ers RBs all averaged more than 4.4 yards per carry. Further showcasing the O-Line, the 49ers were 8-for-13 on third down conversions.

Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's system showcased the dominant 49ers defense of recent memory, despite several starters seeing limited or no playing time. The Defense stopped the Raiders at the goal line and ended two Raiders' drives with INTs, recorded three sacks and allowed only 63 yards rushing to the Raiders.

The Jeckyl-and-Hyde Smith showed signs of brilliance such as in the 32-yard rocket to Edwards, but also threw a slew of duds, including an ill-thrown INT as well. Eight different receivers fielded passes during the game as well, showing that Harbaugh is not afraid to mix it up on offense.

With TE Vernon Davis, RB Frank Gore and WR Josh Morgan, plus additional weapons like Edwards, the 49ers offense should be potent, as long as Smith, or whoever ends up leading the team at QB stays hot. WR Michael Crabtree should be able to return soon also.

Will this be the year Smith finally guides the 49ers to success, or does Head Coach Jim Harbaugh have a master plan to gradually guide rookie QB Colin Kaepernick to the starting role? Smith has had plenty of chances to shine, so let's see what he brings on opening day on September 11 when the 49ers host reigning NFC West champ Seattle at the Stick. The 49ers have all the tools to be a 10-6 team and win the NFC West. Let's just see who shows up to play - Jeckyl or Hyde?