This post was written by Matt Hamm

All the Alex Smith haters and downtrodden 49ers fans alike were treated to a very promising game, especially offensively by the 49ers in their 2^nd preseason game vs. the Raiders last Saturday.  The offensive line received a lot of harsh criticism after the teams 1^st preseason game against the blitz heavy Saints, the game vs. the Raiders saw a dramatic improvement.  Blitz pickup was the focus during last week’s practices and it showed all 4 quarters on Saturday.  Maybe the most encouraging thing was the play of RG Chilo Rachal who turned in a near flawless game.  LG Mike Iupati despite his holding penalty early in the game looked dominate.  Anthony Davis limited his mistakes and looked great in run blocking and held up for the most part in pass protection.  Joe Staley looked like the veteran anchor to the line the team needs him to be.  And the combination of Adam Snyder and Jonathan Goodwin at center looked excellent as well.

(more…)

In week two of the preseason the 49ers will host their Bay Area rivalry’s Oakland Raiders in the Battle of the Bay.  The 49ers have a lot to improve on since last weeks lost but you already knew that.  To find out about more about the Raiders and see what the Raiders Nation expectations are this season Niner Noise did a Q&A with Chris Shellcroft over at Just Blog Baby.  Below are Chris’ answers and you can head over to Just Blog Baby to see my Q&A.

Q: Tom Cable did a lot for the Raiders the last two seasons, do you think Hue Jackson can continue the turnaround Cable started?

What Hue Jackson did for the offense last season was nothing short of a miracle. Before Jackson the Raiders’ offense was being outscored by the A’s. He arrives and all of a sudden they’re a top 10 unit. Jackson has a Rex Ryan type swagger without all the arrogance. I feel he can continue the turnaround Cable started if his team is healthy and he doesn’t get too overwhelmed as a first year head coach. By keeping his play calling duties Jackson is making his life even more hectic but the offense is his baby.

(more…)