49ers-Raiders recap: Nick Mullens leads blowout win in final Battle of the Bay

The San Francisco 49ers, led by third-string quarterback Nick Mullens, hit on all cylinders against the Oakland Raiders in the final “Battle of the Bay.” Niner Noise recaps and highlights Mullens’ first NFL game — a 34-3 blowout victory on Thursday Night Football.

After an extremely disappointing first half of the 2018 season, the one-win San Francisco 49ers needed a spark in their last “Battle of the Bay” matchup with the Oakland Raiders.

The Niners got their spark, but from an unlikely source — third-string quarterback Nick Mullens. But Mullens didn’t simply provide a spark to his team, he lit up Levi’s Stadium brighter than the lights of Thursday Night Football.

In his first NFL action, the 2017 undrafted free agent played the game of his life, in what would become one of the best statistical debuts in NFL history.

Mullens demonstrated command of the offense, and leadership both in the huddle and on the sideline. His first play from scrimmage was just the beginning of a monumental day:

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Two passes later, Mullens hit wide receiver Pierre Garcon for the quarterback’s first of three touchdowns on the day:

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Mullens didn’t play a perfect game, but he rebounded quickly from his few mistakes. After a pass was nearly intercepted, the 49ers’ QB fired this third-down dart to wideout Kendrick Bourne to put San Francisco up by 11 points:

On perhaps the most impressive pass — and certainly the most impressive catch — of the day, Mullens dropped this dangerous but perfectly thrown ball between four defenders and into the outstretched hand of tight end George Kittle, who hauled it in and nearly took it the distance:

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Fittingly, two plays later, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan dialed up a misdirection play for Kittle, who went into the end zone untouched to add to San Francisco’s lead:

While the 49ers’ offense did most of their damage through the air, they were also effective in the running game, which was highlighted by this 52-yard scamper by running back Raheem Mostert, who was escorted into the end zone by rookie right tackle Mike McGlinchey:

The Raiders later pulled quarterback Derek Carr from the game, as the 49ers cruised to a 34-3 victory. While tonight’s win was a team effort, particularly due to a defensive unit that racked up eight sacks, 49ers quarterback Nick Mullens deserves MVP honors in the final Battle of the Bay:

In his first career NFL start, Mullens racked up 262 yards and three touchdowns on 22 passing attempts — and provided the spark the San Francisco 49ers’ franchise desperately needed.

In Week 10, the San Francisco 49ers host the one-win New York Giants under the lights of Levi’s Stadium on Monday Night Football.