Niner Noise
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49ers’ winners & losers from Week 8 win versus Raiders

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 01: Nick Mullens #4 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up prior to their game against the Oakland Raiders at Levi's Stadium on November 1, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 01: Nick Mullens #4 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up prior to their game against the Oakland Raiders at Levi's Stadium on November 1, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 01: Nick Mullens #4 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up prior to their game against the Oakland Raiders at Levi’s Stadium on November 1, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 01: Nick Mullens #4 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up prior to their game against the Oakland Raiders at Levi’s Stadium on November 1, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images) /

Winner: Quarterback Nick Mullens

Well, duh.

Going into the game, Nick Mullens being announced as the starter likely convinced a lot of fans the 49ers would have zero chance pulling off a win against the Raiders. After all, Mullens had never seen a regular-season snap and had never started an NFL game, even in the preseason. And during those preseason appearances, he was largely going up against third- and fourth-string units — many of which were featuring players not on an NFL roster right now.

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The problem? No one told Mullens he was supposed to struggle.

Instead, the second-year undrafted quarterback finished with an impressive 16-of-22 line for 262 yards and three touchdowns, tossing zero interceptions and finishing with a passer rating of 151.9.

Again, against an inept Oakland defense. But it’s still a defense featuring NFL-roster material. Not practice squad bodies or training camp invitees.

Mullens might not have the strongest arm. Unlike C.J. Beathard, though, Mullens is more than capable getting the ball out quickly. And while it helped the Raiders pass rush had zero effect, the win certainly should build Mullens’ confidence when he surely starts against an also-bad Giants squad in Week 10.

Next. 49ers grades from Week 9 Thursday Night Football win vs. Raiders. dark

And it helps Mullens has now earned himself a little bit of stardom in the process.