"Battle of The Bay" - Not Exactly A Classic, But Niners Prevail 26 - 21

The most important developments in the 49ers' friendly rivalry game with Oakland were less than theatrical. Daunte Culpepper looked ready to run the Raiders, but San Francisco put a good start and a better finish on its win. Culpepper passed for 75 yards and threw touchdown passes to John Madsen and Zack Crockett before 49ers rookie Thomas Clayton scored on a 1-yard plunge with 47 seconds left in San Francisco's 26-21 preseason victory Saturday night.

San Francisco jumped to a 13-0 lead in the first quarter, scoring on its first three drives while the Oakland offense floundered under Walter. After Culpepper put Oakland ahead in the third quarter, the Niners rallied in the final 17 minutes, capped by the decisive 70-yard TD drive under third-string quarterback Shaun Hill. Alex Smith again showed poise while playing the entire first half for San Francisco, going 8-of-12 for 106 yards and throwing a beautiful 19-yard touchdown pass to tight end Delanie Walker, (right). Ashley Lelie, (below), chipped in as well with a nice second half touchdown catch from Trent Dilfer.

"I'm glad we didn't give up, and kept playing in the fourth quarter," said rookie linebacker Patrick Willis, who led the 49ers with eight tackles. "That's a big step for us, and that's what the preseason is for."The 49ers' defense limited Oakland's first-team offense despite playing without all three projected starters on its 3-4 defensive line. Bryant Young (back), Aubrayo Franklin (knee) and Marques Douglas (personal reasons) all missed the game.

"The struggles that go with preseason, I welcome them all, because it gives us something to work on," 49ers coach Mike Nolan said after his two backups quarterbacks each led second-half scoring drives. "I certainly don't want to go back on Monday and have nothing to work on, because they'll ask me to cancel practice."

Next up for the Niners will be the Chicago Bears. A great test for sure from the defending NFC Champs and traditionally the week of the preseason when the starters see their most playing time. Expect Alex Smith and company to play 3 quarters or so, with the final preseason game against San Diego seeing mostly those fighting for roster spots. If you only see one preseason game this summer to gage where the Niners are at; make it the game against the Bears. Hopefully, they can continue to build on this improved looking attack.