Smith Solid, Shaun Hill Shows Promise, But Broncos Take It 17 - 13

Though the starters only saw action for a glimpse by fans, key players showed promise in short duty. Alex Smith had two nice strikes to Arnaz Battle and newcomer Darrell Jackson finishing 4-5 for 54 yards, but the Broncos had the last laugh prevailing 17 - 13.

Running back Michael Robinson, (right) looking to secure the back-up spot to injured star Frank Gore had a couple of decent plays and a short touchdown run in limited action. Thomas Clayton, also battling for a roster spot saw significantly more time, though he never really put any yards together, and looked hesitant when looking for daylight in the blocking. There were a few plays when he could have bounced a run to the outside for a decent gain, but Clayton didn't show the vision needed to show off his speed potential. He did gain 55 yards on 17 carries. Maurice Hick saw limited first half carries with 30 yards, including a big 20 yard gainer.

Smith, looked confident when accurately throwing tough crossing patterns, particularily on an 18 yard completion to Jackson, who was matched up against all-world corner Champ Bailey. Trent Dilfer, in for a few series later in the first half looked sharp on some timing and out patterns, but had a bonehead pick late in the second quarter to kill a decent drive. Shaun Hill, trying to secure the number 3 spot, played the entire second half and had several decent completions showing good accuracy. He led the team deep into Denver territory on a couple of drives ,but threw a costly endzone pick on one and nearly another with just over a minute remaining. Still, he looked like he belonged, going 13-20 for 148 yards.

As for all the Niner receivers, C. J. Brewer and Delanie Walker had the most work, grabbing 3 catches for 49 yards and 4 catches for 35 yards, respectively. Arnaz Battle, Ashley Lelie, and Darrell Jackson all saw limited action ,but all recorded catches for decent gains. Much hyped and heralded rookie Jason Hill had two catches for 13 yards and just missed another long gainer deep in Bronco territory.

The defense looked good at times, and surprisingly calm, with Patrick Willis notably seeing a lot of playing time, recording 2 tackles. Newly acquired Tully Banta-Cain, (left)here showed good pressure on Denver back-up Patrick Ramsey. Rookie corner Tarell Brown recorded the only 49er interception of the night, and $80 million man Nate Clements assisted on 2 tackles in limited play.

Overall, the Niners looked reasonably prepared and the starting unit looked cohesive together in the short time on the field and the back-ups looked promising to provide future depth. This was a good building block game and the coaching staff can be happy that the third and fourth stringers showed poise in driving late to try to win the game.

There's a long way to go and it's too early to tell, but if Frank Gore can return to do his thing, Alex Smith looks like he may be able to add something to the attack, along with a spirited defense. We'll just have to wait and see.