NFL Preseason Week 3: Ten Observations From 49ers Victory Over Raiders

The San Francisco 49ers beat the Oakland Raiders in the Battle of the Bay, last night, with the score being 28-24. 

The third preseason game is widely considered a 'dress rehearsal' for the regular season, and yesterdays matchup was definitely an indicator of some key team elements. 

Therefore, here are 10 observations that I made throughout the ball game.

Solid Pass Protection

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SAN FRANCISCO - AUGUST 22: Anthony Davis #76 of the San Francisco 49ers in action against the Minnesota Vikings at Candlestick Park on August 22, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Coming off a six-sack performance, the Raiders pass rush was looking dangerous.

However, the 49ers pass protection negated their efforts, allowing no sacks and only one quarterback hit. 

That's great news for this offense, overall. 

Anthony Dixon Shows His True Colors

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SAN FRANCISCO - AUGUST 22: Anthony Dixon #33 of the San Francisco 49ers in action against the Minnesota Vikings at Candlestick Park on August 22, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

After rushing for a 100 yards in his NFL preseason debut against the Indianapolis Colts, Anthony Dixon has faltered to mediocrity. 

Last week, he posted a 2.6 YPC average and he only managed a 3.3 average today. 

On the bright side, though, he's demonstrated how he can be effective at the goal-line as he's scored a touchdown in all three contests so far. 

Alex Smith Looks Sharp

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OAKLAND, CA - AUGUST 28: Alex Smith #11 of the San Francisco 49ers passes against the Oakland Raiders during an NFL preseason game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on August 28, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

After his poor Week 1 performance had some fans doubting his ability, Alex Smith has come back to prove them wrong. 

In the past two games, he's displayed pinpoint accuracy by completing 64.3 percent of his passes. Moreover, he threw his first touchdown of the pre-season yesterday, and accumulated an impressive 105.7 passer rating.

Revival Of The Return Game

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OAKLAND, CA - AUGUST 28: Phillip Adams #35 of the San Francisco 49ers runs for a touchdown on a punt return against the Oakland Raiders during an NFL preseason game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on August 28, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by

Heading into the off-season and training camp, one of the team's most pressing issues was addressing their return game. 

Based on what I've seen the last couple weeks, it's apparent they've made great strides.

Last week, Bobby Guilluory broke free for some solid gains. Yesterday, Kevin Jurovich had a 48-yard punt return, while Phillip Adams returned a punt for an 83-yard touchdown score. 

...Speaking Of The Special Teams

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SEATTLE - DECEMBER 6: Punter Andy Lee #4 of the San Francisco 49ers follows through on his kick during their NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks on December 6, 2009 at Qwest Field in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks defeated the 49ers 20-17. (Photo by

Pro Bowl punter Andy Lee has looked extraordinary as of late. 

Over the three-game span this preseason, he's registered a net average of 41.9 and has pinned 6 of his 15 punts inside the 20 yard line.

It's obvious that he's ready for the regular season. 

Patrick Willis Dominant As Always

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SAN FRANCISCO - NOVEMBER 12: Patrick Willis #52 of the San Francisco 49ers in action against the Chicago Bears at Candlestick Park on November 12, 2009 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Patrick Willis, who has established himself as one of the premier overall players in the NFL, has looked dominant as always.

Entering his fourth season in the league, he's made plays all over the field during the preseason. Yesterday, he recorded 8 tackles (3 TFL) along with a sack. 

Pass Defense

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SAN FRANCISCO - AUGUST 14: Nate Clements #22 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates getting an interception against the Denver Broncos during the preseason game on August 14, 2009 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/G

The 49ers couldn't stop the Raiders aerial attack.

While the Raiders have improved, that statement, alone, should display how pathetic their pass defense was yesterday. 

After Jason Campbell completed 75 percent of his passes, Bruce Gradkowski replaced him (injury) and completed nearly 64 percent of his. He also threw for 202 yards and two touchdowns. 

Moreover, they allowed a whopping five passes go for over 22 yards.

This is definitely a problem the team has to fix. 

Penalties STILL A Problem

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DENVER - AUGUST 21: (L-R) Referee Ed Hochuli talks with umpire Chad Brown as they oversee the action between the Denver Broncos and the Detroit Lions during preseason NFL action at INVESCO Field at Mile High on August 21, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. The Li

One aspect of the 49ers game that I expected to be fixed was their problem with penalties, especially after commiting seventeen for 165 yards in the first two games.

Apparently they didn't, as they committed another ten yesterday for 82 yards.

The team will need to improve their overall focus by the time the regular season rolls around. 

Still Lots Of Work To Do

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ST. LOUIS - JANUARY 3: Head coach Mike Singletary of the San Francisco 49ers watches on the sidelines during the game against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on January 3, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. The 49ers beat the Rams 28-6. (Photo by

Even though the team won the game, they played very sloppy. 

"We did not play very smart. Winning the game was nice, but it was also a reminder to our guys of all the work we still have to do." Singletary said in a postgame interview. 

Their first team defense, in particular, which allowed three touchdowns needs to be tweaked up in time for the regular season.

Found A Way To Win

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OAKLAND, CA - AUGUST 28: Members of the Oakland Raiders line up against the San Francisco 49ers during an NFL preseason game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on August 28, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Even though it wasn't their best overall effort, the 49ers did indeed find a way to win the ball game.

They put together an impressive 16-play, 80 yard drive to score the go-ahead touchdown with just 1:44 remaining. 

The series was highlighted by a five-yard rush by David Carr on a 3rd and 3, where he leaped up and was hit hard by a defender which left him spinning in the air