O'Sullivan Returns 'Niners to '300 Club'

San Francisco Chronicle columnist Ray Ratto had a great insight in his column today, when he said:

"It has been 60 games since the last time a 49ers quarterback threw for 300 yards, which for team historians and people who go to the games sober represents an affront to the iconography of the franchise."

In other words, for a franchise whose ownership has been missing in action since Eddie DeBartolo Jr. left, yesterday's passing game was a small boost.

Although the Seahawks were ripe for the taking, they still have a decent linebacking corps, as well as other quality defensive players.

In fact, that defensive unit was ranked sixth overall in the NFL last year by only giving up an average of 18.2 points per game in a pass-happy league.

What beat the Seahawks yesterday in their miserable but beautiful (and loud, until fans realize they are losing) stadium, was the gritty, determined and flawed play of new 'Niner quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan who threw for 321 yadrs for a 106.4 quarterback rating.

He went 20-32 for a 62.5 percent completion percentage.

Last week, the 49ers lost partly because of O'Sullivan's jitters that caused some turnovers; however, his passing completion percentage was 70 percent.

For the season, O'Sullivan's QB rating is a respectable 96.3 with 516 yards. Not bad for a kid from Burbank.

Who knows how he will fare this year against what some prognosticators are saying are much better defenses, but I ask Seattle excuse-makers and those same commentators this question: With all 11 starting defenders back this year, why was O'Sullivan able to carve up the Seattle middle and secondary?

Could it be that this kid may have what it takes?