It was a "Win Monday" at 49ers' headquarters, meaning that any player who didn't need treatment was told not to come back until Wednesday. One of the players who was hobbling a bit was Frank Gore, who had a rough afternoon against a Seahawks defense designed to stop him but who still managed 99 combined yards. Gore said he was happy with the win and very happy to see the passing game open up downfield. Now when opponents study the 49ers, they'll have to think about more than stopping No. 21. "And I can go crazy again," Gore said.
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There was no injury update on any of the 49ers, including Jonas Jennings (shoulder), Dashon Goldson (knee), Shawntae Spencer and Patrick Willis (leg). We're supposed to talk to Willis on a conference call later today, but knowing him he won't discuss his injury. Questioned whether Jennings was taken out of the game because of injury or bad play (two false starts and a holding penalty in the first half), Nolan insisted the injury was legitimate. Barry Sims filled in at right tackle and played very well.
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Apparently the illegal celebration penalty following Willis' TD was called on Nate Clements, who dropped to his knees and did the Mike Meyers "We're not worthy!" gesture to Willis. The NFL hath decreed that there shalt be no going down to end zone surface to celebrate touchdowns. This is the word of the League ...
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Asked to pinpoint exactly why the offense is so much better than it was last year, Nolan mentioned two names - Mike Martz and J.T. O'Sullivan. The former UC Davis quarterback had an excellent game, becoming the first 49er QB to surpass 300 yards since Tim Rattay did it in 2004. The one critique that Nolan had is that O'Sullivan needed to get rid of the ball more quickly on some plays. He was sacked eight times, some of which were not due to poor protection. Still, O'Sullivan also showed that keeping the play alive can result in big plays. the 49ers might have to live with sacks and turnovers in exchange for a big-play offense. That's the Martz-ian compromise....
-- Matt Barrows
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