49ers notes: Raye has Gannon's backing

SANTA CLARA – Jimmy Raye has been taking plenty of heat during the 49ers' recent three-game slide, but the veteran offensive coordinator had a loyal defender watching from the sideline during Friday's practice. Rich Gannon, who will provide color commentary Sunday for CBS, spent four seasons with Raye in Kansas City and then one more season with the Raiders. Raye was the Chiefs' offensive coordinator in 1998, and Gannon started 10 games that season. He threw for 2,305 yards, 10 touchdowns and six interceptions. Gannon said Raye was very good at figuring out his players' strength and then wrapping the offense around them. But he warned the process takes time, and in the 49ers' case, might take longer because of the recent quarterback change. "I've always said, 'As a play caller, you have to see it through the eyes of the quarterback,' " Gannon said. "Now Shaun Hill's not the quarterback. Now it's Alex (Smith). Wh...