Why Starting O'Sullivan Makes Sense

In the first preseason game, it looks like the 49ers will play O'Sullivan against the Raiders' first team, Alex Smith against the second team, and Shaun Hill against the practice squad players in the fourth quarter. Given the current situation, this move makes perfect sense. While Smith has shown glimpses of strong play in camp, he is still working on learning his fourth offense in four years, and what he needs most is familiarity and confidence with whatever offense he is running. Throwing him in against the Raiders' first team defense (which is solid from what I hear), seems unwise until he is fluent with the Mike Martz's complex offense. read more