O'Sullivan leads Niners past Packers 34-6

By ASSOCIATED PRESS  Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008
ADVERTISEMENT
 

PhotoVideo


Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) is sacked by San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Walter Curry (60) in the second quarter of their preseason football game Saturday in San Francisco.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) is sacked by San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Walter Curry (60) in the second quarter of their preseason football game Saturday in San Francisco.

— J.T. O'Sullivan might have moved a step closer toward completing his long-shot bid to become the San Francisco 49ers starting quarterback.

O'Sullivan threw a 59-yard touchdown pass to Josh Morgan and outplayed top competitor Alex Smith as the 49ers beat Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers 34-6 Saturday night.

O'Sullivan came into training camp third on the depth chart behind Smith, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 draft, and Shaun Hill. But O'Sullivan has started both preseason games for the 49ers and gave the best performance of the three in the first half against the Packers.

Rodgers has no competition for the starting job in Green Bay following the trade of Brett Favre to the New York Jets earlier this month. But that doesn't mean he has nothing to prove in the preseason as a quarterback who has never started a regular season game in the NFL.

Rodgers wasn't nearly as sharp as he was in the exhibition opener, going 9-for-18 for 58 yards and failing to get the Packers into the end zone in one half of action. Rodgers didn't get much help from his teammates, as he was sacked four times and his receivers dropped a couple of passes. Green Bay had only 46 total yards of offense in the half.

O'Sullivan got off to another shaky start, throwing an interception to Charles Woodson on San Francisco's third drive of the game. That was his third turnover in seven preseason drives, an alarming rate even at this time of year.

But he looked better once Green Bay's first-team defense started heading to the bench. After hearing some boos from the home crowd following a false start by Jonas Jennings and a timeout call, O'Sullivan connected on a 27-yard pass to Jason Hill on third-and-eight.

He then hit Morgan with a 22-yarder on another third-down play that moved the ball down to the 3, setting up DeShaun Foster's 1-yard score on fourth down.

On San Francisco's next drive, O'Sullivan took advantage of a miscommunication by Green Bay's defense to hit Morgan on a 59-yard scoring strike. O'Sullivan finished 8-for-17 for 154 yards with the touchdown and interception.

Smith played the third quarter and went 5-for-12 for 62 yards. He overthrew Morgan on a deep pass on his first drive and missed an open Hill in the back of the end zone later in the quarter. San Francisco did score a touchdown with Smith at quarterback, when Moran Norris' 1-yard run capped a 16-yard drive set up by a botched snap by Brian Brohm.

Smith finished 5-for-12 for 62 yards in his first matchup against Rodgers since the Niners chose him instead of Rodgers with the No. 1 pick in the 2005 draft. Rodgers slipped all the way to Green Bay at 24, a fall that cost him more than $40 million in his rookie contract and forced him to sit behind Favre for three years.

Rodgers, who grew up in Northern California and played college ball across the bay at Cal, had plenty of friends and family on hand but they didn't have much to cheer about because of the dropped passes.

The most obvious one came on the first play after Woodson's interception, when Donald Lee couldn't hang on to a perfectly placed pass into the end zone. The Packers settled for a field goal on that drive after starting with a first-and-goal from the 7.

Donald Driver also dropped a deep ball on Green Bay's first drive, forcing the Packers to take an offsides penalty instead of a long gain.

Notes: Allen Rossum scored on a 67-yard punt return in the fourth quarter for the Niners. ... Packers RB Ryan Grant, LB A.J. Hawk, WR Greg Jennings and DL Ryan Pickett sat the game out. ... The Niners were without WRs Arnaz Battle, Ashley Lelie and Bryant Johnson.







reader COMMENTS (44)
whybesad
Aug 21, 2008 at 3:04 p.m.
Suggest removal

Teddy decided to make this a rebuilding year instead of a run for a Championship.

biggirl
Aug 19, 2008 at 5:42 p.m.
Suggest removal

Sure, be a Packers fan through thick and thin, but does it mean that we have to go out of our way to make this our "thin" year? Some people are acting like you can only be a real Packers fan if you blindly agree with management even when they make a collosal mistake in judgment. No one's wishing for the Packers to do poorly, but some believe that more cool minds, not fueled by ego, would have put Favre, one of the greatest players ever, on the team. Those who believe this is a mistake in judgment might even be feeling this way because they love the Packers and loved the Packer-spirit that was evident in the youthful way in which Brett played.

intrigued
Aug 18, 2008 at 6 p.m.
Suggest removal

Sounds like you are all the fair weather fans who jumped on the bandwagon somewhere around 1995. Those of us who have been with the Pack for longer than the Favre era know that we will have feast & we will have famine. Yes, we could probably have had a good season with Brett but the days of him getting the team to the Super Bowl are over. Did none of you notice how he can no longer play in cold weather? You ain't getting to the big game without winning in the cold. Better to start our rebuilding now. Have a great season in NY Brett. Hope it doesn't get too cold for you.

Spanky
Aug 18, 2008 at 4:21 p.m.
Suggest removal

That statement is so true. The Packers are a pawn in Thompsons eyes. The more of his fingerprints are on his team and the success of the team with his fingerprints on them the better his resume is for future jobs.

jvldss
Aug 18, 2008 at 1:18 p.m.
Suggest removal

Not sure if the Packers control the opens of their pregame and game coverage but they sure seemed to be taking a shot at Brett. The pre-game opened with video of Brett's overtime pick against the Giants and the voiceover "That was seven months ago". Then they show Rodgers coming out of the tunnel with a voiceover about "an exciting new direction". Then the open of the game coverage said "Teams win championships. Individuals do not". They showed all the Packer greats like Starr, Lombardi, Lambeau, Nitshke, etc...but no Favre. I thought this was really disrespectful.

I understand why Thompson handled the Brett situation the way he did and I understand all the fans that want him crucified for his actions. However, I think he needs to be replaced based on his last three drafts (not including the most recent as it is too early to tell). The man can't draft linemen and if you look at every good team it starts with a good offebsive and defensive line.We have had no guards since Rivera and Wahl left. Since that time, Thompson has drafted Alan Barbre (4), Dattyn Colledge (2), Jason Spitz (3), Tony Moll (6), Junious Coston (6) and William Whitaker (7). All four sacks on Saturday came straight up the gut so none of these guys, at least the ones still on the roster, is the answer. Thompson traded his best defensive lineman, Corey Williams (not a Thompson draft pick), to Cleveland so Willard Harrell, his number 1 pick a year ago, could replace him. Harrell never played a full season in college due to serious injuries, he was hurt most of last season, he reported to camp this year out of shape and now he is hurt again. A complete waste of a first round pick!

If Rodgers is going to get hit a dozen times a game because of sieve line there is no way he will finish the season. Then again, if our defense can't stop anyone, we don't have to worry about Rodgers on the field.

razorsharp
Aug 18, 2008 at 10:23 a.m.
Suggest removal

It was a "catch 20"
The Packer brass wasn't willing to compromise the future for one player. Of course Favre is the best man for the job. He also held this organization hostage for the past 3 years. That's okay if you're Favre. It's a testament to his value. It's called leverage. Favre pushed it as far as he could and the Packers drew a line in the sand. They did the right thing, only they did it with no class! They allowed it to be a distraction. They insulted the fans in doing so. That's why the fans are so worked up. When they announced a QB competition between Rodgers and Favre (which everyone knew wasn't going to happen), they sold out what credibility they have. Both parties are at fault here. Favre for putting himself before the team (he could've handled it better) and the Packers brass for not handling the situation properly from day one and allowing Favre to be a distraction. The fan's all knew life w/o Favre was inevitable and it's hard to just let go of a guy who re-wrote the record books and played the game with the passion he did. Now, it's a double wammy knowing he's not finishing his career as a Packer. It's a "territorial" thing. I think the lack of faith in Rodgers is the hardest part at this point. Everyone knows he's not going to give you even close to what Favre could deliver. It's a harsh reality. Try being a Bear fan like me! Reality can be real mean!

chainsawchuckie
Aug 18, 2008 at 8:50 a.m.
Suggest removal

I'm still a packer fan.. just don't like the management in Green Bay anymore. aint gonna support it anymore either!!. hope you all have a great day and STAY SAFE!!

NVgrf
Aug 18, 2008 at 8:02 a.m.
Suggest removal

Having been a Packer fan since 1964, I believe that most of these "Packer fans" who are jumping ship and even becoming Jets fans were only "fans" during the Favre era. They were not around during Starr, Hornung, Davis, Wood,etc. They believe that Favre was the organization. They have no recollection of the championship years of a Favreless Pack. My feeling is that they were never Packer fans in the first place. They were merely Favre fans. And as for them jumping ship, good riddance.

SarahB
Aug 17, 2008 at 8:23 p.m.
Suggest removal

I agree that the first couple of preseason games do not have much meaning. However, by the third game, a team should be giving off signs of what the season will bring.

JohnDoe
Aug 17, 2008 at 7:12 p.m.
Suggest removal

WOW! This is PRE-SEASON...MEANINGLESS...
You people need to buy some chill pills....

tguy
Aug 17, 2008 at 6:54 p.m.
Suggest removal

When is the last time the Packers looked good in the preseason? Even with Favre playing.
Not a big deal.Though Rodgers needs some protection.And the recievers need to hold on to the ball.

whybesad
Aug 17, 2008 at 5:19 p.m.
Suggest removal

It's nothing to do with Rodgers is the fact that the Greenbay Packers brass didn't want to put the best product on the field to try and win a superbowl this year. If they thought Brett was finished they wouldn't have cared where he was going to play. In the division or not. The Packer fans will still be Packer fans just not thrilled at the decision making in the front office. Philly fans are the most fair weathered fans in the NFL. They will boo McNabb if he does bad on one series. Packer fans have seen the bad and have a 72,000 person season ticket waiting list for a reason.

momof5
Aug 17, 2008 at 5:11 p.m.
Suggest removal

I know the Packers have had MANY lean years in terms of wins. And, I know Brett had many shotty games. And, I know that the Packers had a horrible 4-12 season WITH Brett at the helm. BUT....nearly the entire starting roster (minus #4) is back from last year. There is NO reason this team should be 0-2 against 2 mediocore, at best, teams. No reason whatsoever. It's not JUST Rodgers who looks bad. It's the whole team. And that brings me to point #2......
.
Just like the Giants NFC Championship game: The Packers were out-coached. Two games, albeit pre-season, in a row Rodgers has scrambled in the pocket, kept the ball too long, been intercepted and sacked (4--FOUR times in one game). I'm not hating on "A-Rod", but seriously, if he doesn't show VAST improvement next week, then I say McCarthy's head should be rolling (or at minimum, the QB coach). Two games in a row, the o-line has been nothing short of a sieve. The receivers have been missing balls that have been routine; since high school. Running game? Yeah. He's out hurt.
.
Three more weeks and I will be basking in the Miami sun for "Brett the Jet's" regular season debut.

Teeber
Aug 17, 2008 at 4:55 p.m.
Suggest removal

I'd rather have watched the "sausage" races at Miller park rather than the pack! LOL. Sheesh!

pablo
Aug 17, 2008 at 4:54 p.m.
Suggest removal

Maro-sorry I didn't get back to you sooner to answer your questions but I was outside enjoying the nice weather today. I read this article because I am a sports fan and anytime there is a headline that the Packers lose 34-6 is definately worth reading, when I saw all the "fans" commenting as to Go Jets, I had to put in my 2cents. You would never see a Phillies fan say GO Mets or an Eagles fan say Go Cowboys. Thanks for proving my point though. Have a nice day.

Spunkmeyer
Aug 17, 2008 at 4:17 p.m.
Suggest removal

LOL Get. GMTA.

get_the_facts_people
Aug 17, 2008 at 4:07 p.m.
Suggest removal

Spunkmeyer
lol - We must have been typing at the same time, wasn't intentionally stating some of your facts.

optimism
Aug 17, 2008 at 4:06 p.m.
Suggest removal

The Jets didn't do so bad, did they?

get_the_facts_people
Aug 17, 2008 at 4:04 p.m.
Suggest removal

I watched the Jets last night (we have direct tv, love it), Brett did awesome while he was out there! He may be "old" in football years, but you wouldn't think it watching him on the field. He is also the fun-loving guy off the field fooling around and laughing with his team mates. The packers management really screwed up, yes this will be a rebuilding year, but it didn't have to be! It's going to be a long season for the pack.

Spunkmeyer
Aug 17, 2008 at 3:59 p.m.
Suggest removal

Last night was embarrassing, more for Rodgers, I think, than anyone else. I felt kinda bad for the guy, even though I think he's a jerk for that Sports Illustrated comment. But I love the Pack. And I don't want to see them lose. So here's hopin' Rodgers and the rest of the Pack can get it together. I think he'll do alright once he settles down a bit, as long as he doesn't give in to the pressure. I caught the Jets game (thank God for Dish Network). Brett looked awesome, as usual. :) It was cool to see the Jets fans give him a standin' O. They know where they're gonna be in January. ;) I kinda like havin' two teams to root for. GO PACK! GO JETS!

lovetoscrap
Aug 17, 2008 at 2:17 p.m.
Suggest removal

I'm not wishing for the Packers to lose! I'm just shaking my head, accepting the inevitable. A very bad decision was made and now we have to live with the consequences. It's going to be an embarrassing year for the Pack...and a good year for the Jets. Yes, justsome...I agree with you...it takes a whole team to win or loose...now why didn't anyone who was bashing favre listen to me about that! He is a great quarterback and a great leader. That is what is missing in Rodgers.

mymaro
Aug 17, 2008 at 12:40 p.m.
Suggest removal

pablo, if you dont want to hear about it, or read about it, then why are you on here? Shouldnt you be keeping an eye on McFlabb to see when he is going to get hurt again?

pablo
Aug 17, 2008 at 12:34 p.m.
Suggest removal

You Packers "fans" are pathetic. Whatever happened to being fans through thick and thin. I've been a fan of Philadelphia teams for 30+ years and I've seen a lot of bad times, but I'm still a fan and I would never root for them to lose. Favre retired and the Packers moved on. Get over it. Please don't tell me that we have to hear this all season.

chainsawchuckie
Aug 17, 2008 at 11:18 a.m.
Suggest removal

Your right coolhandluke, It is only the Pre-season......but it is fun to watch. i wasn't able to watch the game last night but I heard all about it. The team has a lot of work to do. Lots of mistakes........ I'll give them a couple of weeks and then we will all see if they have improved or not. going to be a very interesting season. everyone STAY SAFE!!

tweetpea
Aug 17, 2008 at 11:07 a.m.
Suggest removal

Aaron Rodgers spent a lot of time on his back during the game I am now a Jets Fan. Just wait it will only be a matter of time before Rodgers gets hurt. When I found out the Packers lost I was throwing a party.

whybesad
Aug 17, 2008 at 10:59 a.m.
Suggest removal

No way they go 12-4 this year

whybesad
Aug 17, 2008 at 10:58 a.m.
Suggest removal

If your happy with mediocre than Rodgers is your guy. We are now in a rebuilding era.

Spanky
Aug 17, 2008 at 10:56 a.m.
Suggest removal

Packers should have focused on winning a super bowl. Favre lead the team to the NFC championship game last season. Thompson should take into consideration that the fans want a winning product on the field. They don't have that with Rodgers. Not at this point in his career anyway. With Favre we would have had a good chance to make it to the super bowl this year with Rodgers we don't,

NVgrf
Aug 17, 2008 at 10:36 a.m.
Suggest removal

12-4

TBELL23
Aug 17, 2008 at 10:30 a.m.
Suggest removal

packers will be 0-16 this year

justsome1here
Aug 17, 2008 at 10:21 a.m.
Suggest removal

It would be a refreshing change of pace if people would stop ripping on the Packers just because Favre is gone. And before I get blasted with the "we are not ripping on the Packers just the management" comment, last I heard Rodgers was a member of the Packers team, not management. The whole team is responsible for a win or loss, not just the quarterback.

mymaro
Aug 17, 2008 at 9:51 a.m.
Suggest removal

right on spanky. he may be "mobile" but hes not smart enough to know how to use his "mobility". I hope Thompson enjoys what quite possibly may be his last year.

Spanky
Aug 17, 2008 at 9:48 a.m.
Suggest removal

So much for being a "mobile" quarterback!!! HA HA

Spanky
Aug 17, 2008 at 9:48 a.m.
Suggest removal

WOW! that was an awesome display of the Green and Gold. The "new" direction the Packers are going looks to be working out quite well. Ted Thompson your a genius.

mymaro
Aug 17, 2008 at 9:11 a.m.
Suggest removal

sorry, that should read "the inability to find the first down marker during a scramble."

mymaro
Aug 17, 2008 at 9:10 a.m.
Suggest removal

thanks for the "dumb" comment coolhand. really adds substance to your comment. The packers may have lost to the Jets in regular season with Brett. The difference is this is the 49ers. one of the worst teams in football, and at the time the Jets were a playoff team. A loss in preseason means nothing. However, Aaron Rodgers inability to get rid of the ball, to find the first down marker during a scramble, and lack of pocket presence is VERY concerning. Those are things that a quarterback should just have, not something that should have to be developed like comraderie with his recievers. But all is ok. Ted (the tool) Thompson is setting this team up so we get a top 5 draft pick. Way to go TED!

Coolhandluke
Aug 17, 2008 at 8:51 a.m.
Suggest removal

Your all dumb! I remember a couple of years ago when the JETS came to Green Bay and distroyed them, and we had Brett. Plus it wasn't preseason. Was that Ted and Mike's fault too? It's preseason. Relax, and give Rodgers a chance.

TBELL23
Aug 17, 2008 at 8:42 a.m.
Suggest removal

packers will be 0 and 16 this year

chainsawchuckie
Aug 17, 2008 at 8:41 a.m.
Suggest removal

And it is only the pre-season.......GO JETS!!! Can't wait for the Real Games to begin.....Then We will all see if Ted Tool Thompson and Mike The Gopher McCarthy still feel they have the best product.......out on the feild or if it got on the train to New York!!!! GO JETS!!!!!! LOL

tinkerb45
Aug 17, 2008 at 8:20 a.m.
Suggest removal

Thanks Ted & Mike. Here come the glory days of 8-8. If the Jets would have been on, I would have been watching them.

stomskid
Aug 17, 2008 at 7:22 a.m.
Suggest removal

HAHA!!!! Go Jets....

shutupandfish
Aug 17, 2008 at 7:07 a.m.
Suggest removal

I would like to thank Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy for putting the best product out on the field. It was an awesome display last night. You truly have shown that you made the right choice in letting Favre go. Rodgers was on his backside more than he was upright.

whybesad
Aug 17, 2008 at 6:56 a.m.
Suggest removal

Going to be a very long season. From contenders to pretenders.

SarahB
Aug 17, 2008 at 2:55 a.m.
Suggest removal

Good grief! We really, really stunk up the Bay tonight. Have a great week, Thompson and McCarthy. P.S. Sounds like Brett had a great first-time outing with the Jets.

Before you post a comment, consider this:

Note: GazetteXtra.com does not condone or review every comment. Read more in our User Policy Agreement
  • Keep it clean. Comments that are obscene, vulgar or sexually oriented will be removed. Creative spelling of such terms or implied use of such language is banned, also.
  • Don't threaten to hurt or kill anyone.
  • Be nice. No racism, sexism or any other sort of -ism that degrades another person.
  • Harassing comments. If you are the subject of a harassing comment or personal attack by another user, do not respond in-kind.  Hit the "Suggest Removal" button on offensive comments.
  • Share what you know. Give us your eyewitness accounts, background, observations and history.
  • Do not libel anyone. Libel is writing something false about someone that damages that person's reputation.
  • Ask questions. What more do you want to know about the story?
  • Stay focused. Keep on the story's topic.
  • Help us get it right. If you spot a factual error or misspelling, email newsroom@gazettextra.com or call 1-800-362-6712.
  • Remember, this is our site. We set the rules, and we reserve the right to remove any comments that we deem inappropriate.

Post Comment

Commenting requires registration.

Username:
Password: (Forgotten your password?)

Comment:

ADVERTISEMENT