49ers Go For Second Win of the Season Against Lions

We've seen this before in a Mike Martz coached offense.  Known as the Mad Scientist, Martz has taken average quarterbacks and turned them into something more.  That's good news for the 49ers. They need their quarterback, J.T. O'Sullivan to play not like his normal self, but a Martz version.  In the 49ers' 33-30 win over Seattle, O'Sullivan played as if he'd gotten an extra dose of Martz during the week.  For the first time in quite some time, San Francisco (1-1) had a playmaker under center and someone capable of making the necessary throws.  

With the 49ers' offense humming, it’s fitting the Detroit Lions visit San Francisco on Sunday.  The Lions dumped Martz as their offense coordinator after last season.  Also, O'Sullivan played under Martz as a backup last year in Detroit.  So, the Lions will receive an up close look at what they decided to pass on in Martz and O'Sullivan.

Bruce is Back:

After not catching a pass in San Francisco's opener against Arizona, Bruce caught four balls for 153 yards against Seattle.  Bruce and Bryant Johnson provide the 49ers with the best receiving combo they've had since the departure of Jerry Rice and John Taylor.  Johnson is tied for the lead in catches with nine.  After two games, promising rookie receiver Josh Morgan has caught only one ball.  Tight end Vernon Davis has three catches and no touchdowns.  Davis might never live up to the first round pick San Francisco used to select him.

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Versatile Gore:

Though Frank Gore didn't receive as much work against Seattle as he did against Arizona, the running back is a top offensive threat.  Gore has rushed for 157 yards and two touchdowns this year, while catching nine balls, which is tied for the team lead.  When O'Sullivan struggles, Martz will go to Gore even more and ask him to put the game upon his shoulders.

Need This Win:

After playing Detroit (0-2), San Francisco travels to New Orleans, then hosts New England and Philadelphia.  Finding a victory during this three-game stretch might be hard to come by.  After hosting Philadelphia, the 49ers play in New York against the Giants and host Seattle then have a bye week.  San Francisco needs to take the momentum gained in its win over Seattle into Sunday's match-up with Detroit and hope it carries into this tough upcoming stretch. A loss against the Lions could derail the 49ers and send them into a deep tailspin. 

QB Controversy No More:

The hot topic of training camp, the 49ers’ starting quarterback, is now a dead issue. The season-ending injury to Alex Smith and O'Sullivan's heady play against Seattle has calmed the talk for now.  But, a bad game against Detroit and some might call for Shaun Hill's number.  After passing for 321 yards last Sunday, O'Sullivan deserves a long look as the 49ers' starting quarterback.

By Jim Bucci
ProFootball-fans.com San Francisco 49ers Correspondent