49er & Raiders Preseason

August 2003
Originally published by The Master Report (Sacramento, CA)

The 49ers, who were dismissed by most football experts after falling on hard times in 1999 and 2000, came back from the graveyard to post 12-4 and 10-6 records the past two seasons. This surge included a wild 39-38 playoff win this past January at The Stadium Formerly Known As Candlestick after the New York Giants assumed a 38-14 lead in the second half. Head Coach Steve Mariucci had to accomplish as great coaching job to pull off the events of the last two years. Given that San Francisco faced a lengthy rebuilding process and salary cap issues in preceding years, no one expected the 49ers to contend for another championship so soon.

But the 49ers were soundly beaten by eventual world champion Tampa Bay the next week, and Mariucci was rumored to be under fire from the San Francisco brass, led by owner John York.

The resulting power struggle was predictable. Within days, Mariucci was out and Dennis Erickson was in as head coach. Erickson's former tenure in the NFL consisted solely of a stint with the Seattle Seahawks from 1995-98, where his record was disappointing. However, his collegiate record is much more impressive. Erickson led Miami (Fla.) to a national championship in 1991, and more recently led Oregon State to prominence.

Quarterback Jeff Garcia and wide receiver Terrell Owens return to lead the 49ers potent offense. while Garrison Hearst and Kevan Barlow provide a one-two punch in the backfield.

The 49ers will hold training camp this year at their Santa Clara headquarters. Previously, they held training camp at University of Pacific in Stockton and Sierra College in Rocklin.

Among the 49ers' preseason dates will be the Raiders, fueling the Bay Area rivalry. Some of the more attractive dates on the schedule include two games against the division rival St. Louis Rams, dates at Green Bay and Philadelphia, and a date at home against Tampa Bay, the defending Super Bowl champions. San Francisco will also play Pittsburgh at home on Monday Night Football on Nov. 17.

The 49ers open on Sept. 7, at home against Chicago.

OAKLAND

Jon Gruden was shipped off to Tampa Bay at the end of last season, and former offensive coordinator Bill Callahan was picked to succeed him. The Raiders didn't skip a beat as they reached the Super Bowl for the first time since 1983. Quarterback Rich Gannon benefited the most Callahan's wide-open, seek-and-destroy, agressive offense as he was named NFL MVP.

But the year ended in bitter disappointment as the Raiders were routed in Super Bowl XXXVII by Gruden's new team, the Buccaneers. Gannon had a nightmarish game eith 5 interceptions. And what served as an ominous precursor to the Raiders' massive letdown in the Big Game, center Barrett Robbins was dismissed from the team by Callahan on the morning of the game for missing practice the day before. Robbins, who suffers from bipolar disorder, was reportedly drinking heavily leading up to the episode. He faces an uphill battle in regaining the trust of his teammates, many of whom harshly criticized him following the Tampa debacle.

Oakland was reputed to be in fire sale mode during this offseason, but that was not the case. Senior assistant Bruce Allen was faced with retaining the Raiders' base talent while reducing their dollars over the salary cap. Allen, a former player agent, has been successful in trimming the fat, cementing his reputation as one of the best talent evaluators and financial administrators in football.

On paper, the Raiders should challenge again for a Super Bowl championship. Gannon returns to head the offense, while Jerry Rice, Tim Brown, and Jerry Porter lead the air corps. On defense, Charles Woodson and Bill Romanowski are the standouts. John Parella, Roderick Coleman and the newest 49er import, Dana Stubblefield provide depth and quality line play.

The Raiders are at home against the Rams to open the preseason, and also will host Minnesota. Their road games in preseason will be against the 49ers and Dallas. Oakland will open against Tennessee on Sept. 7 in a Sunday night game. Other prime time dates include Monday Night Games against Denver, Kansas City, and Green Bay. The traditional AFC West dogfight against the Broncos and Chiefs and Chargers will be the highlight of the rest of the schedule, along with another Coliseum tilt against the New York Jets.

PREDICTION:
49ers 10-6
Raiders 12-4