Things have certainly changed for the 49ers now that two preseason games have gone by. A disappointing loss to the Raiders was followed up by a rather encouraging win over the Packers last Saturday. The changes though are certainly highlighted by the ever changing battle at the quarterback spot. Former number one pick QB Alex Smith has regressed and has not taken hold of OC Mike Martz system as hoped. Smith might have just played himself out of the 49ers starting unit and right out of San Francisco all together. Martz seems enamored with QB J.T. O’Sullivan who has gone from being the outcast third stringer to newly anointed starter. O’Sullivan understands the offence and has a cannon arm but, his decision making is average, especially for a quarterback that has to run a Martz offence. O’Sullivan is an unheralded journeyman who seems to be the perfect "Martz guy". Let the comparison to Martz’s last quarterback find, Kurt Warner and O’Sullivan begin. How things shape up for Smith, O’Sullivan, and the 49ers will probably be determined shortly after this Thursdays preseason game against the Bears.

Here is how things are shaping up for the rest of the team.

Running backs. RB Frank Gore has been impressive. Lots of stories and talk has been coming out of San Francisco about the relationship Gore and NFL great Marshall Faulk have created this off-season. Faulk has somewhat tutored Gore on the ins and outs of Martz’s offence. If Gore can play anywhere close to how Faulk did during his heyday, the 49ers staring quarterback should find his job considerably easier. RB Michael Robinson continues to be sidelined. RB DeShaun Foster has impressed and should be considered a quality handcuff to Gore owners. Foster, with fresh legs will be a nice change of pace back for the 49ers this season.

Wide receivers. Who knows if any of these guys will make an impact with the way the quarterbacks have played. Some things though are for certain. Rookie WR Josh Morgan is having the camp of his life and has gone from rookie sixth rounder to possible starter. Morgan is big, fast and, has that wiggle that helps get him open both before and after the catch. How Morgan fell into the sixth round is really a mystery in hindsight. WR Isaac Bruce is playing well and has been a great mentor for the young wide in San Francisco. WR Bryant Johnson has a nagging hamstring that has kept him out of practice the last ten days or so. Johnson needs to get healthy quickly as both Morgan and WR Arnaz Battle would love his spot. WR Ashley Lelie has been missing from practice for most of camp and most likely won’t make the 49ers this year. WR Jason Hill is expected to be the 49ers fifth wide out but, still needs to improve heading into his second pro season.

Tight End. TE Vernon Davis is the starter, but how Martz uses him is still somewhat of a mystery. Davis should get plenty of looks this season but probably wont be a league leader. His raw talent should be utilized better as the 49ers have much invested in the young tight end. Davis for his part, has been a much more mature and disciplined player this off season.

Offensive Line. This unit has played very well. C Eric Heitmann seems much better than last year now that his injuries have fully healed. OG Tony Wragge has also been very dominating on the inside. Wragge has probably forced the 49ers coaches to get him into the starting line up in place of either OG David Bass, who has yet to return from injury or, OG Adam Snyder, who has struggled at times this off season. LT Joe Staley has and will continue to endure growing pains at his new position but, he has looked the part of a future pro bowler. RT Jonas Jennings is, oddly enough, injured yet again. Expect the team to use RT Barry Simms early and often this season. Promising RT Damane Duckett was lost for the season with a knee injury so the 49ers have begun scouring the waver wires for another backup tackle. First up is un-drafted free agent OT Chris Patrick. This position really needs addressing next off-season.

Special teams. Everything is very good for the 49ers at special teams this season. CR/KR Allan Rossum had a punt return for a touchdown against the Packers. The 49ers haven’t had much excitement form return game so Rossum figures to be a great shot in the arm this season.

Defensive line. DE Ray McDonald has had a couple of fantastic preseason games for the 49ers already. McDonald has displayed some good quick moves and some good old fashion bull rush moves that have netted him two and half sacks. McDonald becoming a legitimate started would be a huge boon for a 49er team looking for any kind of pass rush. DE/LB Justin Smith has looked his part so far in camp and will make the transition to OLB/DE hybrid easily. Rookie DT Kentwan Balmer looks overwhelmed and probably won’t contribute much this season. DT Aubrayo Franklin and DE Isaac Sopoaga are playing there role and, will be defensive regulars this year.

Linebacker. ILB Takeo Spikes was signed and instantly penciled in as the starter next to superstar ILB Patrick Willis. Spikes should provide not only sure tackling next to Willis bu, also some big plays. Spikes made plenty of big plays while playing next to London Fletcher in Buffalo. ILB Jeff Ulbrich will most likely be a special team’s player and backup in the middle. OLB Tully Banta Cain has had good games so far in preseason but, has only played on special teams and pass-rushing situations. Banta Cain is proving that he is better has a situational type guy. OLB Manny Lawson hasn’t been spectacular but is certainly better than any player the 49ers have at outside linebacker. Lawson needs to step up his play as the 49ers need a playmaker from the outside.

Defensive back. CB Walt Harris and CB Nate Clements are the starters and no one is really pushing them. Clements is probably the team’s best defensive player and is being counted on to have another stellar season. FS Dashon Goldson continues to be a ball hawk and, will eventually push veteran FS Mark Roman to the bench. HC Mike Nolan has always favored veterans, often times to a fault. Nolan hopefully won’t make this mistake with Goldson and Roman. SS Michael Lewis is primed for a huge season and should be amongst the team leaders in tackles this season.

News and Notes

-ILB Brandon Moore was cut.

-OT Chris Patrick was signed to an undisclosed one year contract.

-OG Jeb Terry was cut.

-DT Kentwan Balmer signed a five year contract. All 49ers rookies have been signed.

-OT Damane Duckett was placed on IR ending his season.

-Takeo Spikes was signed.

Thing are looking up for the 49ers following there win over the Packers. The question that still looms is who will play quarterback for this team and, will he be any good. Martz has worked his magic before so, faith must be placed with him as the season is gearing up. The defense has looked promising along with the running game and rookie WR Josh Morgan. The 49ers need to get out of the blocks quickly this season to avoid the rumors that will certainly swirl over HC Mike Nolan and OC Mike Martz. The Game in Chicago this week will determine the remaining position battle for the 49ers. Expect to see a lot of hard-hitting and hard playing from players fighting for playing time and, from others there careers.