Source: San Jose Mercury News

Alex Smith fired a 15-yard pass over the middle to Vernon Davis and ... nope, this wouldn't be a re-creation of their game-winning touchdown pass against New Orleans in the playoffs.

Instead, linebacker NaVorro Bowman intercepted it.

This came two plays into Thursday's red-zone drills, an area of needed emphasis at training camp. This was also the start of a trend, as six other passes were intercepted and none of the four quarterbacks was exempt.

The greater concern is red-zone efficiency, especially when you consider Smith's franchise-low five interceptions a year ago.

Last season, the 49ers were the league's third-worst team at scoring touchdowns after penetrating their opponents' 20-yard line, doing so on only 22 of 54 drives (40.7 percent).

"We were third in the NFL last season in red-zone scoring," offensive coordinator Greg Roman countered.

Yes, that's correct, as the 49ers' converted all but four red-zone possessions into points.

Continue Reading...