We watched the replay of San Francisco/Chicago today to see just how effective the 49ers' offensive line was without center Jeremy Newberry. The answer? They don't appear to miss him a bit. Replacement center Eric Heitmann was in total command. He made line calls, sight adjustments, and helped give QB Alex Smith a nice pocket to work with. On a screen pass to RB Frank Gore, Heitmann pulled and led out with a mean block on Bears LB Lance Briggs to spring Gore for 14 yards. On the left side, 12-year veteran guard Larry Allen looked exceptionally fresh. He's a mountain of a man but his footwork is perfect. Allen played every snap for Dallas last year so maybe he does have plenty of gas left. Finally, we have to say that Alex Smith played extremely well. He hit 16-of-21 passes and made several superb throws on the run. Last year's #1 overall pick seems to mesh well with what OC Norv Turner has installed -- and his trio of WRs, Antonio Bryant, Arnaz Battle, & Bryan Gilmore all made plays. Suddenly it doesn't seem outlandish to assume he'll be a solid fantasy backup QB. We're gonna have a little fun with this stuff and raise Smith's projections.

Two-time Pro Bowl 49ers C Jeremy Newberry (knee) says he's healthy for the first time in 3 years, and to prove it he's been racing open-wheel stock cars this month. "It's just driving. Driving doesn't bother my knee at all," Newberry said. "My knee's fine. I've been biking and running and swimming." Newberry's had two surgeries on his right knee, the latter being a microfracture procedure. HC Mike Nolan probably isn't thrilled about his best lineman driving at 150 mph, but the 49ers have no leverage to stop him. "Our contracts do tell players to stay away from reckless behavior but do not go into specifics," Nolan said. "If you do not wear the proper protective gear, that is where ignorance comes in." Newberry is a master at recognizing defensive fronts. If he gives them 16 healthy games it would help 2nd-year QB Alex Smith immensely.