The 49ers were an unknown quantity, with a recent streak of losing seasons.
But they had a promising quarterback. The coaching staff decided to start him in the third exhibition game. The Exalted One did OK, completing 12-of-20 passes for 78 yards. He was intercepted twice.
The Exalted One entered the final exhibition game in the second half. It was a five-alarm disaster. He threw eight passes, completing two for 17 yards. He also threw two interceptions, both of which were returned for touchdowns — a 49-yarder, then a 32-yarder, just 1:24 apart. The Exalted One was stampeded into the ground by defenders blocking for the interceptor after the second pick.