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We're finally here. The first game of the preseason is upon us. Are you excited? I am. For those of you who want to watch football at its best, this is not for you. For those of us, myself included, who want to see how these position battles are going to play out, who might emerge from the jumbled mess that is the wide receiver position or want to see 'the Adonis", Lawrence Okoye in action, well...this is for you.
Busy night here in Oz, so I'll get you straight to it. Lights, camera, linkage...
49ers - Broncos
Ruthless Sports Guy gives us plenty of reasons to watch the first preseason game against the Denver Broncos. Sure, us diehards don't need a reason, but he gives us some talking points and things to keep an eye on. | Plenty of reasons to watch 49ers' preseason opener (BASG)
I don't know if it's worth an article as the whole world already knew it, but it should be repeated. | Colin Kaepernick won't play for long against Denver Broncos (Mercury News)
Kaepernick with different agenda than 49ers other quarterbacks in exhibition opener (Mercury News)
Colin Kaepernick, Peyton Manning Have Mutual Respect (49ers.com)
Wide Receivers
I've had high expectations for Quinton Patton. I was bummed out to see he's been unable to catch a pass to date due to his injured finger. I hope this doesn't slow down his development. It's good to see Boldin take a shine to him. | Boldin Mentors Excitable Quinton Patton (49ers.com)
How many of you think that Austin Collie will be one of the 49ers' top 3 receivers when the season gets underway? He's got the experience that the rest of the group behind Boldin sorely lacks. | Addition of Austin Collie Could Pay Big Dividends for 49ers (NBC)
Energetic rookie WR reels in another fan: Anquan Boldin (Branch)
Chad Hall and Marlon Moore: Not Forgotten in WR Race (Biderman - Scout.com)
Kasim Osgood Moonlights as Food Critic (49ers.com)
Other News
Mike Sando brings us an extended piece on our favorite quarterback, the myths that surround his game, his goals for the future and more. | Myth busting with 49ers' Colin Kaepernick (Sando)
I grew up in Fairfield, just over the hill from Vallejo. Now we didn't have any rappers of our own (unless you count EZSD and Rhythm X....I'm reluctant to do so), so when E-40 and Mac Dre started blowing up around 1990 we all followed intently. The Click's Down & Dirty and E-40's Federal are still two of my favorite albums. Thanks E-40. | E-40, Niners Fan for Life (49ers.com)
If you're into podcasts, a good one that is Ninercentric and not produced by Niners Nation is Better Rivals by the good people at 49erswebzone. | Football! On your phone. And your Television. (Finally!) (49erswebzone)
Justin Smith: D-Line Has Depth (49ers.com)
Daniel Kilgore aims to remain with starting unit (Maiocco)
Coach's Notebook: Aug. 7 (49ers.com)
‘Great Brit' Lawrence Okoye enjoying being a ‘bad football player' (Inman)
49ers Position Battles to Heat Up (49ers.com)
Nose tackle rebounds from rejection to find spot with 49ers (Press Democrat)
Being a Sheep
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