Aug. 22, 2008

The 1½ sacks registered by relatively unheralded second-year DE Ray McDonald in the Niners’ second preseason game vs. Green Bay was not a fluke, according to team insiders. After displaying some impressive flashes with increased playing time at the end of his rookie campaign last season, McDonald reportedly has picked right up where he left off and then some. Fellow second-year Niner Joe Staley, who has spent a lot of time this offseason matched up across the line from McDonald at left tackle, told one team source that McDonald is “20 times better than he was last year.” Reporting to camp 10 pounds heavier at 290, McDonald’s improved pass-rush skills have been evident from the get-go, particularly when he has been on the field along with newly acquired Justin Smith, with both players frequently being shifted around depending on matchups. Another player who could be providing more of an impact in the pass-rush department this season is Tully Banta-Cain, who was a disappointment in his first season as a Niner last year after reportedly showing up to camp 20 pounds overweight and injuring an ankle that he said limited him all season. Banta-Cain reported to camp in much better shape this season and has provided much more of a pass-rushing presence, recently racking up a pair of sacks against the Packers while playing on the second team.