San Francisco 49ers: Nick Mullens, big takeaways from win vs. Raiders in Week 9

Nick Mullens enjoyed an unreal debut as the San Francisco 49ers snapped a six-game losing streak with a huge win over the Raiders. We look at the takeaways.

The San Francisco 49ers finally got back to winning ways in the most unexpected of fashions as Nick Mullens enjoyed an incredible NFL debut in a 34-3 rout of the Oakland Raiders.

It was billed of the final Battle of The Bay, but Mullens, pressed into service because of a wrist injury to C.J. Beathard, ensured it was a walkover in one of the most unlikely stories of the 2018 season.

Here we look at three takeaways as the Niners improved to 2-7 on the season thanks to their third-string quarterback.

Mullens Mania hits San Francisco

In the preseason, “Mullens Magic” became something of a phenomenon in 49ers circles as he produced a series of impressive second-half performances, including a comeback against the Dallas Cowboys.

Few would have expected him to reproduce such displays in a competitive game, but from the first series it was obvious the occasion of his first NFL regular-season action in primetime was not too big for him.

The atrocious Raiders defense made it easier for him but Mullens was composed and confident throughout, moving defenders with his eyes and delivering consistently well-timed throws to move the ball easily up and down the field.

From dealing with pressure in his face to making throws off play-action and on the run, this was a dream debut for Mullens where everything went right, his one turnover-worthy throw going through the hands of Raiders corner Gareon Conley in the end zone. Finishing with a stat line of 16/22 for 262 yards and three touchdowns, Mullens Magic may be transformed into Mullens Mania after what was arguably the best performance by a 49ers quarterback this season.

A quarterback controversy nobody would ever have thought of has arrived for the Niners, and the more contentious decision now would be to go back to Beathard.