SAN FRANCISCO 49ers' reversal has Stokes smiling

The team has come full circle in just a few short seasons.
By JOE SCALZO
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
J.J. Stokes has been through it all.
In January 1998, Stokes was a young wide receiver in San Francisco playing in the NFC Championship game on the tail end of the 49ers' dynasty.
In January 2000, Stokes was sitting at home watching the playoffs after the 49ers' second straight losing season.
Meet Colts Sunday: They are a good team," said Stokes of the Colts. "They've had some unfortunate injuries, but they're very talented, especially at the skill positions."
So are the 49ers.
Quarterback Jeff Garcia has been outstanding this season, completing 207-of-318 passes for 2,263 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Through his first 35 starts with San Francisco, Garcia averages more yards per game (254.9) and more touchdowns (62) than both Joe Montana and Steve Young in their first 35 starts.
He has a quarterback rating of 92.5 during that span.
Stokes isn't surprised with Garcia's success.
"I don't think [49ers executive] Bill Walsh would have brought him in unless he thought he was going to be a good quarterback," Stokes said.
"Jeff is getting better and he's really settled in."
San Francisco has won five of its last six games to remain in the hunt for the NFC West title.
The 49ers' last eight games this season have been close -- with one loss coming to Chicago in overtime -- and Stokes is happy with how his team has responded.
"We don't stop fighting," he said. "I think it shows we're not quitters. I think [the parity in the NFL] makes for exciting games and you're getting the best out of each team. It just boils down to who wants it most."
Good combination: Stokes (6-4, 217) and wideout Terrell Owens (63 catches, 867 yards and 11 touchdowns) form one of the best wide receiver combinations in the NFL.
Stokes, who was drafted 10th overall in the 1995 NFL draft on a pick the 49ers obtained from the Cleveland Browns, has 28 catches for 307 yards and three touchdowns this year, including two touchdowns in last week's overtime win over Carolina.
"I've always been confident in my skills and last week I was able to show that for everybody," Stokes said. "But I'm hungry, I'm greedy and I want to do more."
Speaking of hungry, Stokes spent Thanksgiving with his brother and sister-in-law in California, but was careful not to eat too much.
"I can't gain too much weight or I'll have to run it off the next day," he said.
scalzo@vindy.com