Signs of 2005 still seen by Nolan

Monday, August 28, 2006 MCCLATCHY NEWSPAPERS IRVING, Texas — Alex Smith's first touchdown pass in three exhibitions wasn't enough to overcome an overall performance that was reminiscent of the 49ers at their worst last season. Neither was the glimpse of the potential of rookie tight end Vernon Davis, who caught Smith's scoring pass midway through the third quarter. The overwhelming impressions left by the 49ers' 17-7 loss Saturday night to the Dallas Cowboys were that of an ineffective offense and a defense that could barely get off the field. Coach Mike Nolan had billed the game as a crucial test for a young team in search of an identity after the 49ers followed an impressive opening victory against Chicago with a dull performance last weekend in a loss to the Raiders. That the 49ers' starters played into the third quarter punctuated the unease over the team's showing against the Cowboys. "It certainly wasn't the performance I had hoped for, in particular on the defense," Nolan said. "We didn't play well. We looked a little bit like we did last year, to be honest with you, where we would run around and try hard but it just wouldn't come out in our favor. "I want to see signs that we're better than we were a year ago, not the same signs."