Jeff Garcia: Nick Mullens' prep showed in 49ers' win over Raiders

Editor’s note: Former 49ers Pro Bowl quarterback Jeff Garcia, now an NBC Sports Bay Area analyst, will share his thoughts on the team each week throughout the season. This week, he takes a look at how the 49ers can build on their victory over the Raiders.

The 49ers got off to a strong start last week against the Raiders and never let up.

Sure, it’s the Raiders, and the Raiders aren’t looking too good at this time. But it does not matter. It’s the National Football League. It’s the approach the 49ers have to take every game.

I was impressed with Nick Mullens in his first NFL start.

I loved the up-tempo approach on the first drive. The 49ers got to the line of scrimmage, created a change of pace, and put the pressure on the Raiders to react to them. The 49ers got the Raiders off-guard early with quick throws and the run game, which helped the play-action movement game. And for the most part, Mullens put the ball in the right place on receivers, giving them a chance to catch and run. There weren’t any turnovers. It was just good, sound football.

The defense played well, too. They played hard and really got after the quarterback. If they can continue to create timing issues for the quarterback, it will help the defensive backfield and not put them on an island like they have been throughout much of this season.

Mullens' preparation showed

The great thing about Mullens’ approach to the game is he seems to be really prepared.

He has taken time to run through every game plan to visualize every play, every decision, his footwork, his reads and reactions, and all those things that you need to apply on the field. It’s not always that easy when you’re not getting the physical reps, but he was able to mentally prepare himself for when he got the opportunity.

You’re not going to get many opportunities in life. But when you get that chance, are you truly ready to take advantage of it? This was Mullens' opportunity, and he took advantage of it.

He showed he’s very capable of playing at the highest of levels, that he can run an offense, that he can be productive, that he can put points on the board. I don’t know if there’s a better way to launch yourself onto the scene than having a game like that for a young quarterback.

Next step: String games together

Now, the 49ers have to put together another strong performance Monday night against the New York Giants.

That’s what this game is all about. The teams that are consistent week-in and week-out end up having a chance at the end of the season. The 49ers’ inconsistencies have cost them some tough ballgames this year.

They’re going up against another team that has gone through their own struggles and is trying to find itself. The Giants have experienced a lot of inner turmoil and negative situations. The 49ers need to take advantage of that. They need to look at this game as another opportunity to take a step in the right direction and show they can play consistent, good football on a weekly basis.

There won't be many more opportunities like this throughout the season. So it’s about taking advantage of it and playing lights out at home. Here’s another opportunity to play in front of the hometown crowd on a national scene, show what you’re made of and play dynamic football.

Mostert made case for his future

The win over the Raiders came at a cost when running back Raheem Mostert suffered a fractured arm and underwent season-ending surgery the next day. That’s another tough loss.

Here’s a guy who was really starting to come into his own, getting more carries and showing some great vision and ability to gain yardage with his explosiveness. Mostert was really starting to produce at that running back position and create a different look with him and Matt Breida being the 1-2 punch.

When you have a young team that is starting to grow up, you look at players who are starting to produce. I think Mostert is one of those guys you really have to consider seriously as to making him a piece of this team for a longer term. He can be a big part of the team’s future.

Mostert has shown he has the ability to step in as a running back who can carry the load and be a pass-catcher and create big-play opportunities on the field. He always has been a big part of the team as a core special-teams player, and this season, he showed he can make a big contribution on offense, too.

Mostert is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent in the offseason. The 49ers should look into making more of a long-term commitment to him.