Rossum makes quick 49ers' history

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Allen Rossum provided the quickest touchdown in 49ers history on Monday night.

Rossum picked up a couple blocks from Michael Robinson to get to the left sideline and raced 104 yards for the second-longest scoring play in franchise history on the opening kickoff Monday.

All it took him was 12 seconds to get into the end zone and spot the 49ers a seven-point advantage. The 49ers eventually dropped a heart-breaking 29-24 loss the Arizona Cardinals in front of a national-TV audience.

“It was very exciting to get the offense – and the team – a lift,” Rossum said. “We controlled well over the majority of the game after that. We just didn’t finish off the game.”

It was the second-longest return in 49ers’ history, topped only by Abe Woodson’s 105-yard return in 1959.

And it was only the third time the 49ers have opened a game with a touchdown on a kickoff return. Vic Washington last accomplished it on Dec. 23, 1972 in a playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys.

Rossum has returned five kickoffs for touchdowns in his 11-year career.

DAVIS MAKES AMENDS

Tight end Vernon Davis was called for unsportsmanlike conduct, but this time it came after a touchdown.

Coach Mike Singletary complimented Davis on the nicely done 18-yard touchdown catch, but advised him to “stay smart.”

Davis said he got so excited because it’s been so long since he has scored a touchdown. It was his first touchdown grab of the season.

As for his rapport with Singletary, Davis said, “I love coach Singletary. He’s probably one of the best head coaches I’ve ever had. He knows how to get a team prepared.”

HILL, MORGAN EXCEL

The 49ers got nice contributions from their young receivers. Second-year player Jason Hill had his best game in the NFL, as he caught seven passes for 84 yards while filling in for injured Arnaz Battle.

Rookie Josh Morgan made a juggling catch of a 31-yard touchdown pass over Cardinals cornerback Roderick Hood. It was Morgan’s second touchdown of the season.

The 49ers have not had a rookie wide receiver catch more than two touchdown passes in a season since Terrell Owens in 1996, when he scored four times.

Also, Dominique Zeigler, who was promoted from the practice squad on Saturday, caught a 22-yard pass in the fourth quarter – his first NFL reception.

EXTRA POINTS

The Cardinals had two interception returns for touchdowns nullified by penalties. Late in the third quarter, Cardinals safety Antrel Rolle returned an interception for an apparent touchdown that would have given Arizona its first lead of the game. However, safety Adrian Wilson was called for offsides on the play to give the 49ers a reprieve.

Two plays later, Wilson got penetration up the middle to force a 49ers fumble at the San Francisco 10-yard line. The 49ers’ defense held, and the Cardinals settled for a field goal to cut the 49ers’ lead to 24-23.

Later, the Cardinals for were called for another offside to nullify Wilson’s touchdown.

Tight end Delanie Walker (shoulder) and Morgan (abdominal strain) both returned to the game after sustaining injuries.

Rookie Chilo Rachal, a second-round draft pick, saw his first action of the season. He entered the game at right guard on the final play of the second quarter. His block on Arizona linebacker Karlos Dansby to pave the way for Frank Gore to gain 25 yards.

The 49ers’ inactive players were Jamie Martin (third quarterback), cornerback Reggie Smith, safety Dashon Goldson, linebacker Ahmad Brooks, center Cody Wallace, tackle Barry Sims, tight end Sean Ryan and receiver Arnaz Battle.

For more on the 49ers, go to Instant 49ers at http://blog.pressdemocrat.com/49ers.

You can reach Staff Writer Matt Maiocco at 521-5492 or matt.maiocco@pressdemocrat.com