• OK, first things first. Nolan did not annouce the regular-season starter despite JTO's near-perfect performance in the first quarter. Nolan said he'd need to review game film and talk to players before making that announcement. "Naturally, J.T. started out 7 of 8 or whatever - did a nice job," Nolan said. "Outside of that, like I said, I'd like to do everything the right way." To me, that sounds like our long, hard wait is almost over.
• The overriding feeling in the locker room after this one: confidence. Two weeks ago, there was no confidence. The 49ers looked ragged in practice, the players were dog tired. Now they're exhibiting all the signs of a Martz offense. Sure, the Bears defense isn't what it was two years ago. But they still have Urlacher, Briggs and Vasher, and the 49ers were pushing them around early on.
• As I noted before, there were three injuries. Jeff Ulbrich and Allen Rossum injured their backs, but neither seems serious at this point. Dashon Goldson left the game with cramps.
• Man, Keith Lewis had a rough night. Sacramento's own recovered a fumble on special teams. But he also blew a tackle on the Bears' first long kick return and dropped an easy interception. Then he allowed Brandon Lloyd -- Brandon Lloyd! -- to beat him for a blocked punt. Keith Lewis is one of the toughest guys in the NFL. Lloyd is, shall we say, not as tough. A play like that has got to sting.
• Now I'm going to see about getting three or four hours of sack time before my flight back to San Jose (Whaaa!). Remember, Nolan's presser is at 3 p.m. So check in shortly thereafetr to see if "The Decision" finally has been made.

-- Matt Barrows