Smith to Crabtree: Offense beats defense

SANTA CLARA -- Near the end of the 49ers' 2 12-hour practice Wednesday, the starters on offense and defense lined up against each other for a last-play-of-the-game scenario.Quarterback Alex Smith last season hit tight end Delanie Walker and Vernon Davis on game-winning touchdowns in the closing seconds of victories against Detroit and New Orleans.MAIOCCO: Davis predicts Super Bowl, or does he?
This time, Smith's strike to Michael Crabtree was on the mark for a 10-yard touchdown between the coverage of cornerback Chris Culliver and safety Donte Whitner.This round went to the offense.The second-team offense was not as successful, as quarterback Colin Kaepernick's attempt to a well-covered Joe Hastings sailed out the back of the end zone.Here are some notes from Wednesday:--Linebackers Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman were excused from practice. Willis returned home Tuesday on a personal matter, the team said. Bowman, an expectant father of twins, is with his girlfriend in the Washington area.
--Others who did not practice due to injuries: Receiver Ted Ginn, guard Joe Looney, and linebackers Joe Holland, Darius Fleming and Cam Johnson.MAIOCCO: Will full-time role impact Aldon Smith's stats?
--Safety Dashon Goldson remains unsigned as the 49ers' franchise player. And running back LaMichael James is finishing school at Oregon.--Cornerback Tramaine Brock had a solid day with a couple of interceptions, including a pick of a Kaepernick pass that sailed over Randy Moss' head at the left sideline. He also had an interception of Josh Johnson in a one-on-one drill.
--Undrafted rookie cornerback Anthony Mosley intercepted a Johnson pass intended for rookie receiver A.J. Jenkins.--Receiver Mario Manningham had an active day with at least three receptions during the 11-on-11 session.--Kyle Williams, Kendall Hunter, Chris Culliver and Perrish Cox got work as the deep men on kickoff returns. Brandon Jacobs and Will Tukuafu were among the players who were working as blockers on the return team.
--Undrafted rookie Nathan Palmer made a nice catch at the sideline of a low Johnson pass during a 7-on-7 red-zone drill. He also made a one-handed catch of a Johnson pass against the coverage of Whitner.--Quarterback Scott Tolzien got a lot of action for the second day in a row and threw the ball with accuracy while also appearing to show improved arm strength.--The 49ers' final practice of their mandatory three-day minicamp is Thursday.