SAN FRANCISCO — Somewhere out there, Michael Crabtree was watching. Crabtree is one of three first-round picks to not yet sign a contract with the team that drafted him, and he’s the leading contender to be the final holdout.

Crabtree’s best bargaining position — indeed his only bargaining position — would have been if the 49ers’ offense was so inept against the Denver Broncos on Friday night that San Francisco and its fans suddenly became desperate for a playmaker with his skills. Crabtree needed an exhibition game that reminded everyone of the 49ers’ morbidly dull 2007 offense.
He didn’t get it. Dressed in classic-look uniforms, the 49ers certainly didn’t remind anyone of classic San Francisco teams in their 17-16 win over Denver. But there was enough offensive flair that Crabtree’s stubborn desire for a contract exceeding that of the 10th overall pick will continue to fall on deaf ears.
Though Shaun Hill got the start for the 49ers at quarterback, coach Mike Singletary seemed most interested in seeing how Alex Smith could move his offense.
Hill lasted only one series, completing both pass attempts for first downs and scrambling for nine yards on his only rushing attempt.
That is, he looked exactly like the Shaun Hill who helped resuscitate the 49ers last season. With Hill, you know what you’re getting.
Smith is the bigger mystery for Singletary and the 49ers.
His first attempt, from his own 22, was a familiar sight. Smith found no one open, double clutched and pulled down the ball. It was the same action that prompted a chorus of boos from a training camp crowd earlier this month.
This time, it resulted in a seven-yard sack. In fact, Broncos defensive coordinator Mike Nolan made sure he kept the pressure on the quarterback he drafted No. 1 overall in 2005. As he did last summer against Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Nolan dialed up several blitzes against Smith, especially on third down and especially when the 49ers were hemmed in their own territory.
The 49ers knew they would be coming. Smith had a perfect opportunity to zing his former coach when, from the 49ers’ 11, the Broncos blitzed and Glen Coffee was left alone in the flat. Smith’s pass, however, was rushed, and the ball fell incomplete.
Otherwise, it was a good, solid start for what Smith hopes is a triumphant comeback from two shoulder surgeries. Singletary said that Smith “did a pretty decent job here and there.” He completed 5 of 7 passes, including a nice, three-yard touchdown to rookie fullback Brit Miller, his last option on the play. Smith finished with a passer rating of 120.8. Hill was right behind him at 118.8.
The pass catchers also stood out.
Top option Josh Morgan made Smith look good when he stepped in front of Denver cornerback Champ Bailey to snag a 14-yard reception.
Meanwhile, Vernon Davis was used better on one drive Friday than he was for most of last season.
Hill connected with him twice on the opening drive once on a 23-yard catch-and-run and later on an 18-yard pass on third and 15.
“Vernon’s had a great camp, and he continued to come out tonight and do a good job,” Hill said. “The first ball, it was kind of a tough ball for him, and he handled it well, turned upfield and got some yards.”
Crabtree should take note.
Before the game, owner Jed York said that despite their entrenched positions, both parties continue to negotiate.
“We’ll get it done,” York said. “I don’t know when, but we’ll get it done.”
York noted that a deadline by which the 49ers could have traded their rights to Crabtree passed Friday. That is, either Crabtree plays for the 49ers in 2009 or no one else.
“We’re all in,” York said.