San Francisco, CA (My Sportsbook) - Damon Huard hit Brit Miller with the game-winning 40-yard TD pass in the fourth quarter, and the 49ers beat Denver and new head coach Josh McDaniels, 17-16, in the preseason opener for both teams.

Without an official No. 1 quarterback to start the preseason, the 49ers were undoubtedly focused on the play of their signal callers.

A new 49er and ex-Chief, Huard was the most impressive and finished with 98 yards passing on 7-of-9 attempts. His two-point conversion toss to tight end Bear Pascoe following the touchdown to Miller proved decisive in the end of a one-point final.

Shaun Hill started the game and led the club to a field goal on its opening drive. He hit on both of his pass attempts, netting 41 yards. Former No. 1 overall pick Alex Smith played the rest of the first half and completed 5-of-7 passes for 33 yards including a three-yard TD pass to fullback Miller.

Miller was one of five players with two grabs each for San Francisco but the one receiver it wanted to see out there most is embroiled in a contract dispute.

Tenth overall pick wide receiver Michael Crabtree is holding out and has indirectly threatened to sit out the entire 2009 season.

Third-round selection running back Glen Coffee was a bright spot and led the team in rushing with 67 yards on 14 carries.

The Broncos must have been eager to take the field for the first time after one of the more memorable offseasons in franchise history -- and not for the right reasons.

McDaniels, formerly the offensive coordinator of the New England Patriots, was brought in after a frustrating 8-8 season in 2008 that led to the dismissal of longtime head coach Mike Shanahan.

However, he immediately became caught up in a whirlwind of controversy that saw Pro Bowl quarterback Jay Cutler shipped to the Bears and star wide receiver Brandon Marshall demanding a trade before ultimately backing down.

Marshall has made headlines in the past with legal issues and missed the game to be in Atlanta on Friday where a jury acquitted him of domestic violence charges against an ex-girlfriend.

Cutler's heir apparent Kyle Orton, who was obtained in the offseason trade with Chicago, had a Broncos debut to forget, getting picked off three times and completing 9-of-16 passes for 89 yards.

Backup Chris Simms made a case for the job running the offense in the second half, tossing two TD passes and throwing for 142 yards on 11-of-17 attempts before falling one point shy after a failed two-point conversion with 1:52 to play.

First-round draft choice running back Knowshon Moreno ran the ball just three times for 18 yards while holdover back Peyton Hillis led the charge with 49 yards on 10 carries.

In the absence of Marshall, the wide receiving corps were paced by Eddie Royal with four grabs for 46 yards. Kenny McKinley caught a 52-yard TD pass from Simms to make it a one-point game late in the game while Jeb Putzier hauled in the other score.

Game Notes

Denver outgained San Francisco 341-278 and won the time of possession battle 31:42-28:18...Each team was fairly proficient on third down with the Broncos going 7-for-12 on conversions and the 49ers ending 7-for-13.