O’Sullivan Benched; Hill in for Niners

The 49ers have made a key personnel decision today, the first major move for Mike Singletary since becoming head coach. Instead of watching J.T. O’Sullivan bark signals in the backfield, fans can get used to seeing Shaun Hill throw the football.

O’Sullivan, who threw 11 interceptions and fumbled the ball 11 times (losing 6) this season, has been on a five game stretch in which he’s looked uncomfortable and, not surprisingly, horrendous. His passer rating has eclipsed 60 just once in that time, which is a shame considering his first three games of the season were respectable. And in only one of his past five starts has he posted a completion percentage above 60; twice he’s completed half or fewer of his psases.

Hill, on the other hand, played well week eight. He threw a touchdown pass and completed 65.2 percent of his pass attempts for 178 yards; in the same game, O’Sullivan completed 61.9 percent of his passes for 131 yards and an interception. Hill, 28 and in his seventh season, has started just two games in his career; interestingly, he threw four touchdowns and one interception in those starts. He has a career rating of 101.5.