After looking outstanding in an August scrimmage against the Raiders that more than a few observers and 49ers players said might have been the team's "best practice ever," CB Nate Clements' level of play suddenly went straight downhill.

But after never looking worse in a Niners uniform much of the preseason, the team's high-priced cornerback never looked better in San Francisco's first two victories against the Cardinals and Seahawks.

"It's as good as I've seen him play," one team insider said. "He is so quick to recognize things in the cover-2. He comes off receivers so fast and offers just outstanding run support. He did a great job holding (Cardinals star WR) Larry Fitzgerald in check in the first game, and against Seattle (six tackles, four pass breakups) he really only allowed two catches."

Clements acknowledged his preseason funk in a conversation with PFW four days before the Niners' Week Three visit to Minnesota.

"I remember a quote from Herman Edwards: 'Tough men will last through the tough times.' " he said. "There will be times when the ball just doesn't bounce your way and your game gets in a funk. That's when you just have to keep grinding away, just keep working regardless of what people might say."

Clements was much more comfortable talking about his teammates in a San Francisco secondary that looks greatly improved this season with new starters at free safety (Dashon Goldson replacing Mark Roman) and right cornerback (Shawntae Spencer replacing the injured Walt Harris) and veteran free-agent pickup Dre' Bly picking up the slack as the team's primary nickel back.

"Dre' knows all the ins and outs with his great experience. He knows how to create opportunities," Clements told PFW. "As for Dashon, I feel real comfortable playing with him. He has great range back there in the middle of the field and covers a lot of ground, which allows me to play wide receivers more aggressively. He's not afraid to stick his nose out there. The two things that stick out about Shawntae are his consistency and smooth footwork."

As for his critique of Nate Clements?

"I just pride myself on being a complete corner," he said. "The work on my technique and all the little things has gotten me to where I'm at today."   

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