Nolan hired Martz to take over a 49ers offense that was in desperate need of repair. Under one-and-done offensive coordinator Jim Hostler, the 49ers ranked last in the NFL in total yards, passing yards and scoring.

It is only two games into this season, but the 49ers have already shown dramatic improvement from a year ago. The 49ers are more than 90 yards and nine points a game better than a year ago.

Quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan passed for 321 yards in the 49ers' road victory against the Seattle Seahawks, thus breaking a drought of 60 consecutive 49ers games in which they failed to produce a 300-yard passing game.

The reason for the turnaround?

"First, it starts with Mike Martz, the coordinator," Nolan said.

The 49ers will try to keep their offensive show going on Sunday against the Lions, who visit Candlestick Park in a huge game for both teams.

The 49ers (1-1) need a home victory before facing four difficult games at New Orleans, at home against New England and Philadelphia, and back to the road at the New York Giants.

The Lions, meanwhile, are 0-2 and in danger of digging too deep of a hole to overcome in the NFC North.

While Martz might be the biggest key to the team's improved offense, he is not alone. The 49ers signed free agents O'Sullivan, along with receivers Bryant Johnson and Isaac Bruce to help invigorate the team's passing attack.

O'Sullivan appears to be a significant upgrade over Alex Smith, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 draft. Smith started 30 games with the 49ers before going on injured reserve last year and this year with shoulder injuries.

O'Sullivan has a 96.3 passer rating in two games and his getting high marks for his command of the huddle.

Bruce was held without a catch in the season opener, but he rebounded with four catches for 153 yards in the victory over Seattle. Johnson is tied for the team lead with nine catches. He has 126 yards and the team's only TD catch of the season.

"There are some unfamiliar faces from a year ago that have made us better, all the way from the coordinator down to the players on the field," Nolan said.

The 49ers also added veteran running back DeShaun Foster to the mix to serve as Frank Gore's backup. Gore is still the central figure of the 49ers' offense, but Nolan said Foster will be used at some point this season.

"I think he is one who, as the season goes along, will be an outstanding complement to Frank," Nolan said.

Gore is ecstatic that the 49ers have found some semblance of a passing game after averaging just 145.0 throwing last season. Gore predicts that defenses will no longer be able to stack the box to defend the run while showing complete disregard for the 49ers' passing attack.

"I know defensive coordinators are going to try to stop me and I'm just happy the receivers and quarterback did a great job," Gore said. "Now teams see that we can throw the ball and make plays down the field. I can go crazy again."

SERIES HISTORY: 62nd meeting. The 49ers lead 33-27-1, including victories in 10 of the past 11 meetings from 1988. The 49ers have won the past five meetings since 1996.