PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : NFC : Walsh Says It Was Same Ol’ Montana

Bill Walsh, former coach of the San Francisco 49ers, gave Joe Montana “the highest possible marks,” after his return to the field Monday night against the Detroit Lions.

Montana, who hadn’t played in almost two years, completed 15 of 21 passes for 126 yards and two touchdowns.

“I saw no difference whatsoever between Joe of 10 years ago and this Joe Montana,” said Walsh, who saw parts of the game on television in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., where his Stanford team will play Penn State on Friday in the Blockbuster Bowl.

“But I don’t think any of us will have a full appreciation of this until Joe is chased around the field a little bit and has to avoid a lot of people and still make plays. That will probably happen next year sometime.”

Of course, the big question remains where Montana will be playing next year.

“Joe happened to be at my house the other evening talking about his career,” Walsh said. “I’ve been sort of a counsel for him, and I think he distinctly plans to play two, probably three more years.

“I’m not in a position to remark as to whether he will be back with the 49ers because Steve Young has clearly been the best quarterback in the NFL the last two years. (Young) is the MVP of the NFL, and Joe is the greatest ever. I’m not sure Joe is willing to be a backup at this point.”