GAME DAY

1) Question: OK, who’s faster? Bo Jackson or Napoleon Kaufman?

Answer: Tim Brown knows. Although Kaufman broke Bo Jackson’s Raider mark of 221 rushing yards last Sunday with a 227-yard performance, Brown said there’s no comparison.

“There are not too many people ever to walk this earth, including track guys and all, who were faster than Bo Jackson,” Brown said. “[Kaufman] is quick fast. Bo was fast fast. We were talking about that the other day. Bo was incredible when it came to speed. I don’t know many guys who played here--James Jett, Rocket Ismail--who could run with Bo.

“Bo was once timed at 4.09 in the 40-yard dash. That is unheard of. I don’t think Napoleon is that kind of fast.”

2) Q: What’s a bulldozer like Jerome Bettis think of a flashy dart like Kaufman?

A: Bettis, who weighs 250, is competing for NFL rushing honors against the likes of Sanders and Kaufman, who have the ability to break off 80-yard runs for touchdowns.

“I look at Barry and say he’s special,” Bettis said. “Napoleon Kaufman, he’s special. But what are they going to do on fourth and one? Are they going to give him the ball? No, they’re going to bring in another back . . . because in goal-line situations, those guys are out of the game.”

3) Q: So how’s Mike Ditka doing so far?

A: Terrible. Since Jim Mora’s resignation, the Saints have gone 3-13 under interim coach Rick Venturi and Ditka. Ditka’s team is 2-6, the third consecutive year the Saints have opened 2-6, and they are headed for 2-7 with a date against the 49ers.

After last week’s failure to score a point, Ditka teams in Chicago and New Orleans have been shut out five times in 11 1/2 seasons--three times by the 49ers.

4) Q: Are the 49ers that good, or their competition that bad?

A: The competition stinks, but we will learn a little bit about how good the 49ers are starting next week, and then down the stretch. San Francisco has Dallas at home after taking on the Saints, and then concludes the season against Kansas City, Minnesota, Denver and Seattle, who have a combined record of 20-8.

5) Q: What’s different about the 49ers?

A: Garrison Hearst. In the last three games, Hearst has averaged more than five yards a carry. Through seven games, the 49ers have gained 42.2% of their offensive yardage by rushing, which takes the pressure off quarterback Steve Young and bodes well for late December and playoff games. Last year the 49ers averaged 33.5% of their offense on the ground.