Jimmy Garoppolo has game to forget as 49ers defeat Broncos 24-15

San Francisco 49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo compiles quarterback rating of zero in his first game action since ACL surgery.

San Francisco 49ers franchise quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo's highly-anticipated return to the football field didn't go according to plan, as the QB failed to gain a first down -- or a yard through the air -- during his three drives under center on Monday Night Football.

Denver Broncos defenders either knocked down or intercepted each of Garoppolo's first four pass attempts of the game. The quarterback's day ended with an incomplete pass intended for rookie tight end Kaden Smith, and then a screen pass to running back Matt Breida, who was brought down at the line of scrimmage for no gain.

Garoppolo's final stat line for the game was one completion for zero yards and an interception on six pass attempts.

Garoppolo wasn't poised in the pocket during his first game since tearing his ACL in Week 3 of the 2018 regular season, and was quick to get the ball out of his hands in order to avoid contact. The 49ers' offensive line did no favors for its quarterback, who was under duress during a number of his throws.

What is supposed to be Garoppolo's final tune-up of the preseason will take place next Saturday. Next week, the 49ers will travel to take on the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium, where Garoppolo sustained his knee injury last year.

Today, the Broncos dominated the first half of play, but were held to three field goals by 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh's new bend-but-don't-break defensive unit.

However, the third quarter of tonight's Monday Night Football matchup belonged to San Francisco, as the Niners held the Broncos to negative yardage on their first two drives of the second half, and responded with a pair of touchdown drives of their own.

Running back Raheem Mostert's 30-yard scamper gave the 49ers their first lead of the evening early in the second half. On the following drive, RB Jeff Wilson punched the ball into the end zone after a 45-yard run by rookie wide receiver Deebo Samuel.

The San Francisco 49ers' final score of their second preseason game came on a pass from quarterback Nick Mullens to wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, who dropped a deep attempt from QB C.J. Beathard earlier in the half. Bourne made up for his previous mistake by snatching Mullens' pass out of the air before getting both feet down in the back of the end zone.

But perhaps the highlight of the game came from 49ers punter Mitch Wishnowsky, who harnessed his "Australian Rules Football" days and crushed Broncos running back Devontae Jackson on a kick return: