The San Francisco 49ers offense hopes to clean things up after two consecutive underwhelming practices. The team kicked off training camp this week, holding three practices so far. You could interpret the last two sessions as good outings for the defense, but with all eyes on second-year quarterback Trey Lance, the narrative will constantly shift towards the offense.
Lance doesn't seem too concerned, though, even after his second straight day that included throwing an interception. He was 3-of-10 during Friday's team drills.
"There's always going to be ups and downs," Lance told Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports HQ after Friday's practice. "I'm kind of more worried, at this point, about how we respond. I thought it was a little bit sloppy today, for sure, on my end, but we're going to keep getting better. It's only Day 3, so we've got a lot of work to do."
Part of the problem might be some inconsistencies along the offensive line. The team's best offensive lineman, left tackle Trent Williams, has been away this week due to the birth of his child. He is back with the team. Right tackle Mike McGlinchey, who has been rehabbing from a significant injury throughout the offseason, will start participating in team drills on Saturday.
Between the two anchors is where the big transition is taking place. Center Alex Mack retired, and guard Laken Tomlinson left in free agency.
"It's been awesome," Lance said of his offensive line's work early in training camp. "Jake Brendel's done a great job at center. Dan Brunskill as well. We've got two or three rookies that have done a really good job, getting a lot of reps with the ones. A couple of guys in my class, Aaron Banks and Jaylon Moore, I can go up and down the line.
"But those guys have done a great job. It's hard without pads on these first few days, but I'm super excited to keep going and keep growing with these guys."
Arik Armstead: 49ers can repeat as NFC West champs; Trey Lance has a bright future
By David Bonilla
May 25
San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Arik Armstead joined NFL Network's Good Morning Football on Thursday to discuss the state of the team at the start of organized team activities (OTAs). Armstead is part of a defensive line that includes NFL Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa and added former Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Javon Hargrave.
The question that had to be asked: Does San Francisco own the best defensive line in football?
"Well, on paper, I guess you could say that, but 'on paper' doesn't win any game," Armstead responded. "But we're excited about getting together and starting that journey of
49ers insider offers analysis from glimpse of Trey Lance and Sam Darnold
By David Bonilla
May 25
It's premature to draw conclusions about a quarterback based on practices in May. That is especially true when you do so based on one practice. The San Francisco 49ers started organized team activities (OTAs) this week, and all eyes were on Trey Lance and Sam Darnold.
The two players are battling for that QB2 job behind last season's rookie sensation, Brock Purdy. One could even start Week 1 if Purdy is not healthy enough to do so himself.
Lance is coming off a season-ending ankle injury but looks completely healthy now. Darnold is trying to turn his career around after never living up to his high draft status.
Matt Barrows of The Athletic was on hand for Tuesday's practice, the only one open to reporters so far, and one that Barrows describes as a
Is 49ers QB Trey Lance getting better? And is it because of his new teacher? One expert shares his thoughts
By Marc Adams
May 25
Sometimes who is teaching is as important as what is being taught
Earlier this week, when the San Francisco 49ers opened up an OTAs session to the media, most of the eyes, in person and online, were on third-year quarterback Trey Lance's new delivery. Lance, of course, had been working with QB guru, Jeff Christensen, and thanks to some leaked footage of Lance throwing with Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, along with a very well-timed piece by Matt Barrows in The Athletic, there was plenty of
49ers Mailbag: What happens if Sam Darnold beats out Trey Lance? Which rookie will play the most in 2023? Which question stumped us?
By Marc Adams
May 31
What happens if Sam Darnold beats out Trey Lance? We're answering this question and others in this week's edition of the 49ers Webzone Mailbag.
It's week two of OTAs, and the 49ers will have a session open to the media on Wednesday. It may even be happening as you're reading this. And Brock Purdy is believed to start throwing a ball this week (though probably not a regular football).
But for now, ignore those reports, and let's jump into our latest mailbag and answer your questions.
Who's starting on Opening Day at FS? - Chris W.
The 49ers re-signed veteran free safety Tashaun Gipson to a one-year deal and drafted Penn State safety Ji'Ayir Brown back in April. Brown is the future starting free safety. That future is most likely to
