It's the preseason, but the San Francisco 49ers achieved their first win of the season, as quarterback Trey Lance compiled together a two-minute drill to provide kicker Jake Moody with a chance to win the game, which the rookie drilled to lift the team to a 21-20 victory over the Denver Broncos.
In the performance, Lance bounced back from a slow start, compiling multiple scoring drives, including an impressive eight-play, 64-yard drive over the final two minutes to set up a chip shot for Jake Moody to win the game.
How was Lance's performance received by his teammates and coaches?
Fellow quarterback Brock Purdy was nothing but proud of his teammate, sharing pride in seeing Lance compile the game-winning drive, as well as a solid day overall.
"Oh, it was awesome seeing him being able to finish and put a game-winning drive together, set up [K Jake] Moody for the game-winning kick," Purdy said. "Yeah, we all want to see him succeed and do great. So to be able to go out there and just chip away honestly, and then he put together two great drives at the end, so it was awesome to see, really excited for him."
Head coach Kyle Shanahan noted Lance seemed more comfortable in this outing compared to last weekend, while pointing out the rhythm factor, and was pumped to see a strong finish from his quarterback and the overall offense.
Still, the head coach noted that there's much to clean up in the effort.
"It seemed like [he seemed more relaxed and comfortable compared to last week]. I think always when you don't go three-and-out it helps. And so, I think we got a little bit of better rhythm for him. It still took a little bit while to get going. Not just him, but the whole group," Shanahan said. "I thought we were a little sloppy throughout the whole game. Way too many penalties. Seemed like when we did get some stuff going, especially there in the second quarter, it seemed like we always had a penalty or missed assignment. So, I thought it was smoother than last week, but by no means where we pumped about it. I was pumped how we finished, pumped about the win, some good things. But still have a lot to do to cleanup."
Following the game, Lance seemed in high spirits, crediting his offensive line and playmakers for their efforts down the stretch to help win the ballgame.
"It felt great. It was fun, man. Offensive line did a great job. We had some dumb penalties. But it was awesome. Guys made plays and we're super excited to come out with the win."
Despite the ongoing quarterback battle, Lance's mentality is of a learning mindset, pointing out the value that every rep brings in helping him improve his craft.
"I feel like every time I step on the field, I learn so much. I get so much better from every rep, whether it's practice, games or whatever. Just seeing as many pictures as I can and continuing to get as many reps as I can with these guys."
After the slow start, Lance settled in to compile a 12/18 day for 173 yards with a touchdown and an interception. The main highlights came on the last two drives, where the 49ers got a touchdown and the game-winning field goal.
What aided his efforts? Just being on the same page with his skill position players and allowing them to make plays.
"I thought we were on the same page for sure with a lot of guys. Guys made great plays. That last drive was a lot faster than I anticipated with those guys making big plays and Ronnie breaking tackles."
The 49ers wrap up their preseason with a bout at home against the Los Angeles Chargers next weekend, where Kyle Shanahan expects the starters to earn a few more snaps once again as the team prepares for the upcoming season.
