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But this week was different. Lance started a little shaky but came on strong, ultimately leading the offense on a game-winning drive. So my first observation would be: Don't give up on Trey Lance! Give him time to develop, and let's see what he can become. That's my sermon for the day. Now, let's get to the other observations from the 49ers' 21-20 win over the Denver Broncos.
- This throw from Lance was elite, by the way.
A lot of Trey Lance's best throws yesterday were called back due to penalties or dropped, including this one. Maybe my favorite pass of the day.
— Rob "Stats" Guerrera (@StatsOnFire) August 20, 2023
Climbed the pocket, got out wide to be able to run but kept his eyes downfield and delivered a nice pass with touch. pic.twitter.com/KAwOcLS8Zb
- I think Brock Purdy is ready. He started hot and moved the offense on an opening drive that put points on the board.
Solid first drive. Purdy looked sharp. Get the starters out. #49ers
— Al Sacco (@AlSacco49) August 20, 2023
- Jake Moody is entertaining. He missed an extra point attempt and then hit the game-winning field goal.
- Can Moody punt, because Mitch Wishnowski had a rough night? Or as Larry Krueger called him, Mitch Shanknowski. Ouch!
- Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles is no Dre Greenlaw. But he still made some plays. But I think those younger linebackers may overtake him soon.
- Jaylon Moore was no better than he was last week. I hope the 49ers can find a better swing tackle.
- Isaiah Oliver was no better than he was last week, either. He's missing tackles and getting beat in coverage.
- Jalen Graham is rising. He was first in line to replace Fred Warner. And he had the green dot on his helmet, which shows how much the coaching staff trusts him.
Rookie LB Jalen Graham sure can hit… Sheeesh pic.twitter.com/OVQM2H0zsn
— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) August 20, 2023
- Dee Winters continues to be impressive, as well.
- Ty Davis-Price was out there on the first drive with the other starters. I don't think that means he's ahead of Jordan Mason, but it is something to watch. That said, if Davis-Price keeps missing blocks in pass protection, as he did on that first drive, he won't play much. Running Backs coach, Bobby Turner, expects his players to be able to pass-protect well.
- Danny Gray needs reps, and I was hoping for a big season for him, but he keeps getting hurt.
Per Kyle Shanahan, WR Danny Gray sprained his shoulder and it doesn't look like he'll be ready at the start of the season.
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) August 20, 2023
He & Ray-Ray McCloud (broken wrist) are understudies of Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel. Replacements? My guess is order goes: Bell, Conley, Snead & Martin.
- Is Chris Conley going to make this team?
When these second-team QBs gotta have a completion, they go to ... Chris Conley.
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) August 20, 2023
- The backup offensive line is still trash.
- Ronnie Bell still looks like a keeper. But he's now let two passes go off his hands for interceptions. And he fumbled in this game. That's bad. But I still think he's going to be good.
- I'm still not as high on Ambry Thomas as everyone else is. He made some plays, but he also blew an assignment that almost was a touchdown.
- Speaking of which, Ja'Ayir Brown is a playmaker.
2 games, 2 touchdown-saving tackles for 49ers rookie Ji'Ayir Brown
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) August 20, 2023
- Who is Marlon Davidson, and why does he keep making plays?
- Only days after being the darling of 49ers fans, D'Shawn Jamison muffs a punt.
- It was nice to see Cameron Latu bounce back. He had a few catches and scored the game-winning touchdown.
Next up for the 49ers is the Los Angeles Chargers on Friday night. Kyle Shanahan said the starters would play. I'm a little surprised by that, but maybe he's trying to prevent the team from getting off to a slow start like they have the past few seasons. We'll see how long they play.
- Marc Adams
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Written by:Speaker. Writer. Covering the San Francisco 49ers. Host of the 49ers Camelot show.
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