Don’t give up on Trey Lance yet, and other observations from the 49ers preseason win

Last week, San Francisco 49ers quarterback, Trey Lance, looked hesitant. He played better as the game went on, but overall, it wasn't his best performance. Fans and media piled on, with some media members taking it a little too far.

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.

• I think Brock Purdy is ready. He started hot and moved the offense on an opening drive that put points on the board.

• 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.

• 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.

• Is Chris Conley going to make this team?

• 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.

• 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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