The San Francisco 49ers rolled through the first half, nearly shutting out the Pittsburgh Steelers, and leading 20-7 going into halftime.
After questions arose surrounding the 49ers, first with the usage of defensive end Nick Bosa, followed by certain personnel, the 49ers quieted all doubts early with a strong first-half performance that included four offensive scoring drives and five straight three-and-outs defensively.
Stock Up
WR Brandon Aiyuk
Brandon Aiyuk is getting some real money coming his way.
The 49ers wideout has been on a tear for the first half, catching all five of his targets for 76 yards and two touchdowns. Aiyuk's route-running was fully on display, and was clearly the top receiver for San Francisco.
Aiyuk isn't just a downfield threat; the wideout was flourishing in the middle of the field, setting up what could be yet another career year for the 25-year-old receiver.
HC Kyle Shanahan
Going for it on 4th down in Week 1? Is this the right Kyle Shanahan?
Jokes aside, it's been a really well-called game for the 49ers courtesy of Shanahan in the first half, as the offense clicked on all cylinders, and the head coach created open reads for Brock Purdy, allowing him to get into rhythm early.
Shanahan has been criticized for being too conservative early, but that wasn't the case, as he kept his foot on the gas pedal early, going for an early 4th & 1 near midfield on a drive that resulted in points for the 49ers.
More importantly, it's clear the 49ers into the game more mentally prepared than the Steelers, which was extremely important to set the tone early. Props to Shanahan for getting his guys ready to play in what was perceived as a close game coming in, odds-wise.
QB Brock Purdy
Coming into the week, a lot of the talk was around Nick Bosa and his new long-term extension, but an underrated storyline was the recovery of Brock Purdy, who was placed on a pitch count after the preseason to dilute his snaps ahead of Week 1.
With questions about how he would perform, Purdy came out and looked confident, starting the game 12/15 as the 49ers scored on their first four drives, resulting in an early 20-0 lead.
Purdy completed an array of passes, varying from short to intermediate throws, while getting the ball out quickly to his pass-catchers.
It wasn't perfect for Purdy, who rolled to his left on a few occasions, but it was a very encouraging start to the season for the 49ers quarterback.
DE Drake Jackson
The 49ers have two sacks in the first half. Both were courtesy of defensive end Drake Jackson, who was utilized in more of a pass-rushing role for the 49ers in the first half.
Jackson's first sack came as cleanup after Arik Armstead got the initial pressure, wrapping up Kenny Pickett and forcing a three-and-out on the initial drive.
Then, Jackson's athleticism came on display during the second sack, as the defensive end was able to wrap up as Pickett tried to escape the pocket up the middle.
The 49ers have a strong trio of pass-rushers in Nick Bosa, Arik Armstead, and Javon Hargrave.
If Jackson can continue to flash in his secondary role, the 49ers' defensive line will only get even more dominant.
Stock Down
CB Isaiah Oliver
The first "stock down" of the 2023 season goes to a player who hasn't even seen the field in Week 1: Isaiah Oliver.
Around the cutdown date, despite an uninspiring preseason and offseason, the 49ers remained confident in cornerback Isaiah Oliver, keeping him around, and even stating that a "dual nickel" role was possible between him and Deommodore Lenoir.
However, Oliver wasn't seen at all in Week 1, even against a bigger slot in Allen Robinson or tight end Pat Freiermuth, with Ambry Thomas, Charvarius Ward, and Lenoir earning all the snaps.
Perhaps the 49ers aren't confident enough to install that dual nickel role just yet.
OL Spencer Burford
Penalty-wise, it was a rough start for Spencer Burford, who committed an early holding penalty, as well as a questionable false start on a play where it appeared the 49ers were trying to draw the Steelers offsides as the first quarter came to an end.
Burford enters 2023 as the unquestioned right guard for the 49ers, but he'll need to clean up the early penalties and get over the rookie mistakes displayed early in the first half.
OL Colton McKivitz
Colton McKivitz didn't get the best draw in his first start of 2023, as he's going up against the strong duo of T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith on the outside, primarily lining up against Watt.
McKivitz's first challenge came in the redzone, where he gave up a sack that nearly ended in a strip-sack to Watt, potentially costing the 49ers some points.
Thus far, Purdy has managed to scramble out when needed and throw it away, but the 49ers quarterback has taken a few hits, which isn't as desired given his recovery from injury.
But, for McKivitz, it's not the best sign for a sack allowed on the first drive, albeit being against T.J. Watt.
CB Deommodore Lenoir
Towards the end of the half, Lenoir committed an unnecessary late hit penalty on Najee Harris, placing the Steelers in 49ers' territory on their scoring drive before halftime.
While the Steelers could've scored either way, it was a struggle for them on that drive, and Lenoir's penalty aided the Steelers in searching for some offensive momentum after five consecutive three-and-outs.
Not the smartest play there discipline-wise.
