Shanahan responds to Lance criticism with matter-of-fact answer

SANTA CLARA — Even while Trey Lance competes for the 49ers' backup quarterback job, he might be under the microscope more than just about any player in the NFL. The commentary regarding Lance, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, reached new levels after his underwhelming performance in the 49ers' 34-7 preseason-opening loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. "It just goes with the territory," 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said of the criticism Lance has received in recent days. "It goes with it for quarterbacks. It goes with it for anybody who's a high draft pick but especially a quarterback." Lance completed 10 of 15 passes for 112 yards and one touchdown. Those stats were not necessarily indicative of Lance's overall performance. He was sacked four times. Also, he would have thrown multiple interceptions if Raiders defenders held onto his passes. His touchdown pass to tight end Ross Dwelley first bounced off the hands of a Raiders defensive back. Lance and Sam Darnold are in competition for the backup job behind Brock Purdy. Both entered the NFL as No. 3 overall picks, while Purdy was the 262nd and final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft. Lance is lacking game experience, and it showed...