How 49ers QB Sam Darnold performed in preseason game vs. Broncos

SANTA CLARA — Sam Darnold's second 49ers preseason game didn't begin well, but on the fifth drive, the veteran quarterback showed why San Francisco brought him to the Bay Area. Midway through the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Levi's Stadium, Darnold and the 49ers' offense put together a nine-play drive that was capped by an 11-yard pass to fullback Jack Colletto for the first touchdown of the game. Darnold completed four of his five pass attempts on that touchdown drive that also included three carries by running back J.P. Mason. But things did not start out so smoothly for Darnold. On his first drive, he lined up behind most of the 49ers' starting offensive line, with the exception of starting left tackle Trent Williams, who was replaced by Jaylon Moore. Darnold's first snap was a handoff to Mason followed by a completed pass to the running back. Darnold's second attempt intended for rookie Ronnie Bell fell incomplete, leading to a punt. Darnold's second drive, with an offensive line consisting of backups, also stalled out and ended with a punt, but he connected with receiver Chris Conley and tight end Charlie Woerner on the series. The offensive line didn't do...