By Scooter_McG
It's only the first week, and it's only three practices, but the early results for Trey Lance as the newly minted starting QB of the 49ers have been less than flattering. After an opening day of efficient passing mostly involving check downs, Lance has completed only 40% of his passes over the next two practices as he looked to be more aggressive with his passing, with a pair of INTs. Reports indicate this has included some errant passes behind their intended target.
Accuracy has of course been something of a topic of conversation around Lance this offseason, with Chris Simms most notably discussing how at times last season it appeared the 49ers were nursing Lance just to complete 50% of his passes.
While it isn't something to be alarmed about at this early stage of camp, it is something to keep an eye on.
Contributing to the issue has been an offensive line missing its bookends that has reportedly struggled to keep the pocket clean and prevent pressure. The 49ers are getting valuable reps for their young players on the offensive line, but so far fears the OL may be a weak link are not being put to rest. Drops, stumbles and an inability to get open by WRs have also not helped Lance out as the receiving corps continues to be without star WR Deebo Samuel as he holds in awaiting a contract extension.
Of course it isn't all bad. Lance has shown the value of his athleticism and the flip side of a struggling offense is a dominating defense. The 49ers defense has looked fantastic by all reports at all levels of the field, with the secondary in particular being singled out for high praise. This includes new addition Charvarius Ward who has locked down his side of the field and had a few PBUs.
It is also important to keep in mind the defense typically is ahead of the offense early in camp, and that without pads the OL is at a distinct disadvantage. The expectation should be that the offense picks up over the next two weeks and we will have a far clearer idea of whether there are areas to be concerned about at that point.
Exactly right, Scooter. It's impossible to block defensive lineman that aren't in pads. I'd also remind our fans that our teams weakest unit, iOL is facing off against our strongest, DL; could be the best in the league.
ReplyDeleteSOME BAD NEWS: THE INJURY REPORT IS NOT GOOD!
ReplyDelete49ers DT Maurice Hurst tore his biceps during Friday’s practice
* The San Francisco 49ers suffered a brutal blow as defensive tackle Maurice Hurst torn his biceps during Friday’s practice, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. It likely ends his 2022 season before it even began.
* This comes just a few days after defensive tackle Arik Armstead suffered a knee sprain at the start of training camp. Shanahan said Armstead’s injury isn’t believed to be serious and expects him back in a few weeks.
https://sports.yahoo.com/49ers-dt-maurice-hurst-tore-162548830.html
George comment: Sad. As you know, he injured himself last year too (calf) and missed almost the entire season. Looks like he can't hold up. The signing of Nkemdiche was almost prescient.
DeleteMan, that is a real gut punch. I had him making the team as the 3rd DT. AA, Kinlaw, Hurst and Givens would have been a great rotation in the middle. Ridgeway has to show he can be a strong part of that rotation now.
DeleteRidgeway is a run stuffer. Totally different player from Hurst/Givens, who are penetrating 3t's.
DeleteHurst was on the fringe end of the roster, but I wanted to see what he could do in this system. Tough break.
ReplyDeleteGivens is gonna have to step it up now.
ReplyDeleteGeorge:
ReplyDeleteQuiet signing this week: DT Tomasi Laulile. He might be a diamond in the rough. Lance Zierlin evaluation:
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/tomasi-laulile/32004c41-5555-9114-ec17-9ded249af1bf
He's got a shot. Givens is our only penetrating 3t now that Hurst is gone. Ridgeway is a run stuffer. Nkemdiche's odds improved too. They could move Hyder inside fulltime.
DeleteGeorge:
ReplyDeleteMore props to Jordan Mason from yesterday:
"Rookie running back Tyrion Davis-Price showed an exceptional amount of burst with the football in his hands, and I can only begin to imagine what that acceleration will look like when he is bouncing through the holes created by this rushing attack once the regular season rolls around.
While Davis-Price had a solid day, I think that the most impressive running back of the day was undrafted free agent Jordan Mason. Mason looked explosive, strong, and decisive with his cuts during team drills. He looked every bit the part of a back that Shanahan would fall in love with, and when you add in the value he potentially brings on special teams, I think there is a very legitimate chance that he ends up making the final 53-man roster due to the versatility he brings."
https://www.ninersnation.com/2022/7/29/23283045/49ers-training-camp-day-2-player-of-the-day-and-takeaways-from-the-second-day-of-practice
Gonna be tough. I think they run him in pre-season and he ends up on the practice squad. I've got Wilson as the 4th rb. So cool that Mitchell texts Coach Turner everyday.
DeleteSermon is going to have to have the training camp of a lifetime to make this roster.
DeleteScooter, you think they give up on a 3rd round pick like Sermon that quick?
DeleteGreat to see Vernon Davis at camp. Having past players come to camp is awesome, but when it is all guys from the 80s and 90s then many of the younger players won't know who they are. Getting recent plahers like Davis helps show how strong the legacy is at the franchise. Also shows the players that this is a franchise that cares about its players.
ReplyDeleteAlright, a good night's sleep later, and I'm back to feeling good.
ReplyDeleteThere are some NFL payers who simply can't seem to stay healthy. Once of those guys I won't brin g up by name, but another guy who fits that mold is DT Maurice Hurst. Remember, Hurst was diagnosed with a heart issue days before the combine, and it's been one thing after another for him ever since. Sometimes I wonder if it's simply bad luck, or if it's more about genetics. Whatever it is, Hurst seems to be physically cursed at this stage, and it's unfortunate because he does have a professional skill set. Luckily for the 49ers, they had the foresight to bring in Nkemdiche, because he's a guy who has such elite physical tools, that if he can learn to play with his head up, and his pads down, he could be a very good, and very versatile DT.
I just wanted to add a few of my early training camp notes, and then I'm out until Monday night:
1) I'm still a little concerned about the interior of the OL, but at the same time I'm also still cautiously optimistic about the OL as a whole. My gut told me I was being sold a bill of goods in regards to Jake Brendel, after all he's a 29 year old Center who has taken something like 6 NFL - regular season snaps over the course of his career. Well, the pads go on on Monday, but the only help I think pads will be for Brendel is it will give him something to hold onto for dear life, so at least he can get get called for holding rather than giving up easy sacks.
2) I'm going out on a limb right now and predict that this year's defense is going to be better than the 49ers 2019/20 version, and one thing remains constant - DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS!
3) The 49ers running game will be just fine without Mostert. I love Mostert, and I was upset to see him go because when he's healthy, he's absolutely the perfect for Kyle's rushing scheme. But the potential of this year's stable of RB's on a whole, is off-the-charts. They are deeper, they are stronger, and with Trey Lance under center, I don't see any reason the 49ers can't lead the NFL in rushing!
** What a combination - And elite rushing attack, and an elite defense! **
And then last but certainly not least -
4) Let's all knock on wood tonight, and say a collective prayer for the health and safety of the 2022/23 49ers moving forward!
Peace out!
HERE'S HOPING JL CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN......
ReplyDelete49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo in talks with New York Giants, per source...
Marco Martinez of the "49ers RedZone" podcast confirmed on Thursday that the veteran quarterback's agent has indeed been in talks with the New York Giants, who have had themselves a bit of a quarterback dilemma after electing to bypass on Daniel Jones's fifth-year option and signing veteran Tyrod Taylor to a two-year deal in the offseason.
https://www.49erswebzone.com/articles/159465-49ers-jimmy-garoppolo-talks-new-york-giants-source/