The 49ers escaped the preseason without any major injuries
The 49ers‘ defense made the Raiders’ offense go three-and-out after three straight runs to open the game. From there, it didn’t look like the Raiders wanted to be there.
The offense switched it up as Trey Lance entered into the game for Jimmy Garoppolo after four plays. Garoppolo re-entered the game, but Lance took over when the Niners reached the red area.
Lance and Mostert didn’t have any issues at the mesh point through the first few carries. But, of course, that was an issue for Lance and Wayne Gallman for the majority of training camp. But, the threat of Lance seemed to make a difference.
The 49ers ran “Bash” and “QB counter” during the first drive with Lance. Mostert did a lot of the work, but Jimmy Garoppolo used his legs to cap off a 10-play, 68-yard drive that lasted 4:59. I’d love to know what Kyle Shanahan thought when Garoppolo dove head first into two defenders.
On the second drive for the defense, San Francisco forced Las Vegas into a 3rd & 8. The speed on that side of the ball for the Niners is unfair. With no Dre Greenlaw, Marcell Harris was the next man up. Harris looks far more comfortable near the line of scrimmage. It’s going to be tough sledding for offenses to convert on third and long situations this season.
Trent Williams, George Kittle, and Alex Mack were all done for the day after the first drive. The mixing and matching continued on the second drive, but Garoppolo received the brunt of the work.
Trent Sherfield had two impressive catches to move the chains, including one on 3rd & 13, where he went up and made a tough catch. It came to 4th & 1 on the four-yard line to close the first quarter in which the 49ers held the ball for 11:17.
The Raiders picked up their initial first down of the game with just over 12 minutes left in the second quarter. After Demmodore Lenoir gave up a 27-yard reception, Las Vegas moved the ball into Niners’ territory. The Raiders kicked a field goal to make the score 14-3.
Jimmy G’s day was done after two series. He went 4 of 7 for 64 yards with the two-yard scramble for a touchdown.
Samson Ebukam was in the Raiders backfield on a few different occasions. After that possession, Jaquiski Tartt was seen limping on the sideline. However, he did return to the game.
The next offensive drive saw Elijah Mitchell have a couple of carries. He had a mental miscue with a false start, but Mitchell ran hard. There was an issue at the mesh point later on in the drive, but the ball simply slipped out of Lance’s hands.
On third and goal from the three-yard line, Lance found Jauan Jennings on a slant where he was open, but Jennings couldn’t hang on. A field goal made it 17-3.
Lance took the 49ers’ offense 73 yards in eight plays, ending with a field goal from the one-yard line as time expires during the two-minute drill to end the half. The drive was highlighted after Lance gave Travis Benjamin an opportunity in the end zone that was flagged for pass interference. Another Robbie Gould field goal made it 20-3 at the half.
Lance was 6-11 for 46 yards and a rushing score. The split for snaps was 14-10, with Garoppolo receiving four more snaps. At halftime, Kyle Shanahan was asked if it was best to rotate quarterbacks during the season. He smirked and said, “probably not.”
Hurd started the opening possession of the second half with a drop. Then, Lance missed Jennings high wide open on third down, which forced a 49er punt. That was the game’s final drive for Lance, who finished 6 of 13 on 33 snaps.
Travis Benjamin left the game and was evaluated for a concussion.
The Raiders scored a touchdown on a 10-play, 80-yard touchdown drive to make the score 20-10. Ambry Thomas whiffed on a tackle which allowed Las Vegas to score from 16 yards out.
After a 45-yard kick return from Mitchell, JaMycal Hasty broke loose for 35 yards and a score. Trent Williams, Garoppolo, and some other starters were seen celebrating with Hasty in the end zone. That was the highlight of the game for me.
After Ha Ha Clinton-Dix received a gift from Nathan Peterman — HCD returned the interception 33 yards — Hasty punched in another short-yardage touchdown to give the 49ers a 34-10 lead.
Mitch Wishnowsky had an impressive day, including a 75-yard punt.
Above all, the 49ers escaped the preseason without any major injuries.
Buckle up, as this could be one of the more entertaining seasons for the Niners in recent memory.