Playing with backup pass-catchers and behind an extremely shaky reserve offensive line, plenty of excuses could be made for Trey Lance's struggles in the 49ers' preseason loss to the Raiders. Lance was making none of them. 

Lance's flattering stat line of 10-15 for 112 yards and a touchdown could not mask a display in which he was indecisive pulling the trigger and should have been intercepted twice, including on a bizarre touchdown that deflected off a Raiders defender and into the arms of a diving Ross Dwelley.

The former third overall pick was sacked four times, with three of those sacks coming across the opening three drive as the Niners backup O-Line struggled mightily. San Francisco went three and out on each of those possessions. Yet Lance refused to blame those in front of him for the tidal wave of pressure he faced.

"It doesn’t feel good to go three and out," said Lance. "That was definitely frustrating, but I obviously put it on myself to continue be better, make sure the guys around me are ready to go, I’m ready to go, it starts with me, so I put that on myself."

On the four sacks, he added: "I know there's one I definitely could have thrown away and avoided a sack, or at least it felt like it on the field. But, again, that's one of those things (where) I think I really got to go back and watch the tape, and I think I'd have a better answer for you after that."

Lance looked more assured as the half went on. He made some impressive plays on the move and succeeded in pushing the ball downfield over the middle with accuracy.

Still, indecision is not a trait a quarterback playing in the Kyle Shanahan offense can afford to have if he is going to be successful in the scheme.

The situation in which Lance found himself on Sunday may not have been conducive to success, but he did not take an opening to criticize the opportunities he has been afforded when asked if training camp and preseason were reflective of the chance to compete he desired.

"I'm just trying to take advantage of every opportunity I get," said Lance. "Just trying to stay present, focused, one day at a time, trust that whatever's meant to happen will happen."

Only 23, there is plenty of time for Lance to turn his career around after injury ruined his first big chance with the Niners. After an underwhelming effort in Sunday's exhibition, it looks increasingly likely that it may need to happen for him with another team.

49ers kicker Jake Moody happy to miss kicks in preseason

He’s glad to have the learning experience now.

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