49ers Training Camp: Lance and Darnold excel on Purdy rest day
Before Sunday, it was fair to say this 49ers' training camp had not been an overly encouraging one for San Francisco quarterbacks not named Brock Purdy. That changed on day four as Purdy was given a scheduled rest day, with Trey Lance and Sam Darnold taking advantage of the additional reps in his absence. Neither […]
Before Sunday, it was fair to say this 49ers' training camp had not been an overly encouraging one for San Francisco quarterbacks not named Brock Purdy.
That changed on day four as Purdy was given a scheduled rest day, with Trey Lance and Sam Darnold taking advantage of the additional reps in his absence.
Neither was perfect, but their improved performances throwing the ball highlighted what was by far the most encouraging practice for the Niners from an offensive perspective.
San Francisco will pin its hopes at quarterback predominantly on Purdy getting back to his best after offseason elbow surgery, but the Niners may feel much better about their likely backups after these signs of progress.
Lance and Darnold impress as Purdy rests
While Purdy did some conditioning work on the side, Lance and Darnold each took 16 reps in 11 on 11, though the former got the bulk of the work with the first team.
Lance had 12 first-team reps to Darnold's four, per Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area.
Inconsistency has been a defining feature of Lance's performances in practice during his third training camp. There were still some misses on Sunday, including an overthrow of an open Deebo Samuel, however, that was preceded by a red zone touchdown up the seam to Chris Conley.
His standout play from practice came on a downfield play-action shot to George Kittle on 'Y leak', a staple of the Shanahan offense that got the offense going after the defense had derailed the opening three plays of the team period.
Lance, who also had a scramble for a rushing touchdown after a would-be sack by rookie Spencer Waege (defenders can't hit the quarterback), finished five of eight.
Darnold's numbers were slightly better. Maiocco had him seven of nine while Matt Barrows of The Athletic said he finished eight of 10.
Darnold completed three straight crossing routes as part of his strong day, including one to Brandon Aiyuk that was taken 50 yards for a touchdown.
That was one of four touchdown catches by Aiyuk, who is continuing to dominate and fuel talk of a season that could see him ascend to the NFL's elite at wide receiver.
San Francisco's offensive success came amid a more blitz-heavy approach from the 49ers' defense, the aggressiveness of Steve Wilks' group facilitating more opportunities for big plays from the attack.
Yet one of the most eye-catching plays of the day came from a defender carrying the burden of significant expectations in 2023.
Drake's stellar pass defense
There is a lot of pressure on Drake Jackson to deliver as a starting defensive end for the 49ers this season.
Most of that pressure surrounds his play as a pass rusher after he tailed off towards the end of last season following an encouraging beginning to his rookie year.
Jackson is an extremely impressive athlete and, in addition to the obvious benefits that athleticism brings to his game as a pass rusher, it has also allowed him to hold up in pass coverage.
He did more than just hold up on Sunday, covering Elijah Mitchell 20 yards downfield after dropping into zone coverage and forcing an incompletion on Lance's attempted throw to the running back.
Jackson was overused in coverage in college at USC, but his experience in that area means his arguably abnormally comfortable in that area for a defensive end.
While the 49ers will focus primarily on Jackson making the desired strides as a pass rusher and a run defender, his upside in coverage increases the menu for Wilks in terms of zone blitzes and simulated pressures. As he moves from a rotational pass rusher to a starter on the edge, expect Wilks to continuing harnessing Jackson's diverse range of abilities.
No updates on Bosa
Jackson may be deservedly drawing praise, but the man he is expected to start across from this season is still not at training camp.
Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa's holdout is continuing with no sign of an agreement on a lucrative extension as the 49ers prepare for their first padded practices.
"I haven't heard anything, so no updates there," Shanahan said in his post-practice press conference.
Trent Williams was also missing from practice as the All-Pro left tackle was given a veteran's rest day. Christian McCaffrey and Charvarius Ward did not participate in team drills.
The 49ers have managed McCaffrey's practice time a little more after he was a noticeably exuberant participant in OTAs and minicamp, while Ward is said to be dealing with a groin issue.
None of those absences are of great concern, but there might soon be greater urgency to get Bosa signed to a deal and back on the field as the serious stuff edges ever closer.
49ers Training Camp: Brock Purdy starts to heat up on Day 3
He may already be widening the gap over the backups.
Featured Image Credit: Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports
