49ers-Raiders: Key Takeaways from San Francisco's preseason loss
The 49ers’ preseason opener was one to forget in a hurry as they slumped to a 34-7 loss to the Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. San Francisco only played two potential starters outside of special teams, nickel corner Isaiah Oliver and Clelin Ferrell, who could start at defensive end if he wins a competition with Drake […]
The 49ers’ preseason opener was one to forget in a hurry as they slumped to a 34-7 loss to the Raiders at Allegiant Stadium.
San Francisco only played two potential starters outside of special teams, nickel corner Isaiah Oliver and Clelin Ferrell, who could start at defensive end if he wins a competition with Drake Jackson, both seeing time on the field.
The intrigue for the 49ers surrounded the battle for the backup quarterback battle between Trey Lance and Sam Darnold, with the contrasting levels of poise shown by that pair one of the most glaring takeaways from a disappointing overall performance from San Francisco’s mix of second-string veterans and rookies.
49ers-Raiders: Key Takeaways for San Francisco
Late-round picks flip draft board upside down
With the exception of top pick Ji’Ayir Brown, who finished with three tackles and was consistently around the ball when on the field in the first half, it was a difficult day for the third-round picks the 49ers selected in this year’s draft.
Kicker Jake Moody, picked 99th overall, badly missed field goals from 40 and 57 yards away. Tight end Cameron Latu, meanwhile, had a holding penalty on a kick return and fumbled after his one reception, setting up a Sincere McCormick touchdown run for the Raiders.
The performances of Moody and Latu were in stark contrast to those of the later-round picks.
Seventh-rounder Ronnie Bell, though guilty of a drop that resulted in an interception and set up another Raiders score, impressed with three catches for 58 yards and had a 15-yard carry on a jet sweep.
Sixth-rounder Dee Winters (three total tackles) and seventh-rounder Jalen Graham (six) each excelled at linebacker as they flashed speed and playmaking ability from a position at which the Niners already have those qualities in spades.
Undrafted free agent D’Shawn Jamison was one of the stars for the Niners, seemingly taking a lead in the battle to replace injured kick returner Ray-Ray McCloud.
Jamison had three impressive returns, including a 37-yard kickoff runback, called back by penalty. He looked extremely natural returning both kicks and punts and, given the impression he has made in training camp at cornerback, appears increasingly likely to make the 53-man roster.
Offensive line struggles mightily
The 49ers need to hope the injury bug does not hit their starting offensive line, because on Sunday’s evidence the backups are severely ill-prepared to step up.
Las Vegas’ defensive line dominated in the trenches against the 49ers’ second and third-stringers, with Lance sacked three times on his opening three drives.
Sacks can be the fault of the quarterback as much as the offensive line, but Lance in particular found himself under constant pressure, with guards Jason Poe and Nick Zakelj enduring nightmare outings.
Right now, on the interior of the O-Line, it’s difficult to see how the 49ers can be comfortable with any of their backups beyond veteran center/guard Jon Feliciano.
For a team whose inability to get over the top and win the Super Bowl has been heavily tied to quarterback injuries, the lack of dependable reserves at the position group tasked with protecting the signal-caller looms as a significant problem.
Mixed fortunes in the secondary
The 49ers are hoping Isaiah Oliver can step in and thrive as their new nickel corner after losing Jimmie Ward and Emmanuel Moseley in free agency.
Such a prospect seems less likely after Oliver’s preseason debut, one on which he gave up two catches, including a touchdown to Keelan Cole Sr.
With Oliver playing inside leverage, Cole had no problem creating separation and strolling into the endzone on a quick out-breaking route.
While it’s important not to overreact to the first preseason game, Oliver’s performance was not one to inspire confidence. However, the 49ers may have greater confidence in the man who will likely be their top backup at outside corner after Ambry Thomas impressed.
A corner who went from Week 18 hero in 2021 to forgotten man in 2022, Thomas built on a strong offseason and camp with a fine display of the abilities that led the 49ers to take him in the third round.
Thomas registered a pass breakup, had a hand in a third-down stop and registered two tackles, including one that forced a turnover on downs. He received special praise from Shanahan in his post-game press conference.
“Ambry’s come back a different player than he was last year. He looked like that on the field,” Shanahan said.
Darnold outshines Lance
The numbers don’t say it, but Darnold was the superior quarterback to Lance against Las Vegas.
Lance finished 10 of 15 for 112 yards and a touchdown with a passer rating of 111. However, he has indecisive while under siege from the Raiders’ pass rush in the first quarter and, though he grew into the game with some excellent throws on the move and from the pocket going downfield over the middle, he should have been intercepted twice.
One of those would-be interceptions came on the 49ers’ lone touchdown, a late throw over the middle to Chris Conley clanging off the hands of Raiders defensive back Duke Shelley and into the arms of tight end Ross Dwelley.
Darnold attempted some risky throws himself, but the 2018 third overall pick appeared much more at ease than Lance, quickly demonstrating a rapport with Bell, whom he connected with on a pinpoint 37-yard throw in the third quarter.
A statline of 84 yards on five completions from eight attempts is not indicative of the poise Darnold showed, which was matched by fourth-stringer Brandon Allen.
Allen delivered the ball confidently and accurately and was extremely unfortunate to be picked off after Bell’s drop and then see Tay Martin fail to get his feet down in bounds on a superb throw for a 21-yard gain.
In this instance, the quarterback who had the worst day was the one with the most production. If Lance had a lead in the fight for QB2, it may be a much slimmer advantage now.
The 49ers will return to practice on Tuesday after a day off on Monday. They face the Broncos in their next preseason game at home on Saturday, when more of their starters will be expected to feature.
Trey Lance benefits from immaculate deflection in rollercoaster first half
He got extremely lucky on this play.
Featured Image Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sport
