49ers Training Camp: Sam Darnold gets first crack with starters as Brock Purdy rests
Brock Purdy got a well-earned rest on Saturday following the longest practice of training camp on Friday. Sam Darnold and Trey Lance evenly split the first-team reps in his absence but, for those who place significance in the order in which quarterbacks take the field, it was noteworthy that it was Darnold who got the […]
Brock Purdy got a well-earned rest on Saturday following the longest practice of training camp on Friday.
Sam Darnold and Trey Lance evenly split the first-team reps in his absence but, for those who place significance in the order in which quarterbacks take the field, it was noteworthy that it was Darnold who got the first chance to play with the starters on offense.
Yet neither of the quarterbacks competing for the backup role really took advantage of the opportunity they were afforded.
A low intensity practice was never likely to provide much clarity as to who is winning the QB2 battle, though with joint practices and a preseason game with the Raiders around the corner, a clearer picture may emerge next week.
49ers Training Camp: Key Takeaways from Day 9
Darnold and Lance struggle to shine
Darnold and Lance each got 20 reps apiece, 10 with the first team and 10 with the second.
The former stayed true to the form he has largely displayed throughout camp. Darnold, in going seven for 12, was impressive on in-breaking routes over the middle of the field but struggled when pushing the ball downfield.
Per Nick Wagoner of ESPN, Darnold underthrew an open Brandon Aiyuk on a deep ball down right sideline that was broken up by Tashaun Gipson and also had downfield throws behind Jauan Jennings and tight end Brayden Willis.
Lance was sloppy early, overthrowing Deebo Samuel and nearly seeing a pass intercepted by linebacker Curtis Robinson.
However, David Lombardi of The Athletic noted an improvement in the short game that has long since been Lance's problem area, particularly during a move-the-ball period in which he was five of six and Darnold only two of six.
Finishing eight of 12, it's unlikely Lance did enough to put a gap between him and Darnold heading into next week, though he did finish practice on an impressive high.
The Willie Snead show
So, to that fantastic finale from Lance. It was a capper that saw him connect with an unlikely star of Saturday's practice as veteran receiver Willie Snead made a terrific circus catch to haul in a 25-yard touchdown pass.
Snead, who was also on the end of a deep ball from fourth-string quarterback Brandon Allen, was mobbed by his fellow receivers before they were ushered off the field to allow for some field goal practice.
The former Saints and Ravens wideout will again likely be operating on the periphery of the roster. If he makes the 53, it will almost certainly be as the last receiver on the depth chart, but a place on the practice squad feels more probable.
Still his efforts in lighting up an otherwise forgettable practice will keep him in Kyle Shanahan's mind as a receiver he can rely on if San Francisco is forced to look to the lower reaches of the depth chart at receiver at any point this season.
Foerster hails Burford’s summer of growth
One player who will not be near the bottom of the depth chart is right guard Spencer Burford. He will be the full-time starter at the position after splitting time with Daniel Brunskill at that spot last year.
Burford, Wagoner noted, had a strong rep against Javon Kinlaw in one-on-one drills between the offensive and defensive linemen, has been open about how he has worked on his body to lose around eight or nine pounds.
Speaking before practice, offensive line coach/run game coordinator Chris Foerster praised Burford for his efforts.
Explaining the transformation of last year's fourth-round pick, Foerster said:
“I mean, he literally looks like, there’s a step when a kid’s growing up, right? You look like you, all of a sudden you were the pudgy kid in eighth grade and you come back after summer vacation and now oh my gosh, you grew up over the summer. That’s kind of what Spence did. He kind of worked his butt off this offseason, came back after the season and lost the weight and kind of just redefined where his body is and put it together better. His stamina, everything about him has grown up, his maturity, his mental capabilities, understanding the offense and his physical as well.”
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The right side of the line is one opponents will look to attack given the Niners have a new starter on that side at tackle in Colton McKivitz. San Francisco will hope Burford's physical and mental strides will go a long way to ensuring the right flank of the line does not become a liability.
Brown must earn his moniker
The 49ers' top draft pick, third-rounder Ji'Ayir Brown, got first-team reps at safety on Saturday with All-Pro Talanoa Hufanga getting the day off.
If everything goes to plan, Brown and Hufanga will be the 49ers' long-term starters at the position.
Right now, however, Brown is having to earn everything, even the nickname initially bestowed on him early in his life.
Brown is affectionately known as 'Tig', a reference to the character 'Tigger' from Winnie the Pooh, because of his love of bouncing as a toddler.
Yet the 49ers coaches are not allowing teammates to use that moniker until Brown proves worthy of it on the field.
Said Brown:
“They’re [his teammates] definitely trying not to call me Tig. Coach said it’s something I got to earn, a nickname I gotta earn. They’ve been trying their best not to call me Tig but they’ve been falling for it ever since. It’s something that the guys want to give me a challenge and I accept the challenge as always. If they want that to happen, I’m going to make it happen.”
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It might happen as soon as next week's preseason game with the Raiders next Sunday, which will finally give Brown the chance to show off his physicality.
“I haven’t tackled nobody since December last year, so definitely looking forward to getting back to it. You know, show off my tackling ability to the team and let them see what I’m all about.”
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The 49ers have a day off on Sunday before returning to the practice field on Monday and Tuesday. They then travel to Las Vegas for practices with the Raiders, with the defense set to go against a man by the name of Jimmy Garoppolo, and end next week with their preseason opener at Allegiant Stadium.
A.J. Brown insists Eagles feel no bad blood towards the 49ers
There’s respect, but no animosity.
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