A third preseason game ended in a third preseason win for the 49ers. They went into Kansas City on Saturday night and left with a 27-17 victory.
Here are seven takeaways from the contest:
The sky isn’t falling on Jimmy Garoppolo
It turns out Garoppolo didn’t forget how to play football. He bounced back in a big way after his 1-for-6 preseason debut Monday night. While he wasn’t perfect, he was much sharper Saturday and battled through some early bouts of inaccuracy. He finished the contest 14-for-20 with 188 yards and a touchdown. The offensive line did a better job protecting Garoppolo, and he looked much more comfortable than he did in his first preseason action.
Damontre Moore dominant
Moore was signed, cut, then re-signed by the 49ers this offseason. The former member of the AAF led the team with five tackles, two sacks, a tackle for loss and four quarterback hits. He may not wind up making the team, but his preseason showings could earn him a job on another roster.
Running game is in good hands
Tevin Coleman and Matt Breida were both good in the first half Saturday. They combined for 63 yards on 15 carries, and Breida had a 20-yard touchdown reception. Even if Jerick McKinnon isn’t ready for the start of the regular season, the Coleman-Breida combo should be good enough to lead the San Francisco offense.
Dante Pettis lives!
The second-year receiver had a tough first two preseason games. He had no catches on two targets. He responded Saturday with three receptions for 36 yards on five passes thrown his way. He didn’t have any huge plays, but he did haul in a throw down the sideline from Garoppolo where he took a shot right as the ball got to him.
Deebo Samuel lives!
Samuel caught two balls in the preseason opener against Dallas’ third team. He had no catches in the second game in Denver, but got to run with the starting unit in Kansas City and came up with two receptions for 27 yards. He got open on a slant, then found the soft spot in the middle of a zone defense later in the game. He’s developing nicely and should get plenty of playing time early this year.
Safety may not be Jimmie Ward’s spot
Ward started in his first preseason action of the season, but not at the free safety spot San Francisco brought him back to play. Tarvarius Moore started there, but Ward was the nickel corner in the slot. He’s played that spot before, along with outside corner and safety. Ward had a nice pass breakup and a couple tough tackles against the Chiefs starters. With K’Waun Williams battling a knee injury that may keep him out of the regular season opener, having a versatile, experienced player like Ward who can step into that role is vital.
No CJ Beathard
After getting to run with the second unit last week, Beathard didn’t play at all Saturday in Kansas City. It may just be the order Shanahan decided to go in, with Beathard set to play a ton against the Chargers in the preseason finale. However, since most teams coast through the fourth preseason game, it’s a little telling that Mullens was the quarterback for most of the second half against the Chiefs. The backup QB battle hasn’t been solved yet, but Saturday night was a strong indicator that Mullens has an edge.
