The 49ers first-team offense needs a big-time bounce-back showing after a disappointing outing against the Broncos in Week 2 of the preseason.
Typically the backups are the players most worth keeping an eye on in exhibition games, but the third preseason game is when starters see the most action. It’ll be as close to a regular-season game as we’ll get prior to the opener. Because of that, we’ll focus on five starters to watch when the 49ers’ offense is on the field Saturday in Kansas City.
QB Jimmy Garoppolo
It doesn’t get a ton more important in the preseason than this. Garoppolo was abysmal in his return to the field last week. He simply has to put together a better performance Saturday. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said he’ll play at least the first half, and maybe more. Garoppolo doesn’t have to be great, but he does need to string a series or two of good play together to show he’s ready to put it together for the regular season.
WR Dante Pettis
Pettis was supposed to be the team’s No. 1 receiver this season. He may still be, but his two-target, zero-catch preseason hasn’t inspired a ton of confidence that the former second-round pick is ready to take on that role. Like Garoppolo, Pettis doesn’t need monster productivity. A couple receptions would be a nice start though.
RB Tevin Coleman
Coleman got off to a hot start in limited snaps Monday night. He ran three times for 21 yards. It stands to reason he’ll get a few more touches Saturday. If he can put together another big night in Kansas City, Coleman could stake a claim to the top running back spot going into the year.
LT Joe Staley
Staley had a couple of not-so-good reps against the Broncos. It was his first game of the year and he hadn’t had a full week of practice in the preseason. It’ll be encouraging if the 13-year veteran can put together a better outing to keep Garopplo upright with more time to throw. Staley should still be playing at a high level this season, but the sooner he can do that the better it’ll be for San Francisco’s offense.
WR Deebo Samuel
Samuel didn’t have a catch in the second preseason game after a couple acrobatic grabs in the opener. He should earn some snaps with Garoppolo and the first-team offense. His explosiveness has been on display with a couple big gains on reverses in the first two games, but his inactivity earlier in contests indicates he’s still grasping the offense. Getting a catch or two with the first team would be a positive step forward for the rookie second-round selection.
HC Kyle Shanahan
This is cheating since Shanahan isn’t a player, but he didn’t do a very good job of making Garoppolo’s life easy in Denver. Grant Cohn of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat pointed out on Twitter that Garoppolo didn’t run any play action and threw three of his six passes from empty backfields. It’ll help Garoppolo to get a couple easy throws early, including some movement outside the pocket on play actions and roll outs.
