The 49ers moved to 2-0 on the preseason with a 24-15 win over the Broncos on a scorching hot evening in Denver. It wasn’t necessarily a dress rehearsal, but most of the starters were in uniform and playing at least some snaps.
Results from the 49ers on both sides of the ball were mixed, but here are six takeaways from Monday night’s contest.
A nightmare for Jimmy Garoppolo
Surely the 49ers would’ve liked Garoppolo’s return to result in a long touchdown drive. Instead, his first four passes were touched by the Denver defense, including an interception that ended their first drive. He finished the game 1-for-6 for zero yards and an interception. It’s not the end of the world, but it was certainly a bad start for the 49ers’ franchise quarterback.
Defensive line doesn’t disappoint
San Francisco’s defensive line shined in two joint practices in Denver according to reporters on site. They carried that over Monday night with a sensational performance from that entire unit. The 49ers’ defensive line had six sacks and 11 tackles for loss. Depth is going to be key from that group, and they were excellent without DeForest Buckner, Dee Ford and Nick Bosa.
Richie James stakes claim to roster spot
It’s going to be tough to let go of James when the 49ers make their final roster cuts. He’s such an explosive athlete and showed it in the return game Monday night. James had two kick returns for 80 yards, including a 48-yard burst early in the game. If he’s going to contribute like that on special teams, it may earn him a spot on the roster.
Safety competition taking shape
It’s hard to imagine after Monday that any player on the 49ers’ roster is pushing Jaquiski Tartt for the starting strong safety spot. If that’s indeed the case, it closes the door on one of the competitions in the secondary. Tarvarius Moore has been good in the preseason and had another fine showing Monday night. With Jimmie Ward still working his way back from a broken collarbone, the job appears to be Moore’s to lose. Marcell Harris flashed a couple times as well in Denver, which could wind up earning him some snaps at strong safety if Tartt is unavailable.
An interception by a cornerback!
Not only did San Francisco notch a rare interception Monday night. They got one from a cornerback. A throw from Broncos quarterback Kevin Hogan was knocked into the air and hauled in by a diving Dontae Johnson. That’s the first interception by a 49ers cornerback in any game since Week 16 of the 2017 season. They need more from that group this year if their defense is going to take a step forward.
Speed, speed and more speed
Athleticism on both sides of the ball was apparent up and down the 49ers’ roster. That was missing for them last year. It’ll make them harder to defend on offense, and it’ll make their defense more effective in coverage and when they’re caught out of position. There were multiple hats around the ball on every Broncos possession. That’s going to help their tackling and takeaway issues from last season.
