The 49ers had a slew of very good performances in their 27-17 win over the Chiefs. Some of the players simply gained some additional good reps prior to the start of the regular season. Others helped themselves in the hunt for a roster spot.
Here are eight 49ers whose stock rose Saturday night:
QB Jimmy Garoppolo
Garoppolo needed to come up with a bounce-back showing, and he did in a big way. The 49ers signal caller completed 14 of 20 throws for 188 yards and a touchdown. That’s a far cry from his 1-of-6 with an interception from his debut. Garoppolo’s starting job wasn’t in any serious danger, but getting a few good series in before the regular season opener is a strong way to close an up-and-down preseason.
DB Jimmie Ward
Ward had a nice showing at nickel corner in his preseason debut. He made a couple strong tackles and used a high football IQ to navigate a difficult Chiefs offense for a couple stops. He also came up with a pass breakup. Ward may not get to start at free safety, but his outing at slot corner showed his value to the roster.
WR Deebo Samuel
Samuel disappeared in the passing game against the Broncos after a couple catches in the preseason opener. He came back with two catches for 27 yards in Kansas City, and got to run with the starters. Samuel also went back to return kicks. It may still take a few weeks for the second-round pick to get rolling in the regular season, but his outing against the Chiefs was a good sign of progress.
WR Dante Pettis
There wasn’t a high bar to clear for Pettis to up his stock after zero catches in his first two games. He got open a few times against the Chiefs though and managed to pull in three catches for 36 yards. Garoppolo also lobbed one to him in triple coverage, but he couldn’t come down with it. Pettis may not be a top-end No. 1 receiver this year, but he has the skill set to be a productive player, and he showed Saturday that the 49ers’ quarterback trusts him to make plays.
RB Matt Breida
The 49ers’ leading rusher from a season ago hasn’t gotten any work in the preseason, but put on a show with 44 yards on seven carries. He also hauled in a 20-yard touchdown with a diving reception. His emergence as a pass catcher should earn him plenty of work in a crowded backfield this year, and he’s still their most explosive runner.
LB Kwon Alexander
There was some doubt that Alexander would be ready for the regular season opener when the 49ers signed the injured linebacker at the start of free agency. Alexander started the third preseason game and was all over the place. He was in on the first two tackles and showed off his range on several plays. There’s some rust to knock off, but there’s no reason to doubt Alexander will be ready and effective when the games count.
DL Damontre Moore
Chances are Moore won’t make the 49ers’ roster, but his consistently disruptive showings in the preseason could earn him a job on another team. He had two sacks and four quarterback hits against the Chiefs, and did that with one hand wrapped up as he works through a dislocated thumb.
CB Emmanuel Moseley
Moseley had a couple terrific pass breakups against the Chiefs, including one where he had perfect coverage on a deep throw down the sideline. Special teams ability helps enhance Moseley’s chances to make the roster, and splash plays like pass breakups in the preseason will help boost his stock quite a bit as well.
