The San Francisco 49ers 2nd and 3rd team offense struggled mightily in Week 1 of the preseason. Though in their defense, they were up against the the Honey Badger, Tyrann Matthieu, and the Chiefs first team defense, as the Chiefs chose to play their starters throughout the game.
There were definitely some bright spots for the 49ers, especially on defense. Rookie CB Ambry Thomas managed to pick off a Patrick Mahomes’ pass and racked up a couple of tackles as well. Thomas will get a good long look again in Week 2 of the preseason. He’ll again get significant playing as starters CB Verrett and fellow rookie CB Antonio Hanks will be playing limited snaps. While rookie Antonio Hanks, the nephew of former 49er All-Pro Merton Hanks, has solidified a starting spot at corner; Thomas is still fighting for a nickel or dime role in the secondary and his performance in the preseason will be critical for the rookie. Backup FS Tarvarius Moore also managed to pick off Mahomes. The 49ers backup defense did an admirable job keeping it close against the Chiefs starters for most of the game, but were eventually overpowered by Mahomes and Pro Bowl receiver Tyreek Hill.
On the other side of the field, the #3 overall pick, rookie QB Trey Lance’s preseason debut was filled with ups and downs. He played all but the first drive of the game, as veteran signal-caller Jimmy Garoppolo’s day ended early in the first quarter. Lance amassed an impressive 258 passing yards with a 72% completion percentage. However, he also threw 5 interceptions and zero touchdowns. Although a far from stellar debut, he again did face the Chiefs first-team defense and did not have the luxury of throwing to Deebo Samuels, Brandon Ayuik, of George Kittle as the 49ers sat all the starting skill-position players with Garoppolo in the first quarter.
The 49ers look to rebound in Preseason Week 2 versus your the Chargers, as they continue to prepare for the regular season
