The San Francsco 49ers walked away with another win in Week 3, but at a huge cost. They lost WR Brandon Ayiuk, TE Ross Dwelley, and DE Dee Ford to injuries. The Packers Pro Bowl QB Aaron Rodgers performed as expected and managed to throw for 355 yards and 5 TDs. The Packers scored a whopping 43 points on the 49ers defense. However, the 49ers defense did manage to pick Rodgers off 5 times to help keep the score from getting worse. And although a far from perfect game, rookie QB Trey Lance showed that he can lead the offense and put up the points to win games. Lance threw for 275 yards, 3 TDs, 3 INTs, and one rushing TD. Before leaving the game due to injury, Brandon Ayiuk was having a big game and caught 5 passes for 109 yards and 2 TDs. Rookie RB Elijah Mitchell continues to be dependable as he ran for 84 rushing yards and a rushing TD and caught 3 passes for 51 yards.
This week, the 49ers will play in their first regular season game against a division opponent as they host the Seattle Seahawks in Week 4.
The 49ers will look to the rookie signal caller QB Trey Lance to continue improving and to really work on limiting the turnovers. This is especially important against a Seattle Seahawks defense that has historically given them a hard time. They’ll again need RB Elijah Mitchell to produce and to continue his impressive rookie campaign to keep the offense balanced and to keep it manageable for Lance and the passing game. And someone in the WR group is going to have step in Aiyuk’s absence.
The 49ers defense has the tough task of keeping the magician and Pro Bowl QB Russel Wilson contained as best as they can and will have to keeps their eyes glued on WR D.K. Metcalf. The duo has shredded them in the past and has the potential to break open any game. A constant and significant pass rush is once again critical, so Wilson doesn’t have the time to pick the secondary apart. Because of Wilson’s ability to get outside of the pocket and with the defensive line missing DE Dee Ford, the 49ers linebackers are going to have to make an impact in rushing Wilson, helping to contain him from getting loose outside of the pocket, defending any short routes and routes down the middle, and will also need to keep RB Chris Carson from taking over the game. LB Kenneth Murray Jr., acquired via trade in the preseason, has yet to make a significant impact and the 49ers are hoping this week is when he does.