San Francisco 49ers QB Trey Lance shined in his 2022 NFL preseason debut against the Green Bay … [+]
Trey Lance took his first step as the San Francisco 49ers’ starting quarterback and the face of the franchise Friday evening at Levi’s Stadium.
Lance, 22, started San Francisco’s preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers, officially beginning the post-Jimmy Garoppolo era in Northern California. Those who worked with him on the field came away impressed as San Francisco defeated the Aaron Rodgers-less Green Bay Packers by the score of 28-21.
Lance also got to work with rookie third-round pick Danny Gray in his two possessions to open the game, connecting with the wide receiver on an eye-opening 76-yard touchdown pass.
The young quarterback talked about his relationship with Gray and what it could mean moving forward on the season.
“I think it’s just reps and trust. Danny’s done a great job all camp. He’s a playmaker and he’s fun too throw to,” Lance told reporters from the podium.
The former No. 3 overall pick from North Dakota State connected on 4-of-5 passes for 92 yards and that touchdown en route to leading San Francisco to points in both of his possessions.
It wasn’t a perfect preseason debut for Lance as the the 49ers’ starting quarterback. Prior to connecting with Gray, he overshot Ross Dwelley on an intermediate route with the tight end making a solid catch. Lance also missed wide and late on a pass to the aforementioned Gray on third and nine during San Francisco’s opening possession, forcing the team to settle for a Robbie Gould field goal.
At 22 years old and with all of 71 regular-season passes under his belt, uneven performances are expected from Lance. It’s how he responded after a lackluster opening drive to connect with Gray that shows what the 49ers could have moving forward.
“Seemed solid. He did some good things. Wished we’d kept him out there more, but had to get him out,” 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan on Lance’s preseason debut.
Danny Gray Shows Out In 49ers Debut
Danny Gray is building a solid relationship with Trey Lance. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
It’s no surprise that this former Southern Methodist standout was able to get past a backup defender and haul in the longest pass from Friday’s NFL preseason action. Gray ran a 4.33 40-yard dash during the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine and has blazing speed.
Even then, to perform at this level during his first professional action has to be seen as a great thing for the rookie third-round pick and his 49ers. Gray ultimately caught two passes for 99 yards while filling in for resting starters Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk. He already seems to have a special relationship with Lance.
“Me and Trey get the work in after practice. I feel like everything’s coming together and we’re gonna be very special,” Gray told reporters following Friday night’s win.
With Samuel and Aiyuk entrenched in as San Francisco’s top two receivers, there’s a battle for the third spot. Former seventh-round pick Jauan Jennings has struggled with drops during training camp after coming on strong last season. Free-agent signing Ray-Ray McCloud impressed in his 49ers debut, including a 39-yard touchdown strike from backup quarterback Nate Sudfeld. These two seem to have the inside shot to be San Francisco’s top slot guy should Jennings’ struggles continue.
Mike McGlinchey Rusty In Return To Action
This former first-round pick from Notre Dame is going to be key to San Francisco’s success on offense in 2022. McGlinchey missed the final nine games and playoffs a season ago with torn quadriceps. He made his return to action Friday evening, playing one series at right tackle.
While a small sample size, McGlinchey’s rust showed big time. He was beat on an inside move by Packers backup linebacker Isaiah McDuffie, resulting in a two-yard loss for running back Trey Serman. McGlinchey also gave up a pressure on that initial series.
San Francisco needs McGlinchey to perform at a high level if Lance is to have success in 2022. Friday night’s performance, as brief as it might have been, doesn’t inspire too much confidence.
Samuel Womack To Be San Francisco 49ers Starting Slot Cornerback?
With Charvarius Ward (groin) and Emmanuel Moseley (hamstring) sitting this one out, this rookie fifth-round pick from Toledo got a ton of play Friday evening. Boy, he did not disappoint.
Yes, you read that right. Making his NFL debut, Womack picked off Packers backup quarterback Jordan Love twice in the game. Both plays were the result of tremendous coverage from the youngster. He, too, seemed impressed by his performance.
“I feel like I had a great game tonight. I still have some things I have to learn from and get better at, but I feel like I took advantage of my opportunities, Womack told reporters after San Francisco’s win.
This really isn’t anything new if you’ve followed 49ers training camp. In general, 49ers cornerbacks have looked like a strength on defense. In particular, Womack has caught the eyes of his coaching staff and fellow players. There’s now a darn good chance that he could be San Francisco’s starting slot cornerback come Week 1 against the Chicago Bears.
Another San Francisco 49ers Rookie Impresses
The 49ers might have found something in Spencer Burford (left) at right guard. (Photo by Thearon W. … [+]
Speaking of rookie starters for a Super Bowl contender, Spencer Burford could very well end up being San Francisco’s starting right guard. The Texas-San Antonio product and fourth-round pick carried over stellar training camp practices to real live-game action Friday evening. Even though he was going up against primarily backups, Burford dominated in every way possible.
This could potentially be huge for San Francisco with questions on the interior of its offensive line. If Burford proves to be a capable starting right guard, things will change dramatically. That’s especially true with 2021 second-round pick Aaron Banks looking very much the part at left guard.
Other San Francisco 49ers Notes
San Francisco 49ers rookie Brock Purdy was impressive in his preseason debut. (AP Photo/Jed … [+]
Both Nate Sudfeld and rookie seventh-round pick Brock Purdy threw touchdown passes in relief of Lance. They combined to complete 11-of-17 passes for 139 yards. It seems as if any questions regarding San Francisco’s depth behind Lance in the quarterback room could soon be answered.
Speaking of quarterbacks, New York Jets starter Zach Wilson went down with a non-contact knee injury in his team’s preseason opener against the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday night. The second-year signal caller will have an MRI this weekend to reveal the severity of the injury.
Obviously, the Jets will be linked to Jimmy Garoppolo if they are without Wilson for the long-term. New York head coach Robert Saleh spent four seasons as the 49ers’ defensive coordinator. Jets offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur was Garoppolo’s passing-game coordinator in San Francisco for four seasons. The connection is real. Perhaps, the two sides will come together for a trade. If not, Garoppolo is slated to be traded or released ahead of final roster cut downs in less than three weeks.
Impressive young running back Elijah Mitchell missed Friday’s game with a hamstring injury that could force him from the duration of the preseason. Shanahan noted that neither Mitchell nor Ward will suit up next week against the Minnesota Vikings. Their status for the preseason finale the following week has not yet been decided.
With Mitchell sitting, rookie Tyrion Davis-Price got a bulk of San Francisco’s reps in the backfield. The third-round pick from LSU responded by putting up 36 yards on 10 attempts, including a 10-yard run. Notably, JaMycal Hasty looked better than his younger counterpart with the former undrafted free agent tallying 47 yards on six touches.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/vincentfrank/2022/08/13/trey-lance-shines-and-other-top-notes-from-san-francisco-49ers-preseason-opener/