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Takeaways from 49ers Preseason Loss in Denver

By Peter Panacy

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The San Francisco 49ers dropped their third preseason bout against the Denver Broncos by a score of 19-12 at Sports Authority Field in Denver.

“That’s what the preseason is for. It’s to work those things out and see who we have in different positions.” – Colin Kaepernick

Week 3 of the preseason marks the game in which most NFL teams play their starters for the longest period of time. And this was the case on Saturday night. Quarterback Colin Kaepernick and the first-team offensive and defensive units were on the field for nearly the entirety of the first half.

And the results, especially on offense, were not exactly pretty.

San Francisco and Denver had engaged in joint practices prior to the game. This allowed both teams to square off against opponents not frequently seen in a practice context. It also allowed the 49ers players an opportunity to adjust to the high altitude in the Denver area.

Yet it did not seem to make much difference for the 49ers offense. All of San Francisco’s scoring came from field goals. And the offense generated a mere 237 total yards on offense.

There were some positives though. Combined with the setbacks and negative elements, what can we take away from this preseason bout?

Offensive Woes and the O-Line

Aug 29, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) rolls out of the pocket during the second half against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 19-12. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Kaepernick and the first-team offense struggled to move the ball over the first half in Denver. This unit failed to convert a first down until their fourth offensive possession per Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area.

And the unlikable trend of offensive-touchdown absences during the preseason continued. The 49ers have just one offensive score — a passing touchdown from quarterback Blaine Gabbert to tight end Garrett Celek — this preseason. And it came in Week 1 of this exhibition phase.

Much of the problem in Denver stemmed from the lack of push and protection from the offensive line. While the left side — consisting of tackle Joe Staley and guard Alex Boone — held its own, the right side was permeable for much of the game.

Starting right tackle Erik Pears gave up a safety to Broncos defensive end DeMarcus Ware, and rookie guard Ian Silberman also struggled during his first-quarter effort.

Subsequent chances from the O-line were not exactly stellar either. Kaepernick was quick to defend his linemen per Maiocco. “This is not any concern on this team,” Kaepernick said. “That’s what the preseason is for. It’s to work those things out and see who we have in different positions. That’s what we’re doing and we’re working to get ready for the regular season.” But head coach Jim Tomsula also pointed out, via Eric Branch of SFGate.com, that he may shuffle some things along the right side of the line.

Aug 29, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) is sacked by Denver Broncos strong safety David Bruton (30) during the second half at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 19-12. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

“That will be cleared up for you shortly,” Tomsula said. “In the next day or two.”

The 49ers have tried different combinations here over the preseason.

And the latest results are less than pleasing.

NaVorro Bowman Looks Sharp as Ever

If linebacker NaVorro Bowman’s three-snap, three-tackle performance against the Dallas Cowboys last week wasn’t enough, the three-time All-Pro backed it up with an even stronger effort in Denver.

Bowman led all 49ers with nine tackles. He also brought down quarterback Peyton Manning for two sacks during the contest.

Aug 29, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) hugs San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) after the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 19-12. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

The linebacker was supposed to play only 10 snaps per Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News. He ended up playing nearly the entirety of defensive snaps during the first half.

But Bowman isn’t satisfied with his efforts just yet as noted via the team’s Twitter feed:

Concerns over Bowman’s knee injury seem to be waning with every defensive snap he takes throughout the preseason.

His presence is reason enough to believe San Francisco’s defense will be much better than what many pundits think entering this season.

Reggie Bush Makes His 49ers Debut

Running back Reggie Bush saw his first action in a 49ers uniform in Denver. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Veteran running back Reggie Bush took the field for the first time in a 49ers uniform on Saturday.

And the 30-year-old threat showcased that he still has a lot of what it takes to compete at the NFL level.

Bush is known for being more of a receiving threat out of the backfield rather than a between-the-tackles back. But he burst for a 21-yard rushing gain between right tackle Erik Pears and right guard Ian Silberman in the first quarter.

It was his lone offensive carry of the game.

But his punt-return efforts were not exactly the best as David Fucillo of Niners Nation describes:

"The 49ers welcomed Reggie Bush into action for the first time on Saturday, and he got quite a bit of work. He got some running plays, but more notable was that he handled punt returns out of the gates in place of Jarryd Hayne. Bush has not returned a regular season punt since 2011, and it kind of showed. He did have a decent return his first time, but the second time he let a ball bounce he should have caught, and knew it right away. The ball bounced inside the five and was downed by the Broncos."

Bush’s missed punt return led to a safety for Denver’s defense. Broncos defensive end DeMarcus Ware worked around Pears for an end-zone sack of Kaepernick.

Young Cornerbacks Stepping Up

Aside from cornerback Mylan Hicks’ costly penalty in the waning minutes of the fourth quarter, San Francisco’s developing crop of defensive backs is starting to showcase its talent.

Cornerbacks Keith Reaser and Kenneth Acker got the start in Denver, and both made their respective talents known.  Reaser had three tackles during the contest — one for a loss.

And Acker added to his strong preseason efforts with an interception of quarterback Peyton Manning on a would-be touchdown pass to Broncos wideout Demaryius Thomas. Even though Acker unwisely tossed the ball away prior to the play being whistled dead, the second-year pro’s efforts are noteworthy enough to suggest he’ll have a spot on the 53-man roster in 2015.

Acker and Reaser’s ascension could mean that veteran corner Shareece Wright won’t be named a starter in the regular season. Wright didn’t make much of a positive impact and only saw continuous snaps late in the second half.

Other young members, like special teams ace L.J. McCray and rookie safety Jaquiski Tartt, also made notable impacts for the defense per Joe Fann of 49ers.com.

The third week of the preseason typically resembles a regular-season game more than the other three exhibition contests. Starters frequently go a full two quarters rather than the typical drive or two.

Such was the case on Saturday. The majority of San Francisco’s first-team units were on display until the half. But the results might not be that pretty.

Especially on offense.

The 49ers will look to rectify their offensive woes in the coming days with the hopes of entering the regular season with enough momentum to compete at a level much higher than what many people think they’ll do.

San Francisco’s next phase will be to engage in its first wave of roster cuts. The team’s 90-man roster will drop to 75 players following the game.

Hopefully, the 49ers’ efforts will make that decision process a little easier.

Next: 49ers Preseason Offense Still Questionable

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com and ESPN.com unless otherwise indicated.

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