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Broncos vs. 49ers: 5 players to watch for San Francisco’s preseason matchup

By Peter Panacy

DENVER, CO - AUGUST 20: Linebacker Dekoda Watson #57 of the Denver Broncos sacks quarterback Jeff Driskel #6 of the San Francisco 49ers during a preseason NFL game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on August 20, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - AUGUST 20: Linebacker Dekoda Watson #57 of the Denver Broncos sacks quarterback Jeff Driskel #6 of the San Francisco 49ers during a preseason NFL game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on August 20, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MO – AUGUST 11: Cornerback Rashard Robinson #33 of the San Francisco 49ers carries the ball after making an interception during the preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on August 11, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO – AUGUST 11: Cornerback Rashard Robinson #33 of the San Francisco 49ers carries the ball after making an interception during the preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on August 11, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

No. 1: Cornerback Rashard Robinson

Week 1 of the preseason might be something second-year cornerback Rashard Robinson would like to forget.

Well, maybe not forget. Rather he should learn from it.

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Robinson was victimized by Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill on the first snap of the game — a 32-yard pass down the sidelines, where Hill easily had Robinson beat. On Kansas City’s second offensive drive, Robinson was beat again by wide receiver Chris Conley for a would-be 83-yard touchdown, only to see the play nullified by an offensive pass-interference call.

Robinson did redeem himself, somewhat, with an interception off second-string quarterback Tyler Bray, but it’s pretty clear the cornerback has some work to do ahead of this particular contest versus Denver.

One of the points to note was Robinson’s inability to jam his receivers at the line of scrimmage.

The good thing is this is a minor technique fix. His coverage skills remain solid, and Robinson even has some veteran support.

“I’m excited about Rashard Robinson,” veteran EDGE Elvis Dumervil said, via Eric Branch of SFGate.com. “I think he can be the best corner in this division. That’s what I’m telling you. I know who the corners are.”

Some lofty words, but lofty expectations as well.

A bounce-back performance is important, as Robinson remains the team’s best cornerback. With the 49ers using plenty of Cover 3 defensive schemes, one-on-one coverage will be essential.

Next: 49ers film room: First-team defense vs. Chiefs offense

It’s up to Robinson to showcase this ability versus Denver.