Special teams
For a majority of the game, it seemed as if the 49ers were incapable of performing a punt return or kickoff return without a penalty. This was perfectly encapsulated into one play:
Preseason ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ #DENvsSF pic.twitter.com/i2NXYncFBD
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) August 20, 2017
Jokes aside, the special teams units were indeed littered with penalties. Not to forget, one of the five turnovers came when Jaquiski Tartt had a punt hit his leg. It would of been an overall disastrous performance for the unit, but undrafted rookie wide receiver Vic Bolden Jr. had something to say about that with his 104-yard kickoff return touchdown in the fourth quarter.
That play might also seal Bolden Jr.’s spot on the final 53-man roster — hard to keep that kind of electric speed on the practice squad.
Grade: C
Coaching
After a shaky opening display that ultimately ended with a win, the new 49ers coaching staff showed it still has a ways to go in the second preseason game. The team was dominated in the time of possession battle, losing 38:35 to 21:25. Head coach Kyle Shanahan’s schemes failed to produce, resulting in only 12 first-downs and 243 yards of total offense.
More importantly, San Francisco had way too many turnovers and way too many penalties (once again). Five turnovers and 11 penalties is unacceptable in this league, and Shanahan knows that. How the team rebounds facing some adversity will be something to watch for.
Grade: C
*Note: all game statistics gathered from ESPN.
Next: Broncos vs. 49ers: The good, bad and ugly from Week 2 of the preseason
We’re halfway through preseason, and each game is revealing more and more about the 49ers. Stick with us at Niner Noise as we’ll have updates and analysis as the preseason moves along.