49ers highlights: Top plays from Preseason Week 2 vs. Denver Broncos

The San Francisco 49ers lost to the Denver Broncos 33-14 in Week 2 of the NFL Preseason. We’ll spare you the lowlights of the 5-turnover game, and instead, we’ll bring you the highlights; here’s a look at each of the Niners’ top plays from Saturday.

Throughout the San Francisco 49ers’ 33-14 loss to the Denver Broncos, the Niners were in true preseason form. From starting quarterback Brian Hoyer’s non-throw, to the offense’s ongoing inability to line up in a legal formation, it was mostly a game to forget.

But in a matchup full of turnovers and penalties, the San Francisco 49ers mustered a number of highlights and positive performances from players who will need to contribute in 2017.

For the second week in a row, the 49ers’ first-team defense was violent and aggressive; and again, the weak link appeared to be top cornerback Rashard Robinson. The rest of the starting secondary was quite impressive.

Training camp standout Lorenzo Jerome likely solidified his safety roster spot with his performance in place of injured free safety Jimmy Ward, who hopes to return to practice this week.

On the first defensive play of the game, Jerome is lined up across from Broncos wide receiver Bennie Fowler — in one of the three ways 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh sets his defense up against Twins formations — and immediately makes his presence felt:

Fellow safety Eric Reid was my 49ers player of the game, and was constantly around the ball, tackling hard and making plays.

As I said during the game, Reid’s new role fits his skill set, which is attacking, and going north-south:

Tank Carradine also had a very strong game, and continues to hold off rookie Solomon Thomas for the 49ers’ starting “big end” 5-technique defensive end position.

Here, his quarterback pressure causes the incomplete pass:

On this third down, Jerome reads Broncos quarterback Paxton Lynch’s eyes and is in perfect position to defend the pass, which he almost intercepts:

Reid knifes in and stops running back C.J. Anderson after a short 2-yard gain:

Jerome gets to the edge and stops Anderson before he can reach the end zone: