Broncos vs. 49ers: 5 top takeaways from San Francisco’s Week 14 win

No. 3: Nick Mullens continued to impress

Quarterback Nick Mullens continued his push to secure the backup position for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo next season. He put out another solid performance, completing 20 passes from 33 attempts for 332 yards. Mullens recorded two touchdowns with one interception. He had a 60.6 percent completion rate and a passer rating of 102.1.

While he did look comfortable in the pocket for the most part, he did throw some suspect balls which were lucky not to be intercepted. However, he cannot be blamed for Sunday’s interception, with the ball bouncing off wide receiver Trent Taylor’s hands.

There was also another close call while he was under pressure. Mullens was on the ground and attempted to throw the ball away which was picked up by a Broncos defender who ran the ball into the Niners’ end zone. The game officials however called an incomplete pass and the ball was brought back.

Besides the Kittle touchdown, Mullens’ other touchdown pass was to wide receiver Dante Pettis. Mullens threw a 1-yard reception to Pettis late in the second quarter. With such a quick ability to separate, Pettis was in the end zone with the ball in his hands before the Broncos defense knew what had happened. Pettis recorded three receptions from seven targets for 49 yards.

https://twitter.com/49ers/status/1071897682392674304

Mullens was sacked three times with a total of seven QB pressures. Linebacker Von Miller was too quick for tackle Mike McGlinchey on one occasion, beating him around the outside to sack Mullens.