Top 10 takeaways from first phase of 49ers training camp
By Peter Panacy
The first “week” of San Francisco 49ers training camp for 2019 is in the books, and there are some pretty notable developments. Niner Noise breaks down the top tidbits and takeaways.
The San Francisco 49ers have wrapped up their first “week” of training camp, going four days’ worth of practices since the sessions began last week and ending this initial phase with a day off on Wednesday.
Camp will resume on Thursday, and one might expect the intensity to be a bit more. Especially considering only half of the first practices were in pads.
There were some clear-cut standouts during this first week of practices, both individual and within units. Generally speaking, the Niners defense was wholly better than the offense, which isn’t unusual early on during training camp. Offenses typically take longer to jell, whereas defenses merely have to react and anticipate on the field.
Yet the defense certainly was the big star over the first four days, which is both a good sign and possible cause for concern moving forward.
On one hand, San Francisco’s defense was a primarily problem in 2018. After a number of key reinforcements during the offseason, particularly up front along the defensive line, it’s good to see this side of the ball performing well.
On the other, though, one would hope head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense begins to show some explosiveness. In time, hopefully.
Speaking of that defensive front, it’s certainly one of the top 10 takeaways over these early days, which Niner Noise breaks down here.
No. 10: 49ers Defensive Line Is Looking Dominant
Think about it: San Francisco has five former first-round NFL Draft picks along the defensive line. All for four spots: DeForest Buckner, Dee Ford, Arik Armstead, Solomon Thomas and the rookie, Nick Bosa.
This fivesome has already made quite the impression early during camp. Bosa beat left tackle Joe Staley for would-be sacks early on, while Buckner has remained a dominant force.
And the 49ers’ hopefully vaunted rushing attack has had nearly zero luck going up against this group.
“Pshhhh, man, they’re cold,” running back Tevin Coleman told NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco. “They’re real good, all the guys. They’re deep back there. They’re all first-rounders so it’s going to be tough just at practice. Those guys are good. It’s tough to see holes right now, and get those holes because those guys are so good.”
Trading for Ford and selecting Bosa in the draft were the big moves, cementing the Niners theory a good pass rush and stifling run defense will cover up other possible shortages elsewhere on defense.
So far, it seems to be working like a charm.