These 4 49ers need to play well in preseason Week 1 vs. Cowboys

FS Adrian Colbert

Adrian Colbert needs to pick up the pace as soon as possible. He’s becoming the third option in a three-person race, and when Jimmie Ward finally heals himself, it’ll be very hard to gain any ground.

Tarvarius Moore has taken control at free safety, garnering most of the first-team reps. And truth be told, Moore has the raw ability to take control at the position. He was electric there at college and continues to grow after switching back from corner.

Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh explained Moore’s growth (h/t 49ers Webzone):

"He does not lack the skillset and for him to just continue to get better, be confident in his alignments, where he needs to place his eyes. The instinctual part, you can see it. He gets on course very well. He’s got good feel in the backend on when to stay deep and when to cut it short. It’s just, he takes really good angles, so he’s got a chance to be good. He’s just got to continue to get better every day."

Colbert suffered stark regression last year, to the point where Moore could take control in just one offseason at the position. But the one thing Colbert still has over Moore is action against other teams.

A good showing against the Cowboys could turn the tide.

Preseason competitions in training camp get stale when facing the same opponents constantly. New faces can bring new perspectives.