49ers vs. Broncos: 5 predictions for San Francisco in preseason bout
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: 49ers First-Team Defense Shuts Out the Broncos
Last year’s primary weakness could wind up being the team’s No. 1 strength in 2019.
San Francisco spent considerable effort upgrading the defense during the offseason. And while edge rushers Dee Ford (knee) and Nick Bosa (ankle) are likely not going to play during the game, especially Bosa, the remaining cast of 49ers defenders are already showing some prowess.
Including during the scrimmage with Denver.
Chris Biderman elaborated:
"Linebacker Fred Warner played a key role in two takeaways forced by San Francisco’s defense during full-team drills, just two days after he intercepted Jimmy Garoppolo five times back in Santa Clara. Warner pressured Broncos signal-caller Joe Flacco, leading to another interception for budding free safety Tarvarius Moore, which appeared to go for a touchdown the other way. It was Moore’s third interception of the past two practices."
Denver’s 9News’ Mike Klis also reported on the Broncos’ sentiments of the Niners defense:
The Broncos struggled to get much of anything going, offensively, during the first day of practice. And that might carry over into this preseason bout, too.
For this prediction, it sure does.