49ers vs. Chiefs: 5 biggest storylines for 2021 preseason opener
By Peter Panacy
The 49ers open up their 2021 preseason with a home bout against the Chiefs, so let’s break down the storylines fans will want to watch.
It might not be fully meaningful, but the San Francisco 49ers‘ 2021 preseason opener against the Kansas City Chiefs sure does carry a lot of implications.
For starters, there’s always the importance of exhibition games like these for those players on the fringes of the roster. It’s the valuable chance to put together some solid game tape, either for a team like the Niners or any one of the other 31 teams potentially looking for help if that player ultimately doesn’t survive regular-season roster cuts.
On top of that, it’s a chance for all participating players to go up against other competition aside from their own teammates, which they’ve been facing off against for weeks already in training camp.
Different looks, schemes and player talents all factor into the mix now, even if the final score doesn’t truly matter.
But the 2021 preseason carries a bit heavier implications for San Francisco this season, namely with rookie quarterback Trey Lance set to take the field for his first NFL action.
That’s just one of the main storylines and focal points for Saturday’s contest, so let’s start there.
49ers vs. Chiefs Storyline No. 5: The Trey Lance era truly begins
There was already enough hype and focus on another rookie quarterback, Mac Jones, during his NFL debut for the New England Patriots on Thursday night versus the Washington Football Team.
Lance, the No. 3 overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft, should have even more attention on him.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan has already revealed the veteran, Jimmy Garoppolo, and the starters will get at least one series but not much more, while Lance is expected to receive at least 30 snaps and play through until halftime, perhaps a little longer.
Considering Lance had just one full year as a collegiate starter and attempted just 318 pass attempts during that tenure, though, the added reps are going to be vital.
Especially considering Kansas City is expected to play its starters for the first quarter. Going up against a first-team defense, at least for part of a quarter, is essential for Lance’s development.
How well Lance performs in this context could go a long way towards determining how close he is to taking over the starting job.