Trey Lance: Top 4 takeaways from 49ers QB’s first NFL action vs. Chiefs

No. 1: 49ers still haven’t unleashed Trey Lance’s legs

On Trey Lance’s first pass attempt on Saturday, the one which was dropped by wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, it was pretty easy to tell the quarterback wanted to use his legs to pick up what could have been a significant chunk of yardage.

Yet Lance ultimately elected not to run at all during the game, boasting zero rush attempts for zero yards on the ground.

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Kyle Shanahan later told reporters after the game it wasn’t in the plans for Lance to run. And given Shanahan wants Lance to work on his pocket presence and poise during the preseason rather than rely too much on his rushing abilities at this stage of his career carries a lot of merit.

But, whew… when those rushing attempts finally come to the forefront. That’ll be something.

Shanahan learned firsthand a season ago what a dual-threat quarterback can mean for an offense, as he watched the Buffalo Bills’ Josh Allen dice up San Francisco’s defense in embarrassing fashion.

For Lance, who’ll likely take at least a full season to fully develop as a quality passer, finally being able to utilize one of his top strengths should help reveal why he could easily emerge as one of the NFL’s budding superstars in a very short amount of time.

Too bad fans didn’t get to witness that against the Chiefs, but it’s probably for the better. Save that for when the games actually count.