Niner Noise
FanSided

4 pleasant surprises from 49ers Week 1 win over Lions

By Akshaj Dwivedula

San Francisco 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell (25) Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
San Francisco 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell (25) Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jared Goff, Dee Ford, San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions
San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Dee Ford (55) Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

Value from a forgotten 49ers man

Heading into the offseason, it seemed a foregone conclusion EDGE Dee Ford’s NFL career would end due to his neck and back issues that had taken him out for all but one game in the prior season. Even during the offseason, reports on Ford were measured and pessimistic, with a long view and patience being constantly preached with his recovery.

But it seems Ford never got the memo, as his health continued to progress, and he managed to make it onto the field. That in and of itself was a pleasant surprise for the 49ers.

What happened on the field had to have been icing on the cake.

Ford showcased his ability, especially during the first half, when the defense seemed to have more juice. He sacked Lions quarterback Jared Goff, forced a holding penalty because of his pressure, and forced his blocker into Goff so far it forced an errant pass that linebacker Dre Greenlaw picked off and took the other way for a touchdown.

Ford’s performance, coupled with EDGE Nick Bosa being disruptive even while still not looking 100 percent and Samson Ebukam showcasing pure explosion, is a welcome sight for San Francisco.

To have Ford play at this level is a pleasant surprise, and one the 49ers will hope to continue to reap the rewards from during this season.