49ers training camp: 5 differences we’ve seen from Week 1 to Week 2

The first week of 49ers training camp was sloppy for the offense, yet Week 2 of camp has been much more balanced and boasts some better performances.

The 2022 installation of San Francisco 49ers training camp is almost in the books, and head coach Kyle Shanahan’s squad has only a handful of practices left before ramping up for the Niners’ opening preseason bout against the Green Bay Packers on Friday, Aug. 12.

Understandably, there are still some notable concerns and question marks to be answered, many of which are hopefully solved during the three-game exhibition period.

But, looking back at the first two weeks of camp, there are some distinguishable differences.

San Francisco’s offense was not sharp over the first week, which was expected as defenses tend to start off stronger than offenses across the league. The offensive line, especially early, was shoddy, while the Deebo Samuel-less wide receiver room wasn’t exactly making much of an impact.

Fortunately, Week 2 of 49ers training camp provided some resolution to a lot of those potential pain points.

Let’s take a look at some of the key differences we’ve noticed between the two weeks.

49ers training camp difference No. 5: O-line is starting to jell

The Niners were without starting tackles Trent Williams and Mike McGlinchey for the bulk of Week 1, and both didn’t take the field together in tandem until very late in the first week.

However, it’s the interior that should be most concerning, namely with at least two new starting positions open at left guard and center. Sure, San Francisco isn’t looking to add a veteran center in the free-agent market, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan, meaning it’ll come down to either Jake Brendel or Daniel Brunskill. And perhaps that’s a bit of a concern heading into the preseason.

Yet the 49ers have received some quality production from rookie guard Spencer Burford, drafted in the fourth round this year and now working almost exclusively with the first-string unit.

Burford might have shown up on a handful of practice reports from the first week, but he’s turning into a regular positive after Week 2, which is a great sign.

And while the Niners can still be somewhat concerned about center and potentially the left guard spot with Aaron Banks, at least three-fifth of the O-line seems completely solidified.

That’s a step up from two weeks ago.