Former 49ers QB has embarrassing 5-interception preseason game

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Trey Lance is having a rough time. The quarterback selected by the 49ers with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft may have hit a new low with his five-interception performance in Saturday's preseason game.

Coming into Saturday's game, Lance's preseason stats were respectable. He had completed 40 of 64 passes and threw for one touchdown pass with no interceptions. He was not setting the world on fire, but he was proving that he was solid enough to be a decent backup quarterback. He was also showing that some of the reactions to his training camp struggles may have been overblown.

Then, Lance threw five interceptions on Saturday in the preseason matchup between the Cowboys and the Los Angeles Chargers. That does not tell the whole story, though. He completed 33 of 49 passes for 323 yards. He also threw for one touchdown on an impressive touch pass and had an electric 46-yard rushing touchdown where he showcased that speed and athleticism that got so many Niners fans excited when they drafted him.

So it was not a complete travesty, but five interceptions is a lot even in a preseason game.

One of these interceptions turned into a pick-six on a bad ball from Lance that never should have been thrown. Niner fans grew familiar with those kinds of mistakes from Lance.

Truly, this game captured all of Lance in a nutshell. It showcased the clear talent and raw ability he possesses, and at the same time, the inexperience and lack of refinement that comes with the limited reps he has received ever since he has been in the NFL.

It is not clear where he will receive those reps, though. Dak Prescott and Cooper Rush are ahead of Lance on the depth chart in Dallas, and his uneven preseason performance is not going to have a bunch of general managers across the league chomping at the bit to trade for him. It seems that injuries will probably have to occur for him to get a chance either with the Cowboys or on another team desperate for a quarterback.

One thing is for sure: Niners fans are very glad to have Brock Purdy as their quarterback. Purdy looked very solid in the 49ers' preseason finale against the Las Vegas Raiders and looks ready to build upon his excellent 2023 campaign.

Lance's five-interception game does not spell the end of his time in the NFL, but it adds another chapter to his strange journey that, as of right now, is shaping up to be a very big bust.

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