Week 3 win vs. Cardinals was a microcosm of 49ers rookies' maturation

When it comes to "experience," in NFL terms, it won't surprise you to know I'm not always in favour of "the tie goes to the veteran." I guess that seasons of watching the likes of Derek Smith, DeVondre Campbell and Josh Norman loaf around the football field barely making an impact because they were "solid veterans" does that to you.

That's why, in spite of much whinging and gnashing of teeth this offseason as the San Francisco 49ers parted ways with a number of well-paid veterans, I was one of the lone voices speaking out in, if not favour, then at least with some degree of nuance about it.

Youthful energy can invigorate a team. Something new can spark competition or bring a fresh perspective. I'm sure bringing back such a firebrand coach as defensive coordinator Robert Saleh probably helps, too. But either way, the Niners needed a spark, or in my more British parlance, a kick up the posterior. I've said that enough times here and elsewhere.

Those who questioned that opinion and the idea of blooding young players in general would, I'm sure, primarily say that this team would have "no idea" how to win in the professional game, as many would face situations that they hadn't before, or simply not be adjusted to the NFL level. Quite how employing players who had previously gone 6-11 was intended to help with this, I'm not sure. But let's take it at face value.

The best thing about these youngsters? They're finding ways to win football games.

And the 49ers slogged out a 16-15 win over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 3 was a great example of that.

Young 49ers were vital in Week 3 win vs. Cardinals

So, let's be honest, pretty much everything that could be wrong for the Niners was wrong in Week 3.

San Francisco was still missing starting quarterback Brock Purdy (toe), had barely a playmaker to speak of in between the missing pass-catching weapons like Jauan Jennings (ankle, shoulder), George Kittle (hamstring) and Brandon Aiyuk (knee), and several miscues and some questionable officiating put head coach Kyle Shanahan's squad behind the 8-ball on numerous occasions.

However, almost all those young players showed up with plays to help win Week 3. Mykel Williams proved to be a force again on the defensive line, showing shades of Arik Armstead in doing so. Fellow lineman Alfred Collins seems to be improving by the week, showing up against the run in particular. Similarly, cornerback Upton Stout had one of the plays of the game with a third-down pass breakup when a first down would've kept the Cardinals on the field and ended the game:

Outside of the rookies, linebacker Dee Winters continued to develop into the Dre Greenlaw replacement the 49ers hoped he would be, with several bruising run stops and some nice plays in coverage, despite him being a target against Cardinals tight end Trey McBride. Bryce Huff also continues to impress following his trade acquisition.

Offensively, the absence of pretty much every playmaker allowed second-year wide receiver Ricky Pearsall to continue to show up and make plays.

He's vastly becoming one of the team's best players.

49ers are learning how to 'win ugly'

Perhaps the biggest thing, though, is that the Niners are winning. We can all recall last season and the one-score game frustrations that plagued a season that felt like it went on forever, but nothing has truly changed in that respect. Games against the likes of the Seattle Seahawks and Arizona (particularly the latter, as the bluebottle-like Cardinals always seem to buzz around) always end up close and are decided by a few big plays late in the game.

It's heartening to see the youngsters making them.

That's particularly true when you consider their ups-and-downs already this season; the likes of Stout, for instance, having to bounce back from something of a baptism of fire against the Seahawks in Week 1, but the coaching staff (and largely the fanbase) has been patient enough to understand that bumps and bruises come with inserting youth into the lineup.

That faith has been increasingly rewarded, as these kids seem to improve every game.

Let's hope the coaching staff sticks to that, because honestly, as difficult as it is for the blood pressure, this team's actually a lot of fun. Should they continue to develop and get better, and get some players back, particularly on offense, the Niners have a chance to go as far as they want, especially after starting 3-0.

My prediction? As this team improves, you're going to see something special, and it all starts with the work going on in these earlyseason games. Support them, watch them grow, and enjoy the moment.

The 49ers are fun again.