The 49ers faced off against the Las Vegas Raiders in their third preseason game at Allegiant Stadium on Friday. This matchup was more than just a regular preseason encounter—it was a test of chemistry and readiness for both teams as they inch closer to the regular season. The game gave fans a glimpse into what the 49ers’ offense might look like this season, with Brock Purdy leading the charge. Let’s explore how the 49ers performed, where they shined, and where there’s still room for improvement.
Brock Purdy’s Performance in the Preseason Finale
Brock Purdy has been the focal point of discussions as he steps into a critical role for the 49ers. In this preseason game, Purdy started strong, showing flashes of what he could bring to the San Francisco offense. His first drive included a 25-yard pass to Deebo Samuel, immediately signaling that he’s capable of making highlight-worthy plays. He followed this up with a 15-yard completion to George Kittle, showcasing his ability to connect with his star players.
However, the drive stalled after J.P. Mason was tackled for a five-yard loss. Purdy then threw two incompletions—one to Mason and another to Kittle. This sequence highlighted the challenges that still remain for Purdy and the 49ers’ offense. Despite these setbacks, Purdy demonstrated resilience in the 49ers’ second drive, reminiscent of their successful 2023 season.
The 49ers’ Second Drive: A Glimpse of Potential
The 49ers’ second drive was a stark contrast to the first. It was an 85-yard drive that spanned 12 plays, where Purdy connected with tight end Jake Tonges and Kittle again, showing that the offense could indeed be in sync when it mattered. Mason and rookie running back Isaac Guerendo contributed with crucial runs, while Purdy himself displayed his mobility, avoiding defenders with a 14-yard run that kept the drive alive.
This drive culminated in a touchdown run by Mason, who was then praised by running backs coach Bobby Turner with a “good job.” This moment underscored the potential of the 49ers’ offense to return to its former glory, especially with the return of key players who were missing from this game.
The Third Drive: Mixed Results and a Learning Experience
The third and final drive for Purdy started with promise—a 15-yard pass to Chris Conley followed by a five-yard completion to Samuel. However, the momentum was disrupted when Purdy was sacked, leading to a forced throw that was tipped and ultimately intercepted by Raiders safety Chris Smith II, who returned it for 31 yards.
This sequence served as a reminder of the learning curve that still exists for Purdy. Despite his overall 9 of 16 pass attempts for 96 passing yards and a 63.2 rating, this interception highlighted the importance of decision-making under pressure. It’s clear that while there are areas of concern, the 49ers’ offense has shown glimpses of being in sync, something they’ll need to perfect before their Week 1 matchup against the New York Jets on Monday Night Football.
Missing Key Players and the Impact on the 49ers’ Offense
One of the biggest challenges for the 49ers in this game was the absence of several key contributors. Fullback Kyle Juszczyk was out due to veteran rest, while running back Christian McCaffrey was sidelined with a calf issue. Wide receivers Jauan Jennings and Brandon Aiyuk were also absent, the former dealing with an oblique injury. Additionally, left tackle Trent Williams was missing, which undoubtedly impacted the offensive line’s performance.
Despite these absences, the 49ers showed resilience. The rushing attack led by Mason was a positive development, even though the offensive linemen were not at full strength. The starting line included Jaylon Moore at left tackle, Nick Zakelj at left guard, Jack Brendel at center, Dominick Puni at right guard, and Colton McKivitz at right tackle. This lineup managed to hold its own, but there’s no doubt that the return of the missing offensive players will be crucial in reaching the 49ers’ full potential.
A Promising but Imperfect Preseason Performance
The 49ers showed both promise and areas in need of improvement in their preseason game against the Raiders. Brock Purdy had moments of brilliance, but also moments where his inexperience showed. The offense was far from perfect, yet there were enough highlight-worthy plays to suggest that with more practice and the return of their full complement of offensive players, the 49ers could be a formidable force in the upcoming season. The next few weeks will be critical as they prepare for their Week 1 clash against the New York Jets. If they can iron out the kinks and get their offense fully in sync, the 49ers have the potential to replicate the success of their 2023 season and perhaps even surpass it.
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