Can Trey Lance beat ‘the stigma’ as a second-chance QB like 49ers’ Mac Jones? (Paywall)
“Lance’s athletic scramble gave hints of just the kind of dynamism and play the San Francisco 49ers envisioned when they traded three first-round picks to select the quarterback third overall out of North Dakota State in the 2021 NFL Draft.
That he’s playing in his third NFL uniform just five years later is a reminder that San Francisco wound up trading him to the Dallas Cowboys in 2023 for a fifth-round pick.
This night didn’t act as a means for Lance to hint at redemption or evoke from the 49ers “what-if” visions, though. It served as a front-row seat to watch two quarterbacks who tumbled after being taken high in their draft mount comeback stories, one further along than the other.
Lance is starting from his first steps, vying for the job of Chargers star quarterback Justin Herbert’s backup for a second straight year. He went 10-for-16 with 73 passing yards, both flashing tantalizing athleticism while looking far more settled at the helm and in the pocket than his tumultuous debut with the 49ers five years ago…
…In Los Angeles, Lance has a familiar face to help. Mike McDaniel served as Lance’s offensive coordinator during his first season in San Francisco. The 43-year-old is entering his first year as the Chargers offensive coordinator — under another former Niner, Jim Harbaugh.
Lance isn’t a lock for the Herbert backup job, Harbaugh said. DJ Uiagalelei is still firmly in the mix; he went 7-for-15 with a touchdown pass on Thursday.”
8 Winners and 2 losers from the 49ers’ preseason win over the Chargers
“Last year, Sam O was stretched into a full-time player, which hurt his effectiveness. It’s like taking a key bullpen player — let’s say your seventh inning guy — and asking him to pitch four innings. He was never going to be the same.
But in spurts, Okauyinonu can be effective. He played five run snaps, had two stops, and won on another rep that forced the running back to redirect right into his teammate for a tackle for loss. He also had two pressures on 12 pass rushes, including a quarterback hit. Okuayinonu is an ideal role player.
Kaelon Black: Black’s discipline as a runner is impressive. He has zero interest in bouncing runs to the outside, as tempting as it may be. He stays on a vertical path and will pinball off defenders for a positive gain. Another positive trait about Black — that Brian Robinson Jr. couldn’t stop doing — was his refusal to stop his feet in the backfield. Black was always gaining ground. One cut and go.”
49ers vs. Chargers PFF grades: Best and worst from the game, plus snap counts
“Defensive tackle James Thompson Jr. was the 49ers’ highest-graded pass rusher (80.8), although he was credited with just one pressure on 17 pass-rush snaps out of 26 total snaps…San Francisco’s highest-graded run defender was defensive tackle James Thompson Jr. (79.8)…[CB Jack] Jones earned the team’s best coverage grade (89.9), didn’t allow a catch on two targets, and broke up two passes.”
