Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
The San Francisco 49ers won their first preseason game on Friday, defeating the Green Bay Packers 28-21, with several starters eliminated from the game, allowing several younger players to see more playing time.
With that in mind, let’s highlight five 49ers who impressed on the field during Friday’s game.
1.CB Samuel Womack
The fifth-round rookie from Toledo had a fantastic game himself, recording two interceptions on the day while playing mostly with the second-team defence.
Womack is slowly becoming the favorite for the 49ers in next Week 1’s slot by showing off his coverage ability, length and speed.
During the final drills of training camp, Womack had spent time defending the first team in the slot before returning to defending the second team on the final day of camp.
What struck me most about Womack wasn’t his covering ability, but his mindset when defending the run.
On a rushing play, Womack filled his gap, using his speed to slam his blocker into the backfield and forcing the Green Bay Packers, who were running back, to cut the rush inside to fail to make a win.
If Womack can fulfill his role in the running game as well as as a blitzer, he should be a mainstay at the corner slot position for the 49ers.
2. DE Kemoko Turay
Defensive end Kemoko Turay continues to have a strong month as he flashed during his time on the field on Friday.
After finding success as a pass rusher throughout training camp, including a day of 5 sacks, Turay demonstrated his running game skills, recording three stops for short to minimal wins while also filling in his gaps in other games.
Although Turay is a newcomer to a group with deep defences, Turay’s versatile skills should give him early game time, especially if he continues to play at his current level.
3.Quarterback Trey Lance
How could I not include Quarterback Trey Lance?
Lance completed 4/5 passes for 92 yards and a touchdown on Friday, including a deep 76-yard pass to Danny Gray for a score where he hit the receiver in the crotch on the left touchline.
Lance showed good pocket presence and pocketed several throws, including a quarterback sneak where he slipped for an 8-yard gain.
On the run, Lance pocketed, tried to throw, and then took off after no receivers were open in bottom field.
Lance’s only incompletion came on an out route from Danny Gray, where the quarterback placed a ball toward the touchline but threw the pass just a bit wide, leaving Gray unable to stay in the game.
Overall, it’s been a great start to the season for Lance, who only played 11 snaps and is unlikely to play in this weekend’s fight against the Minnesota Vikings, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan.
4th LB Marcelino McCrary ball
McCrary-Ball was all over the field on Friday, recording an interception from a deflected pass while also having four tackles on the day.
The undrafted Indiana free agent started for the 49ers alongside Oren Burks and Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, with the top three linebackers all resting on the game.
McCrary-Ball’s speed and aggressiveness were on display throughout the game, and the Indiana product has the traits the 49ers covet in their linebackers.
Currently, McCrary-Ball is a prime candidate for the practice team but could even move towards the 53-man roster, he himself explained, if the 49ers choose him over Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles.
One thing to note: The 49ers traded standout no-draft linebacker Jonas Griffith for additional draft capital last season. Man roster, that option remains a viable option.
5. RB Jordan Mason
The undrafted Georgia Tech free agent only entered Friday’s game in the fourth quarter, but Jordan Mason showed the qualities that were present during his fine performance in training camp.
Mason charged with speed and physicality, showing his ability to hit the hole and get yards from contact en route to his six-carry, 30-yard performance.
It’s unclear if Mason will get enough carry in preseason to warrant a spot on the 53-man list, but the talent is definitely there.
The battle for fourth running back spot between Mason, JaMycal Hasty and Jeff Wilson Jr. will be closely watched as the preseason unfolds.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and, while equally important, not necessarily those of the site as a whole.
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