Yes, it was a loss, 19-13, to Tennessee, but there was much more to like than quibble over in the 49ers’ pre-season opener.
The San Francisco 49ers showed why they remain a pillar in the NFC, and on Thursday night Kyle Shanahan’s program put itself to the test against a scrappy Tennessee squad.
Kurtis Rourke (photo, Yahoo! Sports)
QB Kurtis Rourke did not disappoint, moving away from pressure, extending plays, and escaping rushers. How’s that for a player just months removed from playing on a surgically repaired knee? His play is exactly what you want from a young signal-caller trying to climb a depth chart.
This was not a one-person show. Patrick Taylor Jr. capped off a legitimate drive and a touchdown, punching it in, nearly stumbling, into the end zone. It’s the kind of gritty, physical play that wins jobs. The offensive line, including Carver Willis, stood out.
The 49ers’ upfront pressure has fans buzzing. Ogbo Okoronkwo came off the edge with a convincing sack. James Thompson worked the front interior. Ashtyn Davis nearly came up with a huge interception. Malik Turner and Nazee Johnson got their hands on the football, forcing Tennessee into uncomfortable situations all game long.
There’s a lot of buzz around the stacked linebacker room. Guys pulling rookies aside and teaching the little things – why you set the edge a certain way, why you diagnose a play a certain way- and it’s paying off in real time. This defense plays with an edge, gets after the quarterback, and makes opposing offenses earn every single yard.
Playmaker Trenton Irwin has smooth routes and makes tough catches over the middle. Juan Jennings is just tough, smart, and a willing blocker – continues to make the case that he was one of the bigger steals this league has seen. Ricky Pearsall back in the fold, this offense has a jolt of confidence that has Shanahan grinning from the sideline.
Even when the passing game was under pressure, Niners’ receivers found space, converted third downs, and kept the chains moving. The exact identity this organization has built since Shanahan and John Lynch walked through the door.
Joey Slye boomed kicks all game. A 39-yarder and clutch situational work late had viewers raving about his range and consistency. Kyle Juszczyk’s coverage units flew around making plays. In the final minutes, with the clock working against them, San Fran’s offense showed exactly the tempo and poise fans want to see – driving into scoring position, working the sideline, and forcing the opponent to answer.
All in all, this year’s team seems up to sustaining a standard Shanahan’s father helped hone decades ago. It’s a culture where veterans mentor rookies, every rep matters, and showing up every single day really matters.
Kyle Shanahan should be encouraged. There’s quarterback depth to run the offense, a defensive front that gets after passers, a special teams unit that clicks, and a locker room that exhibits edge, physicality, and camaraderie.
Next up: LA Chargers, Thursday, August 20, 7 PM Pacific Time.
