The third exhibition game is usually considered the “dry run” before the regular season and gives coaches and players somewhat of a barometer as to where things stand. The starters will play more than in previous weeks, but make no mistake, this game is still much more about getting the roster figured out.
Here are the key items to know for today’s match-up against the Green Bay Packers.
If you watched San Francisco’s 31-24 victory over the Denver Broncos this past Saturday, then you have to be encouraged a little about how things are progressing. While there were a few items of concern, Saturday was an overall positive. Here are Game Two’s “Good, Correctable, and Concerning” :
The quarterback competition got a little more interesting as Christian Ponder got into the mix. Blaine Gabbert was 6 for 9 and tallied 69 yards, but was replaced by Jeff Driskel and then Ponder, who scored on a 22 yard zone-read keeper and then later threw a 30 yard touchdown to receiver Dres Anderson.
Ponder looked very comfortable in the offense, going 7 for 8 for 86 yards and a touchdown. Colin Kaepernick will be back for Friday’s game against the Packers, but the competition doesn’t appear to be won by Gabbert at this point.
Vance McDonald continues to make strides as he again led the team in receptions and now has five for 92 yards and a score.
All of the 49er fans that watched Sunday Night’s game had to feel encouraged and also very hopeful as they saw their team overcome early adversity and take a 27-23 lead with just over a minute left.
We Niner fans have been through an awful lot and for a short time, it seemed like there was a chance we could witness a game in which San Francisco could get back in the race and show that they can win games.