It still didn't look pretty, but there's nothing like getting a meaningless pre-season win. Oh and Blaine Gabbert finally did something positive. Booyah! Colin Kaepernick and the first team offense still look out of sync, but most of it can be attributed to the leaky line which is in a state of flux. Somewhere out there, Alex Boone and his agent are smiling. We also saw glimpses of the first team defense and it looks like the depth is going to be good. This defense is still elite and once it returns to full strength, it should be downright dominant.
Exhibition Game #3 belonged to the youngsters, as many of them took advantage of the pre-season playing time. Glenn Winston was able to score a touchdown, and it looks like Vance McDonald is finally getting comfortable receiving passes. Carlos Hyde is quickly becoming my new favorite player. This guy is going to be a beast.
On defense, Aaron Lynch was all over the field making plays right and left. Jimmie Ward played both nickel corner and safety and came up with his first interception. There is clearly still a lot to be worked out before the regular season opens, but the 49ers should be fine on both sides of the ball.
Game Reviews
13 standouts from 49ers' first preseason win of 2014 (BASG)
San Francisco 49ers Preseason Week 3: Taking The Bad With The Good (49erswebzone)
49ers offense running out of time to find missing precision (Purdy)
49ers finally get a look at starting defense (Scout)
Colin Kaepernick struggles in 49ers' win over Chargers (NFL)
Jim Harbaugh likes what he saw on offense (Gutierrez)
Who played well in the 49ers' 21-7 win over San Diego (Lynch)
Player Spotlights
49ers' rookies flash late in exhibition win (Gutierrez)
Carlos Hyde impresses again for San Francisco 49ers (Scarlet and Game)
RB Glenn Winston Seizes Opportunity, Scores TD (49ers)
Kaepernick to play in preseason finale (PFT)
Kaepernick not concerned with 49ers' sputtering offense (Maiocco)
Blaine Gabbert Leads 49ers to First Preseason TD (49ers)
Jimmie Ward Records First NFL Interception (49ers)
49ers' Ward opens at nickel, gets interception at safety (Maiocco)
McDonald emerges as pass-catching threat for 49ers (Maiocco)
Notes: James doesn't pass blame; Patton draws ire; earthquake fallout; Lynch shines (Inman)
Aaron Lynch Fills Up Stat Sheet vs. San Diego (49ers)
49ers' rookie Lynch coming on strong (SJMN)
Team Notes
49ers lose Martin to knee injury (Inman)
Great America closing during 49ers games (SF Gate)
Notes: 49ers diplomatic in fielding questions about new surface (Branch)
Unimpressive preseason holds warning signs for 49ers (SF Chronicle)
49ers Can't Afford to Let Alex Boone Holdout Last into the Regular Season (B/R)
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