Golden Nuggets: The Hayne Train Continues

Seems like NaVorro Bowman started right where he left off. Destroying plays and making tackles. Sure it's just the preseason, but he looked explosive, which is a welcome sign for the Niners. He becomes the unquestioned leader of the defense with the offseason retirements of Patrick Willis and Justin Smith. The defense played very well as a unit Sunday and the defensive line again proved that they are by far the best position group on the team. Mike Purcell shined once more. This time, he had a pick-6. Big fella could run.

No other player made a bigger splash this offseason than Jarryd Hayne. Again, yes we know it's preseason, but the ability this player has is unmistakable. He shows elusiveness in the open field. His punt returns were things of beautiful. The coaching staff probably doesn't want him to catch them Willie Mays style, but he looks sure handed and has nice burst. The team has lacked a return threat for awhile. Jarryd has to make this team based on his return skills alone, but his abilities need to be evident on the offensive side of the ball as well. His running back technique needs some work, but on his big run, he showed great ability to switch ball carrying hands to deliver a stiff arm to free himself for yardage. He's making it very hard to keep him off this team.

Preseason Week 3 will be the game the starters play the longest. Hopefully we see a little more from the passing game. With Kap playing very little the last 2 weeks, the questions remain about his ability to throw the ball consistently . He had a nice throw to Torrey Smith in the end zone, but Torrey couldn't hold on after the DB pulled his arms down. But this preseason has showed that the team has a lot of talent. And that is welcome news after this offseason.

49ers Links

Lots Of Positives (BASG)

Game Highlights (49ers Staff)

Hayne is making a great case for himself | Special Team Standouts (Price)

Same 2 Shine (Inman)

3 tackles and 3 plays. Nice comeback | Bowman Is Back (Gutierrez)

Bowman Makes Immediate Impact (Patra)

Hayne Making A Case (Alper)

Jed Endorses Jonathan Kraft's Message (Florio)

Most parts faired well | Report Card (Gin)

Good Night At Levi's (Williams)

Don't think so, but they will be looked at | More Rugby Players To NFL? (Steele)

Nice run by the big fella | Purcell Scores (Sac Bee Video)

NaVorro Speaks (Sac Bee Video)

Game Video (Sac Bee Video)

Eating up yards on special teams and offense | Jarryd Has Yards (Sac Bee Video)

Dockett Wanted To Play More (Maiocco)

Good to see him look like his old self | Bowman Fought Thru Tough Days (Gutierrez)

Arik Armstead A Good Addition (Gutierrez)

Game Review (Barrows)

O-Line Not Set (Gin)

Previewing The Broncos Joint Practices (49ers Radio)

Wilhoite Returns (Inman)

Need to prove themselves. Especially in pass protection | O-Line Starting Lineup Not Set (Inman)

One LB Injured, One Returns (Barrows)

No Settlement On O-Line (Maiocco)

More competition for the LB unit | Wilhoite Cleared To Practice (Maiocco)

Changes Not Imminent For O-Line (Barrows)

Bishop Needs Surgery (Branch)

Bowman's Rehab (Branch)

Purcell's 1st TD Since HS (Fann)

His skills are quite evident | Hayne A Natural (Barrows)