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Golden Nuggets: Preseason Game 1 In The Books

Tuesday, August 16th, 2016 edition of the Golden Nuggets, a daily compilation of San Francisco 49ers links from the Internet

By Billy Kerr@bkerr725 Aug 16, 2016, 2:00am PDT

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The San Francisco 49ers started off their preseason with a loss to the Houston Texans 24-13 at Levi’s Stadium. The quarterback competition that was supposed to take place was derailed this past week when news came down that Colin Kaepernick was dealing with arm problems. Blaine Gabbert was always expected to win the starting job, but Chip Kelly mentioned that the job would be won in the preseason games. If Colin can’t play, Blaine wins the starting job due to his availability.

Given the opportunity Blaine had Sunday to really cement his position as the likely starter, he showed exactly what to expect this season. He was a checkdown quarterback with little rapport with his wide receivers. He still has the rest of training camp and preseason to gain some chemistry, but the 1st game did not provide much faith in that happening. It is no surprise that the offense this season will rely on the running game. Mike Davis made a great case to make the team with his performance. He looked quick and may be a great fit for Chip’s offense. He looks to be a good pick to make the roster with Carlos Hyde and Shaun Draughn.

The defense played well in the 1st half. Unfortunately, the 1st 4 games of the season will be difficult for the defense while Aaron Lynch is serving a suspension. They had some trouble pressuring the quarterback on Sunday. They did record 3 sacks, but only one came from someone who is likely to play consistently as a rusher. That man, Ahmad Brooks, will be needed to provide pressure with Lynch out. The secondary played well. The undrafted Chris Davis was the star with a pass defended to go along with his 3 tackles. The defense will need to play very well this season to keep the team in games if the offensive passing game plays like it did Sunday.

49ers Links

Did not separate himself | No Leg Up For Blaine (Alper)

May have made a case just by not playing | Door Open For Kap? (Liskiewitz)

Making A Case (Williams)

49ers In China? (Florio)

Needs to improve on game 1 | Trying To Win Old Job (Maiocco)

Lewis Plays (Maiocco)

Special Teamer (Williams)

Snap Count (Biderman)

Strong Games (Barrows)

Long-Term Ramification (Ratto)

What The Teams Said (49ers Staff)