Game performances are a huge part of the evaluation process and there were some definite winners and losers for the San Francisco 49ers in their second preseason game in Denver. Head coach Chip Kelly said it is still difficult to gauge but there were some positives and that came out of the game as well as things they need to clean up.
Losers:
Mike Davis: After having a break out game in the first week of the preseason running for 72 yards on five carries, the second year running back put the ball on the ground twice in five attempts. It was his chance to show he is roster worthy especially with Shaun Draughn sitting out of the game as a precautionary measure.
DuJuan Harris: The third of the three fumbles lost by the 49ers was by DuJuan Harris right at the goal line. Like Davis, he is vying for a position on the roster and fumbling the ball will not help his case. He was also involved in a botched handoff in the game against Houston in week one of the preseason.
The wide receivers: There were a couple of nice catches made by DeAndrew White and a 30 yard touchdown caught by Dres Anderson in 4th quarter but the group has been a bit lack luster. After Torrey Smith, Quinton Patton, and Bruce Ellington there has failed to be a stand out.
Winners:
Christian Ponder: Yes, he was going against the 3s and 4s of the Broncos roster but for a guy who has only had a 49ers jersey for a few days, and with only about 20 plays at his disposal, the guy had a game. He completed 7-of-8 for 86 yards and a touchdown, as well as a 22 yard scamper into the end zone for a score. Chip Kelly and the QB discussed a play that hadn’t been installed for him yet and then he went out on the field and completed the touchdown to Dres Anderson.
Marcus Rush: He had an opportunity to make people see what he can do and he took advantage of it. He ended the night with three sacks (nearly four), two tackles for loss and two QB hits. He also contributes on specials teams. He definitely made a case regarding his roster value.
Marcus Rush was a beast tonight. Three sacks and four hurries in 21 pass rushes. #49ers
— Jeff Deeney (@PFF_Jeff) August 21, 2016
Nick Bellore: He didn’t play the entire game but still recorded 4 solo tackles, 4 combined, one pass defense and fumble recovery. It was a solid performance to follow his week one numbers.
Eric Reid: (Honorable mention as he is clearly a starter) Not only did he welcome his second child into the world, he had a pick six to open the second quarter of the game that came with a leap over a defender on his way in.