Golden Nuggets: Players Taking Advantage of Opportunities

The second preseason game was not a kind one to the 49ers. They suffered a 33-14 loss to the Denver Broncos at Levi’s Stadium. But a few players still played well. Eric Reid stood out on Saturday. He only played 23 snaps, but he was all over the field in those snaps. His new role on the defense has him closer to the line of scrimmage and he made 6 tackles. If he excels in this new position this year, he could earn himself some money next offseason after the last year on his contract expires.

Another safety played well against the Broncos. Rookie Lorenzo Jerome, who is playing due to the injury of Jimmie Ward, has really impressed the last 2 games. He had long odds to make the team as a undrafted rookie. But he is taking complete advantage of his opportunity. He will get an opportunity to battle Jimmie Ward, who could come back this week, and the other safeties to make the final 53 roster.

Another rookie, QB C.J. Beathard, has played well when given the chance. He has already moved up the depth chart to be the 2nd string QB and is only trending upward in his play. Kyle Shanahan had high praise for him after the draft and we are seeing why he did. He threw another TD on Saturday, this time to his former Iowa teammate George Kittle. C.J. has reported been using virtual reality to help him train with the 49ers. The 49ers are one of the few teams in NFL that use VR as a training aide. The VR has helped C.J. read defenses, progressions, and other important aspects of playing QB in the NFL. If he keeps playing well, it may not be long until he gets a chance to be a starter for the 49ers.

49ers Links

Take the loss as a lesson | Adversity to Motivation (Wagoner)

He will have a lot of competition when he comes back | Ward Returning this Week (Wagoner)

Roster Projection (Inman)

Great player, could be a Hall of Famer | Praising Anquan Boldin (Wagoner)

Hoping to Return Wednesday (Biderman)

Made a big play on Saturday | Making an Impression (Williams)

The perfect teammate | Admiring the Newly Retired Boldin (Biderman)

The future of the NFL | Beathard Using VR to Train (Maiocco)

The question that pops up every offseason | Will Brooks Lose His Job? (Biderman)

Remodeled to Bring Back the Past (Barrows)

Lorenzo Jerome Impressing So Far (Fann)

Coach Updates (Martin)

It was apparent on Saturday | Reid Liking His New Position (Branch)