Golden Nuggets: Looking to play better on offense

The 3rd preseason game for the 49ers takes place this Saturday. This is the game that the starters get the most playing time in the preseason, usually about a half or more. In the 1st two preseason games, Jimmy Garoppolo has played well. But both him and Kyle Shanahan had issues with the last game against the Texans. Both of them thought that the offense was sloppy and they have high standards for how the offense should perform. They will expect a much better offensive performance this Saturday.

One area that the offense has performed well is protecting the quarterback. The offensive line has yet to allow a sack through 2 games. Jimmy helped them a couple of times by getting rid of the football before the defense could get to him. He has a great ability to navigate the pocket. It allows him to buy time and make plays down the field. That ability allows the offense to be effective on 3rd downs and sustain long drives.

One area that the offense has not performed well in is in running the football. The expected top 2 running backs, Jerick McKinnon and Matt Breida, were both out the Texans game. Joe Williams and Jeremy McNichols received the majority of the carries in the game, but neither performed well. The team will keep 3 or 4 running backs on the roster going into the regular season. Raheem Mostert has the inside track to make the team because of his importance to special teams. The Alfred Morris signing will have added pressure for Williams and McNichols to perform. Morris knows Kyle’s offense and if Williams and McNichols do not perform well, Kyle could keep Alfred because of his understanding of the offense. The 49ers had high hopes for Joe Williams, but his time as a 49er could be running out.

49ers links

Hopefully they produce in the regular season | Missing a pass rush (Inman)

Write up Jimmy | Jimmy G (Barnwell)

Depth (Wagoner)

Should be a good documentary | Letters to Dwight (Maiocco)

New documentary: Letters to 87 (Fann)

Colts coming up (Inman)

The extended look at the starters | 3rd preseason game plan for the starters (Inman)

Eric Reid (Inman)

Bring him back if he wants to come back. But he deserves a starting job in the NFL | Could Eric come back as a backup? (Almquist)

New offensive line keeping Jimmy upright (Martin)

Both the coach and QB are on the same page | High expectations for the offense (Lott)

Kyle Shanahan’s critique (Branch)

49ers audio

Insider podcast (Maiocco)