49ers training camp recap: Garoppolo sharp on Day 8

The offense cruised on Day 8. Jimmy Garoppolo established tempo on the first play of team drills, rifling a perfectly thrown pass deep downfield to Dante Pettis in the endzone. Unfortunately, the second-year wideout couldn’t hang on, with safety Tarvarius Moore and Jaquiski Tartt nearby. Despite the drop, it was a beautiful pass that kicked off a strong day for the 49ers’ franchise quarterback.

Garoppolo finished the day with 14 completions on 21 attempts. On his second pass of the day, fullback Kyle Juszczyk was running open down the left side of the field, and Garoppolo hit him in stride, allowing for some yards after the catch. He also had deep completions to receivers Trent Taylor and Dante Pettis, as well as one to tight end George Kittle. Garoppolo has yet to throw an interception at training camp but did have another close call on Sunday. Defensive lineman Sheldon Day tipped Garoppolo’s pass toward the linebackers, and it fell through the arms of David Mayo.

Deebo Samuel also stood out on offense. The rookie receiver reeled in three passes, two of which were over the middle for big gains. On the third, Samuel got open down the right sideline. Nick Mullens’ throw was a bit late, allowing the safety time to break on the ball. Samuel caught the ball at its highest point, with the safety passing right behind him. He landed on his feet and ran 15-20 yards into the endzone. It was Samuel’s best day of camp.

On defense, it was another strong day for Nick Bosa. He’s managed to string together a handful of successful days—an important mission for every rookie trying to adapt to the rigors of the NFL. Bosa beat tackle Mike McGlinchey early-on in team drills for the would-be sack on Garoppolo. Later in practice, the 49ers’ offense tried to block Bosa with Kittle. It went how you’d expect. Bosa charged directly through the tight end and met running back Tevin Coleman in the backfield, ripping the ball away and forcing the fumble. Cornerback Emmanuel Moseley scooped the ball up and ran it in for the score.

Dre Greenlaw also put together a strong showing, perhaps his best so far. The rookie linebacker intercepted a pass intended for Taylor. Beathard simply didn’t see him. It was an easy pick for Greenlaw that could have been returned for a touchdown. He also authored a pass breakup, darting underneath a Garoppolo pass intended for Kittle, and a tackle for loss on running back Matt Breida.

Notes

• I observed the offensive and defensive line during the 1-on-1 period of practice on Sunday. Joe Staley and Bosa was the first matchup. On both reps, Bosa drove Staley back before the veteran tackle would find his footing and stall Bosa. The two have shown good competition throughout camp. Other standouts include defensive lineman Solomon Thomas, Kentavius Street, D.J. Jones and Jullian Taylor, all winning both of their reps. DeForest Buckner did not participate in this drill as he’s slowly worked back into action after missing some time with a strained toe.
• In addition to his work during 1-on-1s, Jones stood out during the team portion as well. Early in practice, Jones knocked center Ben Garland backward and tackled the running back in the backfield for a loss. Jones has been in the mix as the starting nose tackle in base defense along with Day.
• Trent Taylor was another consistent target for the offense throughout the afternoon. He was targeted a whopping seven times during team drills, catching five of those targets. Taylor continues to the 49ers’ leading receiver on offense through camp.
• The 49ers concluded practice with a one-minute drill. The first-team offense received two attempts. The first ended in Bosa’s forced fumble and a scoop-and-score for Moseley. The offense had a bit more success on the second, driving all the way down the field in under a minute. The drive culminated in a simulated field goal for kicker Robbie Gould with three seconds left on the clock.
• Kyle Shanahan said after practice that defensive lineman Dee Ford was given a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection to treat the tendinitis Ford was experiencing in his knee. Ford is expected to miss another week of practice.
• Players that didn’t participate on Sunday: DE Dee Ford (knee tendinitis), FS Jimmie Ward (collarbone), RB Jeff Wilson (calf), G Joshua Garnett (finger) and CB Ahkello Witherspoon (glute).
• The 49ers receive a day off tomorrow before returning for their ninth practice on Tuesday, beginning at 10:15 am PST.