Brock Purdy and the 49ers’ offense displayed improved chemistry during San Francisco’s third preseason game on Friday night, though it wasn’t without its flaws.
Most of the starting lineup took the field for three series against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium, showcasing some plays worthy of highlights, alongside others they’d likely want to redo.
Purdy had key players like tight end George Kittle, wide receiver Deebo Samuel, and running back Jordan Mason available, after all three sat out last week’s preseason win over the New Orleans Saints.
Purdy kicked off his first drive with a 27-yard strike to Samuel, followed by a 15-yard completion to Kittle. However, the drive stalled when Mason was tackled for a 5-yard loss, followed by two incompletions from Purdy—one to Mason and another to Kittle on a pass that was thrown behind the tight end.
The 49ers’ second drive was reminiscent of their 2023 season, where Purdy and the offense seemed unstoppable.
This 12-play, 85-yard drive involved more offensive weapons, with completions to tight end Jake Tonges and Kittle, as well as runs by Mason and rookie running back Isaac Guerendo, who had just returned to practice earlier in the week.
Purdy also demonstrated his ability to evade defenders with a 14-yard run that kept the drive alive. Mason finished the series with a 4-yard touchdown run, earning a pat on the back and a “good job” from running backs coach Bobby Turner as he returned to the sidelines.
San Francisco 49ers Brock Purdy (Photo: NFL)
Purdy’s third and final drive began with a promising 15-yard pass to Chris Conley, followed by a 5-yard completion to Samuel.
However, after a few runs by Mason and a sack on Purdy, he threw a pass to Samuel that was tipped into the air, intercepted by Raiders safety Chris Smith II, and returned 31 yards.
Overall, the 49ers’ offense appeared more cohesive than in the previous week, but there is still work to be done before the Week 1 matchup against the New York Jets on “Monday Night Football.” Purdy ended the game completing 9 of 12 passes for 96 yards, with one interception, resulting in a 63.2 passer rating.
Notably absent from the lineup were fullback Kyle Juszczyk (veteran rest), running back Christian McCaffrey (calf), wide receivers Jauan Jennings (oblique) and Brandon Aiyuk (contract), and left tackle Trent Williams (contract).
These players are key contributors to the offense, and their return should help the team regain the well-oiled precision that fans have come to expect.
A positive takeaway for the 49ers was the success of the running game, even with some offensive linemen missing from the game. The starting offensive line on Friday night consisted of Jaylon Moore at left tackle, Nick Zakelj at left guard, Jack Brendel at center, Dominick Puni at right guard, and Colton McKivitz at right tackle.
With a few more weeks of practice and a full roster of offensive players, the 49ers have the potential to return to their past levels of performance.
