The San Francisco 49ers faced a challenging preseason game against the New Orleans Saints, with their starting quarterback, Brock Purdy, lacking the support of the team’s key pass catchers and left tackle. As a result, Purdy struggled to find his rhythm and was hit twice on the opening series. His performance was subpar, with only 2 completions out of 6 attempts for 11 yards and a passer rating of 42.4 before leaving the game in the first quarter.
Despite the difficulties, Purdy believed there were valuable takeaways from playing in the game that couldn’t be replicated in practice. He highlighted the importance of sharpening his mental clock to avoid getting hit and learning how to take a hit. These experiences would help him become a better quarterback in real game situations.
Moving forward, the 49ers would continue to face challenges in their preseason finale against the Las Vegas Raiders. Several key players, including Christian McCaffrey, Jauan Jennings, and Brandon Aiyuk, would be unavailable due to injuries or contract issues. However, the team was hopeful that Deebo Samuel Sr., George Kittle, Kyle Juszczyk, and other missing players would be back on the field to improve their overall performance and find a better rhythm.
One positive development for the 49ers was the emergence of rookie Jacob Cowing. Despite his limited practice time due to a hamstring strain, Cowing showcased his skills in the game, leading the team in receiving yards and making a significant contribution to the offense. The 49ers envisioned Cowing as a faster version of former receiver Ray-Ray McCloud, who was known for his versatility and gadget plays. Cowing also demonstrated poise as the team’s punt returner, making good decisions and avoiding any mishaps.
The 49ers heavily relied on their rookie players throughout the game, including running back Cody Schrader, guard Dominick Puni, and cornerback Renardo Green. The team’s lack of depth at running back due to injuries forced them to give opportunities to rookies like Schrader. Even undrafted rookie quarterback Tanner Mordecai got a chance to showcase his abilities, impressing his teammates with his efficiency and decision-making.
The offensive line faced challenges as well, with Trent Williams holding out for a better contract and Aaron Banks sidelined with a broken finger. The team hoped Williams would return before the start of the regular season, but in the meantime, Jaylon Moore and Nick Zakelj filled in for them. The makeshift offensive line struggled early in the game, but adjustments were made, and the rookies gained valuable experience.
One standout performance came from the 49ers’ emergency punter, Pressley Harvin III. Filling in for the injured Mitch Wishnowsky, Harvin consistently pinned the Saints deep in their territory with his booming punts. His ability to down the punts inside the 10-yard line showcased his talent and provided a valuable asset to the team in case Wishnowsky encounters any issues during the regular season.
Overall, the preseason game against the Saints highlighted the challenges the 49ers faced without their key players and the opportunities it presented for rookies to step up. The experience gained from these games would help the team improve their performance and find a better rhythm as they approached the regular season.