18 August 2023 , 16:12
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Sam Darnold looks set to start the San Francisco 49ers’ second NFL pre-season game.
While the plans are yet to be confirmed, head coach Kyle Shanahan is keen to give the quarterback his chance from the start after Trey Lance started against the Los Angeles Raiders. “[It’s] not set in stone,” Shanahan told NBCSportsBayArea.com. “What I said last week, we wanted Trey to get the majority of the first half so Sam could get the next week. So that’s what we’re planning on, but we’ll see how the next two practices go before we decide for sure.”
During a recent episode of First Take, analyst Dan Orlovsky explained his view that Darnold has the ability to lead the 49ers to the Super Bowl. "Absolutely. Sam Darnold is an incredibly talented -- he's the most talented quarterback they have on the roster,” he declared.
Darnold played the first 19 plays of the second half against the Raiders and completed five of eight passes for 84 yards. Both the 26-year-old and Lance are battling for the second quarterback slot with Brock Purdy set to be the team’s first-choice QB. Their performances during pre-season will give Shanahan an indication as to who is likely to confirm their place as the 49ers’ QB2.
Lance endured a difficult pre-season game for the 49ers against the Las Vegas Raiders this past weekend. Despite finishing 10-for-15 passing for 112 yards, he was sacked four times and also had two throws hit defenders in the hands and held the ball too long.
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They went on to lose the game 34-7, with all seven of their points coming in the second quarter. Post-game Lance assessed his performance and vowed to improve in future games. "I mean, it doesn't feel good to go three and out, especially to start the game," he told reporters.
"So, that was definitely frustrating, but I obviously put it on myself to continue to be better, make sure the guys around me are ready to go, I'm ready to go. It starts with me, so I put that on myself. I'd say more than anything just things were opening up. Had a good feel for what they're doing, especially after these joint practices.
Brock Purdy is set to be the starter for the San Francisco 49ers this season (AP)“So, felt good even going into the game those first few drives. Just miscommunication, guys on different pages and got to execute." During an appearance on ESPN’s First Take this former NFL player and analyst Marcus Spears thinks the 49ers’ decision to give away future picks to acquire Lance in 2021 may prove costly.
“Look, they’ve got a terrible situation on their hands with Trey Lance. … This may go down as one of the worst trades in the draft in the history of the NFL,” he said.
“The fortunate part is Kyle Shanahan has done such a phenomenal job of getting this team ready to play and being so creative offensively that it hasn’t shown in the win/loss column. But you lost a lot by going up and getting Trey Lance.”