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Linebacker Larry Grant and the San Francisco 49ers first defensive unit has yet to show its strength this summer. Grant, shown in this file photo, started for injured NaVorro Bowman in Sunday’s exhibition victory over the Denver Broncos.
Credit: SFExaminer.com
There are two schools of thought in evaluating the San Francisco 49ers exhibition performances to this point:
1) Boy, their first unit sure has some work to do.
2) Hey, these are only practice games with vanilla schemes. Read little into this.
Following Sunday’s 26-24 “victory” over the Denver Broncos and heading into the practice finale Thursday at home against the equally mercurial San Diego Chargers, the reality is there is quite a bit of both.
In Sunday’s “victory”, Denver quarterback Peyton Manning completed 10 of 12 passes for 122 yards and 2 touchdowns in leading the Broncos to three first-quarter scoring drives and a 17-0 lead. That came against a first unit that was admittedly missing some key personnel who are expected back when the games are more than a training exercise.
Nonetheless, Manning punctuated a practice season trend where first offenses are having their way with a Niners first defense, that, when playing at full strength and scheming like mad men, ranked fourth in overall defense during the 2011 season.
Piling Manning’s efficient numbers on top of those already in the books from Minnesota and Houston, first team offenses have put up four field goals and two touchdowns on six of seven drives against the 49ers’ No. 1s.
In addition, the vaunted Niners defense, no doubt revealing absolutely nothing to Sept. 9 opening-day opponent Green Bay, has yet to record a sack, create a turnover, and politely refuses to bother opposing quarterbacks, who, from their armchairs rocking carelessly in the pocket, have completed 19 of 26 passes for 204 yards and those two Manning TDs.
It all begs the question that the 49ers faithful can’t help but ask: Is there truly a problem?
“I don’t want to say it’s just the preseason, because this is the time to get better,” starting outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks told the San Francisco Chronicle following Sunday’s game. “This is the time you can really showcase what your team is capable of doing. It’s been a scary start to this point.”
He did go on to tell reporters that the team was not game-planning or watching much film. In other words, they are not going through their normal in-season preparation routine.
Nor did they play with linebackers NaVorro Bowman, and Aldon Smith, or nickel corner Chris Culliver, whose backup, Tramaine Brock, got a first-hand sampling of Manning’s Hall of Fame credentials.
Offensively, Alex Smith led a touchdown drive late in the first quarter after his fumble contributed to the 17-0 deficit. In very limited play in the first three games, Smith has completed 13 of 19 passes for 134 yards and 2 TDs.
While newcomer Brandon Jacobs got hurt early in the summer and Frank Gore has all of four carries — ah, summertime, R&R — third-year back Anthony Dixon is making every second count, leading the team in rushing with 30 carries for 116 yards. Dixon had 13 carries for 58 yards and a touchdown against the Broncos and has shown a versatility to play fullback and special teams in an effort to make the team.
If he wasn’t the offensive start Sunday night, it was kicker David Akers, who made all five of his field goal attempts in support of backup QBs Colin Kaepernick, the team’s solid No. 2, and Scott Tolzien, battling Josh Johnson to make the roster, who captained the comeback.
So, what to make of an exhibition finale against a San Diego team whose offensive line is so decimated starting quarterback Philip Rivers, among a handful of others, were kept off the field — ostensibly for safety reasons — on Friday in Minnesota?
The Vikings defense feasted on the under-staffed Chargers with six sacks and nine tackles for loss. The Rivers-less Chargers attack managed just 202 yards, converted but 3 of 16 third downs and punted eight times.
And still won, 12-10.
Which tells you all you need to know about practice games.
For what it’s worth, Rivers reportedly is going to play, as is tight end Antonio Gates. As for the Niners, it’s unclear who they may counter with in an attempt to buck their summer trend. Or if they care to try.
Follow Jeff Parenti on Twitter @JD_Parenti
