SANTA CLARA — Last season, the Denver Broncos boasted the No. 3 scoring defense in the NFL, and they showcased their defensive prowess during a recent joint practice with the San Francisco 49ers. Throughout most of the two-hour session, the Broncos effectively controlled the pace, providing a tough challenge for the 49ers’ offense.
49ers coach Kyle Shanahan recognized the quality of the Broncos’ defense, stating, “When you go up against a group like theirs, especially defensively, what they did last year statistically in all their phases, and the guys they added, we knew that was a really good challenge for us.”
However, the 49ers began to find their rhythm late in the practice, scoring a couple of touchdowns during segments featuring the starters from both teams. Quarterback Brock Purdy experienced a challenging session, struggling to connect with wide receiver Ricky Pearsall initially. Their early attempts during drills did not yield success, as they faced a relentless pass rush and tight coverage from the Broncos’ defense.
Pearsall eventually caught a short pass against Denver’s cornerback Patrick Surtain II, the NFL Defensive Player of the Year last season. This led to a significant moment where Purdy hooked up with him for a 30-yard touchdown against first-round draft pick Jahdae Barron. Purdy capped the practice with a 14-yard touchdown pass to Demarcus Robinson against cornerback Riley Moss, showcasing resilience after a slow start.
Purdy reflected positively on the practice, noting, “For them to come and give us different looks and have a couple bad plays, and how you finish practice is a big thing. I think it was a good day, overall.”
Additional observations from the practice include:
– Running back Christian McCaffrey was active, contributing significantly to a two-minute drill with important receptions and runs.
– The offense struggled on throws aimed at Surtain’s side, with a notable attempt resulting in a breakup by Surtain despite Robinson’s effort.
– Unfortunately, rookie running back Jordan James suffered a broken finger and is set to miss a few weeks after surgery.
– Left tackle Trent Williams did not participate in the 11-on-11 work.
– Kicker Jake Moody excelled, converting field goals from various distances and ending practice with a 52-yarder.
Overall, the joint practice was marked by strong defensive performances, particularly from the Broncos, but it also demonstrated the 49ers’ ability to rebound and find success late in the session. With the season approaching, both teams are honing their skills and preparing for the challenges ahead, instilling optimism for their upcoming campaigns.