The 49ers finally had a workout in boot camp that wasn’t considered a disaster for their offense. It’s not a big step forward, but it’s a step forward nonetheless.
Here are some sights and sounds of Day 8 of 49ers camp and what it means to move forward:
No INTs again!
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After some interception issues early in camp, the 49ers have now gone back-to-back sessions without throwing one. That’s an all-round good sign. Whether it’s making decisions, opening up receivers, or both, finding ways to compete without turning the ball over is always key. Interceptions at camp are never a real “problem,” but it’s definitely better if they don’t throw them. Putting this into games will be the next important step, but it starts with not revealing it in practice.
Speaking of QBs
(AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
It wasn’t just a lack of sales that Lance noticed. ESPN’s Nick Wagoner had lost the QB sophomore 8 out of 12 a day. A number of campers pointed out a good throw from Lance to WR Ray-Ray McCloud on a deep traverse route. Those midfield shots must become layups for Lance, who sometimes struggles with accuracy. His throw to McCloud was a strike, however, and if he made those passes for the money, the receiver was poised to chase after the catch. There is perhaps no more important throw in his pocket for the young QB.
Big day for Elijah Mitchell
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Niners Nation’s Kyle Posey noticed Mitchell had a pair of long runs that might have gone for touchdowns. While there was a lot of focus on Lance at camp, the 49ers will need their running game to be effective. Mitchell had a great rookie season, but now he needs to step up as a runner. Chunk Plays were absent from the floor for San Francisco a season ago. It will be up to Mitchell to bring them back as he once again looks to be the No. 1 going into the season.
Hiccups in the center battle
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Daniel Brunskill continues to work center with Jake Brendel as the 49ers iron out who will be their starting center. Brunskill didn’t have much success in his brief stints as a center with the pros, and he had a fumbled snap Friday. He was spotted post-workout working on snaps with Lance. That positional battle could boil down to whether Brunskill can get the snap where he needs it. Interceptions are one thing, but snaps simply have to be executed.
Who’s down with TDP?
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Beginner RB Tyrion Davis-Price put on a show on a day when the running game was heavily shaped for offense. It’s the first time Davis-Price has been a standout camp and it’s a great sign for San Francisco. They need their running back depth to improve, and Davis-Price’s tenacious running style should help add a dimension their backfield didn’t already have. However, he’s elusive enough in the open field to be a playmaker in situations involving more than close range. Keep an eye out for more of him, especially in preseason.