Week 1 is in the books and we started with a W! For the first 58 minutes of the game, it looked like my prediction was spot on with a mauling of the Lions. I am not going to put too much thought into the two late scores because clearly the 49ers were playing simply to avoid any additional injuries (Mostert, Verret). A valiant effort by the Lions but the 49ers played phenomenally in all aspects, minus the final 2 minutes.
I predicted 4 sacks and 2 turnovers from the defense, they gave us 3 sacks and one turnover in an impressive 58-minute performance. The highlight defensively (besides the pick 6 from Greenlaw) had to be seeing Dee Ford get a sack. The fact that this man is on the field is a bonus and even though it’s just one game, it has me excited for the possibility of a comeback. No surprise here but Nick Bosa looked, well, like Nick Bosa - registering a sack which I expect to be a weekly occurrence. The loss of Verret was devastating but with his history, can’t be that shocking. Now it’s time to see how well Shanahan and Lynch drafted in the secondary as the rookies will need to step up immediately.
Offensively, how bout Deebo Samuel!!! All week people talked about Ayuik, Kittle, and Mostert and then Deebo comes in and steals the show! I forgot just how fun that man is with the ball in his hands. If he can stay healthy, expect a 1,000+ yard season. His partner in crime Ayuik however, was disappointing to say the least. The hamstring injury played a factor and hopefully after another week of rest we get to see the Ayuik of last season or at least a WR who registers a catch in a game...but overall, I thought the offense was humming. Jimmy G played great, O-line looked good, and Shanahan once again proved it really doesn’t matter who plays running back, they are a threat to get 100 yards each and every week.
Overall, I was happy with what I saw and while haters will point at the final 2 minutes, let it be known that is going to be the exception not the rule going forward.
Onward!