Updated
Updated · NBC Sports Bay Area · Aug 19
Herbert Picks Apart 49ers Secondary as Odighizuwa Logs Multiple Practice Sacks
Updated
Updated · NBC Sports Bay Area · Aug 19

Herbert Picks Apart 49ers Secondary as Odighizuwa Logs Multiple Practice Sacks

3 articles · Updated · NBC Sports Bay Area · Aug 19

Summary

  • Justin Herbert repeatedly hit deep throws and red-zone completions against San Francisco's first-team defense, exposing soft spots in coverage during Tuesday's joint practice in El Segundo.
  • Osa Odighizuwa gave the 49ers' front a counterweight, generating multiple would-be sacks and steady backfield pressure that drew praise from Fred Warner and Brock Purdy.
  • Tyler Biadasz's knee injury early in practice thinned the Chargers' offensive line, and San Francisco's rushers — including Sam Okuayinonu, Ogbo Okoronkwo and Evan Anderson — capitalized with more pressure.
  • Quentin Johnston, Ladd McConkey, Davis Njoku and Omarion Hampton still produced explosive plays, while 49ers defensive backs Deommodore Lenoir and Jack Jones were flagged multiple times for pass interference.
  • The uneven session sharpened a familiar contrast before Thursday's preseason meeting: Herbert's offense looked ahead of the 49ers' secondary, while San Francisco's defensive line showed more promise than its back end.

Insights

With key stars sidelined by tightness, is the 49ers' sloppy offense a minor preseason hiccup or a major red flag?
Did the 49ers' defense truly dominate the joint practice, or did they simply capitalize on an offense missing its biggest weapons?
Can Carver Willis overcome his missed time to lock down the unsettled left guard spot before the regular season begins?