The clock is ticking for San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance. After a lackluster performance in the preseason opener against the Las Vegas Raiders, doubts are beginning to emerge about Lance’s ability to succeed in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky has been particularly critical, suggesting that Lance might not be the right fit for the team’s offensive system. As the 49ers continue to evaluate their options, it’s becoming increasingly clear that time may be running out for the young quarterback.
A Rough Start for Trey Lance
In Sunday’s preseason loss to the Raiders, Trey Lance struggled to get the 49ers’ offense going. San Francisco went three-and-out on their first three series, failing to generate any momentum. Despite completing 10 of 15 passes for 112 yards, Lance was sacked four times and had two potential interceptions dropped by Las Vegas defenders. One of those near-picks occurred in the end zone, where Lance managed to connect with tight end Ross Dwelley for his only touchdown throw of the game.
Questioning Trey Lance’s Fit in Kyle Shanahan’s Offense
Dan Orlovsky, a former NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst, has raised concerns about Trey Lance’s ability to thrive in Kyle Shanahan’s offensive system. Orlovsky points out that Lance lacks the necessary reps and experience to effectively run the offense. Additionally, he suggests that Lance’s playing style doesn’t align with Shanahan’s preference for a quick-release, shotgun-based offense. Orlovsky believes that Lance is more comfortable operating as an under-center quarterback, which doesn’t align with the current direction of the 49ers’ offense.
Kyle Shanahan’s Diplomatic Response
Despite the mounting criticism, Kyle Shanahan remains diplomatic when discussing Trey Lance’s performance. After Sunday’s loss, Shanahan acknowledged that the entire offense was sloppy and didn’t solely blame Lance for the struggles. He plans to review the game film to evaluate Lance’s decision-making and assess whether he had opportunities to make better throws. Shanahan recognizes that there is room for improvement but stops short of making any definitive judgments about Lance’s future with the team.
Trey Lance’s Personal Accountability
In response to his own struggles, Trey Lance takes personal accountability for his performance. He acknowledges that it was frustrating and places the blame on himself, vowing to do better in future games. Lance understands the high expectations that come with being the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and is determined to prove his worth to the 49ers organization.
The 49ers’ Investment in Trey Lance
The San Francisco 49ers made a significant investment in Trey Lance by trading up in the 2021 NFL Draft to select him with the No. 3 overall pick. With such a high draft capital invested in Lance, the team and fans expected him to be the future of the franchise. However, Lance’s rookie season was marred by injuries, limiting his playing time to just two games before a season-ending ankle injury. Now, with questions surrounding his fit in the offense, the pressure is on for Lance to prove that he was worth the investment.
Emerging Competition: Brock Purdy and Sam Darnold
While Trey Lance aims to solidify his position as the 49ers’ quarterback of the future, there are other players vying for the role. Brock Purdy, a promising young quarterback, has emerged as a potential replacement for Lance. With his impressive skills and potential, Purdy could challenge Lance for the starting job if he continues to struggle. Additionally, the 49ers have shown interest in Sam Darnold, the former No. 3 pick by the New York Jets. Darnold’s recent performances have caught the attention of the 49ers’ coaching staff, leading to speculation that he could compete for the backup quarterback position.
The Next Audition: San Francisco vs. Denver
Trey Lance’s next opportunity to prove himself comes on August 19 when the 49ers host the Denver Broncos at Levi’s Stadium. This preseason game will be another chance for Lance to showcase his skills and demonstrate growth from his previous performance. All eyes will be on him as he strives to silence the doubters and secure his place as the 49ers’ starting quarterback.
Conclusion
The clock is indeed ticking for Trey Lance as he navigates the challenges of being the San Francisco 49ers’ quarterback. While Dan Orlovsky’s criticism raises valid concerns about Lance’s fit in Kyle Shanahan’s offense, it’s important to remember that he is still a young and developing player. The upcoming preseason games will provide crucial opportunities for Lance to prove himself and address the areas that need improvement. Whether he can rise to the occasion and meet the expectations placed upon him remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: time is of the essence for Trey Lance and his future with the 49ers.
