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Jordan James and Jordan Watkins Make Final Roster Push in Game Against Las Vegas Raiders
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- Jordan James and Jordan Watkins Make Final Roster Push in Game Against Las Vegas Raiders
The San Francisco 49ers and Las Vegas Raiders locked into a defensive battle at Allegiant Stadium in their preseason finale, using Thursday night's exhibition game as a final testing ground before rosters are cut down. With the vast majority of San Francisco's frontline starters resting ahead of their Week 1 trip to Australia, the game quickly turned into an intense audition for roster bubble depth and rotational roles.
First Half Defensive Battle: Bethune's Pick, Trench Pressures & Tied at 6
The Raiders turned to veteran Kirk Cousins on their opening drive, moving the ball enough to strike first with a field goal. San Francisco's offense stumbled out of the gate with a quick three-and-out, and Las Vegas padded its early lead when kicker Matt Gay drilled a 53 yard field goal to put the Raiders up 6-0.
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The momentum shifted late in the first quarter thanks to a key turnover created by the 49ers ' defense. Linebacker Tatum Bethune stepped in front of a pass from Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza, intercepting the throw and handing San Francisco short field position.
Quarterback Adrian Martinez entered the game at the end of the first quarter and immediately got to work. Handing off to running back Kaelon Black, the rookie broke free for a crisp 14 yard gain to set up the offense. However, San Francisco's drive stalled inside the red zone, forcing the 49ers to settle for three points off the turn.
San Francisco's pass rush began imposing its will as the second quarter unfolded:
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Edge rusher Keion White blew through the Raiders' offensive line for a massive sack, forcing a quick three-and-out.
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Ogbo Okoronkwo added another interior sack to derail a separate Las Vegas drive.
On offense, running back Jordan James provided a major spark with an explosive 20 yard run downfield. Kicker Eddy Piñeiro converted a 25 yard field goal attempt with 1:38 left in the second quarter to tie the game at 6-6. The Raiders responded right before the half, connecting on a 45 yard field goal as time expired to take a 9-6 advantage into the locker room.
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Second Half: Penalties Deny TD, Piñeiro Ties It from 48
San Francisco appeared to take the lead in the third quarter when their offense marched downfield and crossed the goal line for a touchdown. However, a penalty negated the score. Unable to convert on the subsequent re-play, the 49ers called on Piñeiro once more, who calmly split the uprights from 48 yards out to bring the game even.
Neither offense managed to score a touchdown in a pure defensive and special teams battle. With 9:04 remaining in the fourth quarter, Piñeiro stepped up from deep and bombed a 58-yard field goal straight through the uprights to put San Francisco ahead 12-9. The Raiders responded at the 7:38 mark with a 51-yard field goal of their own to bring the score back to a 12-12 tie.
Adrian Martinez then orchestrated a late drive to set up Piñeiro for his final kick of the night, a clutch 1:51 attempt that gave the 49ers a 15-12 advantage. The 49ers defense then got the offense the ball back with a turnover on downs and Piñeiro capped a perfect 6-for-6 field goal performance with another one over 50+ yards with eight seconds left on the clock.
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Among the clearest takeaways from the contest was the standout play of Jordan James in the backfield and wide receiver Jordan Watkins on the perimeter. Both young skill players consistently created positive yardage and demonstrated why they belong in the 49ers' regular season rotation.
The Big Roster Question: Will the 49ers Carry 3 QBs?
While defensive depth and running back rotations provided plenty of film for Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch to review, the single biggest question emerging from Thursday's finale centers on the quarterback room.
Should the 49ers carry three quarterbacks on their final 53-man roster?
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Brock Purdy and Mac Jones are locked in as QB1 and QB2. However, Adrian Martinez has delivered a stellar August campaign. Coming off a 3 touchdown performance against the Chargers and showing poise and escapability against Las Vegas, Martinez has played well enough to command real consideration.
Carrying a third quarterback on the active 53 man roster requires sacrificing a depth spot at another position, potentially at defensive line or wide receiver. If San Francisco tries to waive Martinez to sign him to the practice squad, his strong preseason tape makes him a prime candidate to be claimed by another quarterback-needy team.
With final roster cuts due by Tuesday, August 30, Shanahan and Lynch have a major decision to make before boarding their flight down under.
