Preseason Week 1 left the 49ers with more questions than certainties as a 30-9 loss to Denver exposed offensive inconsistencies and roster battles. Mac Jones settled into the pocket, carving out a rhythm early, including a sequence that flashed a potential chemistry with Demarcus Robinson on SF’s first snap and a deep drop-in-stride connection to Jordan Watkins on a 50-yard gain that jump-started field-position talk. Patrick Taylor’s early touchdown showed vision and patience, while the defense, led by Chase Lucas and a swarm of reserves, forced key moments like a safety and multiple breakups that raised hopes for depth.

In the second half, the 49ers’ depth chart battles heated up. Dallis Flowers and Darrell Luter Jr. peppered Broncos drives with stops and a pass breakup, and Jake Tonges continued to push Brayden Willis in a tight roster race at receiver/TE. Undrafted Corey Kiner flashed in limited work, while Jake Tonges and Junior Bergen offered field-position and special-teams intrigue. The offense stalled, Ty Mordecai’s bootleg miscues and interceptions lingered, but the overall tone was clear: depth will shape the final cuts, and Jones’ stride toward a Week 1 role remains a storyline to watch as SF tidies up the sloppy moments.

The notes suggest the 49ers must clean up protection, quarterback decision-making, and edge-pressure adaptability, yet there are bright spots in Watkins’ burst, Robinson’s early continuity, and Lucas’s versatility. With underclassmen stepping up, SF hopes the preseason ailerons align with regular-season needs, balancing veteran glue with young playmakers as the roster tightens toward September. Denver’s own drive-ability showed some spark, but miscues and coverage lapses gave SF chances that slipped away in the box score. The next tune-up should sharpen the timing, and the depth chart battles will define who fills critical roles when the games count.