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The San Francisco 49ers are gearing up for their preseason opener in a Super Bowl rematch against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. Well, the Niners themselves have a lot of storylines circling around the team.
The running back group is a crowded one. The quarterback carousel is spinning rapidly as Jimmy Garoppolo and Trey Lance battle it out. The defense is a talented one and the return of Nick Bosa has everybody excited for Niners' football.
So, as the Niners prepare to take on the Chiefs, here are four bold predictions for the preseason opener.
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4. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix shows his value
The 49ers recently brought on board Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, the former Alabama safety that had been searching for a team the entire offseason. Normally, when players get inked this late in the year, they don't have much shot at walking away with a spot on the roster.
Former first-round pick Ha Ha Clinton-Dix is signing with the San Francisco 49ers, per his agents @_SportsTrust.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 11, 2021
However, the Niners might end up giving Clinton-Dix a roster spot, especially with their situation regarding the defensive backfield. Tony Jefferson was moved to the Injured Reserve, paving the way for Clinton-Dix to get a deal.
A former first-round pick, Clinton-Dix spent time with the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears before a very brief stint with the Dallas Cowboys before being released prior to the 2020 season. So, Clinton-Dix has a lot to prove, and he is hungry for a spot.
3. Josh Rosen makes a case for the third-string job
The storylines around the 49ers are Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo, obviously. However, they still need a third-string quarterback, and the decision should come down to one of Nate Sudfeld or Josh Rosen–yes, that Josh Rosen.
While this isn't exactly the most exciting thing to watch, both of these guys are fighting for roster spots. Rosen is a former first-round pick that just never found the right opportunity in the NFL, and he should have a good shot to escape with the job. On the other hand, Kyle Shanahan has expressed displeasure with Rosen's performances in camp thus far.
Shanahan already mentioned that Trey Lance will play heavy snaps, but expect one or both of these guys to get an opportunity as they try and decide who to keep and who to cut.
2. Trey Lance tosses a couple of touchdowns
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The 49ers fans can't wait to get that glimpse of Lance, the third overall pick that has everybody buzzing. After much deliberation and rumors about their thoughts on Mac Jones, they selected Nance in the draft and so far, it has been good.
Jimmy Garoppolo is playing the first series, and after that, it is Lance's time to shine. He wants the starter job, obviously, and this is the perfect opportunity to gain some ground on Garoppolo, who apparently is ahead of Lance for the job.
Lance should come out firing, and expect him to throw–or run–for a couple of scores before they hand the ball to one of the other guys.
1. Rookie running backs run wild
Rhamondre Stevenson made headlines with his incredible performance in the New England Patriots preseason opener against the Washington Football Team. The Niners themselves have Trey Sermon and Elijah Mitchell, not to mention the plethora of other running backs on their roster.
Now, can Sermon make a case for the backup to Raheem Mostert? Furthermore, can Sermon make a case to be the starter?
Mitchell was likely slotted as a special teams player, but he has the tools to play a role in the offense, especially with the amount of work that running backs have historically received under Shanahan.
Sermon should get some touches and run effectively, and Mitchell is going to flash his skills, both on the ground and in the passing game.
