Rookie wideout Jordan Watkins' 50-yard reception on the second play of the game was a bright spot in an otherwise rough outing for the turnover-happy San Francisco 49ers.
It was also a less-than-ideal showing for second-year quarterback Bo Nix, who managed only three points for the Denver Broncos on three drives. Backup Jarrett Stidham helped the team ultimately hang 30 points on the 49ers.
Denver's 30-9 win over San Francisco in the preseason Week 1 stemmed from lockdown defense, with no Broncos defender allowing more than two receptions into their coverage.
PFF's dedicated team of graders was hard at work, analyzing every player on every play in real time. The comprehensive grades and data will be available after a thorough review tomorrow at 12 p.m. EST.
In the meantime, we’ve gathered some high-level data and snap counts from the game to give you an early look. Our expert graders have also nominated the standout player of the game, highlighting exceptional performance on the field.
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PLAYER OF THE GAME
Broncos edge defender Nik Bonitto dominated on only five pass-rushing snaps. He secured three quarterback pressures, two of which were sacks, before calling it a night after the 49ers' second offensive drive.
Bonitto enjoyed a breakout 2024 campaign, notching a career-high 78.8 PFF overall grade, 61 quarterback pressures and 27 stops. He has positioned himself to secure a significant contract extension in the final year of his rookie deal.
BOX SCORE
| Broncos | 49ers | |
| Total points | 30 | 9 |
| Total offensive plays | 72 | 53 |
| Average EPA per play | 0.015 | -0.617 |
| Total net yards | 345 | 195 |
| Avg yards per play | 4.8 | 3.7 |
| Total first downs | 19 | 8 |
| Rushing first downs | 6 | 3 |
| Passing first downs | 13 | 5 |
| Penalty first downs | 0 | 0 |
| Third-down efficiency | 38% | 8% |
| Fourth-down efficiency | 13% | 14% |
| Possessions | 11 | 12 |
| Avg plays per drive | 6.8 | 4.7 |
| Avg yards per drive | 26.5 | 15 |
| Avg points per drive | 2.2 | 0.5 |
| Red-zone possessions | 3 | 1 |
| Red-zone plays | 11 | 5 |
| Red-zone TDs | 2 | 1 |
| Red-zone FGs | 1 | 0 |
| Red-zone scoring efficiency | 100% | 100% |
SNAP COUNTS & PLAYER PARTICIPATION
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