The San Francisco 49ers looked like all of the tweets we saw about the Los Angeles Chargers during Tuesday\u2019s joint practice. They dominated in all facets of the game and controlled the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, for the most part.<\/p>\n
Best of all, we saw game-changing plays in all three phases, leading to a lopsided victory.<\/p>\n
Here are the winners and losers from the 49ers\u2019 second preseason game.<\/p>\n
He doesn\u2019t have the upside as Mykel Williams nor the pass rush versatility to kick inside, but Okuayinonu showed why the 49ers will be just fine on early downs against the Chargers.<\/p>\n
Last year, Sam O was stretched into a full-time player, which hurt his effectiveness. It\u2019s like taking a key bullpen player \u2014 let\u2019s say your seventh inning guy \u2014 and asking him to pitch four innings. He was never going to be the same.<\/p>\n
But in spurts, Okauyinonu can be effective. He played five run snaps, had two stops, and won on another rep that forced the running back to redirect right into his teammate for a tackle for loss. He also had two pressures on 12 pass rushes, including a quarterback hit. Okuayinonu is an ideal role player.<\/p>\n
Black\u2019s discipline as a runner is impressive. He has zero interest in bouncing runs to the outside, as tempting as it may be. He stays on a vertical path and will pinball off defenders for a positive gain. Another positive trait about Black \u2014 that Brian Robinson Jr. couldn\u2019t stop doing \u2014 was his refusal to stop his feet in the backfield. Black was always gaining ground. One cut and go.<\/p>\n
Black could\u2019ve been tackled in the backfield on two occasions. He didn\u2019t lose a yard on either, despite the line missing multiple blocks on both plays.<\/p>\n
Black forced three missed tackles, had 21 of his 33 yards after contact, and picked up a pair of first downs on eight carries. Equally important, Black was a key part of pass protection. He picked up a blitz on both opportunities. He knew where to go and did not give ground.<\/p>\n
Black looked prepared. He was fantastic.<\/p>\n
My goodness. What an upgrade at the position. Odighizuwa has the kind of activity reminiscent of DeForest Buckner. Raheem Morris will have the defensive line moving in enough directions on run downs for Odighizuwa to fall into multiple plays based on his athleticism alone.<\/p>\n
The Chargers couldn\u2019t stay in front of him. On one play, Odighizuwa slanted right, but still got back to the other side of the line of scrimmage to force the runner to redirect. Two plays before that, he came free for a pressure after beating the left guard. Odighizuwa changes directions like a linebacker in a defensive tackle\u2019s body.<\/p>\n