San Francisco 49ers: 3 Things to watch for in Preseason Week 1

The San Francisco 49ers open their preseason campaign against the Dallas Cowboys, here we identify three things to watch for in the exhibition clash.

The first clue as to whether this San Francisco 49ers team is worthy of their offseason hype will come when they open preseason against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday night.

Jimmy Garoppolo and the starters are unlikely to receive more than a few series worth of an action, but there should still be plenty to watch for in a game that holds great importance for those bidding to try to make the roster.

Here, we break down three things to watch for in this exhibition meeting between these two historic rivals.

The Jimmy Garoppolo-Marquise Goodwin long-ball connection

Early reports that suggested Garoppolo had been struggling to connect with Goodwin downfield are already a distant memory.

The rapport the pair had down the stretch last season has carried into training camp, with Garoppolo regularly hitting Goodwin downfield as the former track star has feasted on the secondary, with Richard Sherman now famously among those to fall victim to his speed.

Neither Garoppolo nor Goodwin are likely to see much action in the preseason opener, but if they can link up on a long ball against the Cowboys then excitement that this partnership can be even more potent than it was last year will only continue to grow.

How Richard Sherman holds up

Expect Sherman to be eased back in, particularly after he sat out much of Friday’s practice with a tight hamstring. However, the Cowboys game will be the first in-game indicator of how he has progressed since having surgery on a ruptured Achilles.

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San Francisco’s cornerback depth below Sherman and Ahkello Witherspoon is suspect and the Niners can ill-afford the former Seattle Seahawk to have any setbacks as their young defense looks to take the next step in its development.

Sherman has looked very much like his usual self in red zone drills in camp but won’t have much chance to produce his best in his first appearance for the Niners. That can wait for the regular season, for now the 49ers will settle for him getting through his debut with no issues.

Chances in the trenches

Right guard was billed as the primary position battle going into training camp but, with Jonathan Cooper and Joshua Garnett both hampered by injuries, Mike Person is for now winning it by default. Having received most of the first-team reps in their absences, Person should start, giving him a chance to cement his grip on the role.

Opportunity also knocks on the other side of the trenches, where Arik Armstead has been conspicuous by his absence with a hamstring injury that is expected to keep him out a few weeks. Armstead is the favorite to be the starting big end on the defensive line but, while he has been on the sideline, seventh-round rookie Jullian Taylor has received some first-team reps and made a strong impression.

Ronald Blair, who has the versatility to play inside and out on the D-Line, should also see some snaps there against the Cowboys and carries pass-rush upside. It seems unlikely the 49ers will part ways with Armstead after picking up his fifth-year option but both Taylor and Blair have an opening to stake a claim to eat into his snaps while he plays the role of spectator.