The San Francisco 49ers squared off against the Denver Broncos on Wednesday in the first of two joint practices from the SAP Performance Facility. It was a bit of sensory overload. At times, up to four different drills were taking place at the same time. That's why we are splitting up practice notes into two separate articles.
Here are all of San Francisco's top defensive moments. Offensive notes will come later.
1. The Broncos are in the midst of a quarterback competition and neither Trevor Siemian nor Paxton Lynch found much success against the 49ers defense. San Francisco's secondary came away with two interceptions and nearly had two more. Will Davis intercepted Kyle Sloter during 7-on-7 work. Jaquiski Tartt picked off Lynch on a pass tipped by Rashard Robinson.
Asa Jackson and Brock Coyle got their hands on passes and nearly had interceptions themselves.
2. Reuben Foster, who previously lauded Malcolm Smith for his "peanut punch", used the move himself and forced a fumble of Broncos running back C.J. Anderson. Foster took a full swing and popped the ball free. The rookie linebacker later left practice with an injury. "I'm straight," he told John Lynch post practice.
3. Davis had two more PBUs to go with his interception. Ahkello Witherspoon also had a pair of pass breakups. Add Vinnie Sunseri's name to the list of players who had a PBU. His diving play in the end zone saved a touchdown.
4. Arik Armstead had a dominant rep during 1-on-1 work. Pita Taumoepenu had two straight wins during the same drill.
5. Dekoda Watson had a nice day against his former team. He had at least one sack (maybe two) and also broke up a pass at the line of scrimmage.
6. Robinson showed admirably against Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders. Robinson did allow one touchdown to Thomas during red-zone 7-on-7s, but also broke up a pass intended for Thomas during full-team work. Robinson had an end zone PBU as well on a pass from Lynch to Bennie Fowler.
