Rookies lead second half surge against Raiders
San Francisco built an 11 point halftime lead against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. Star linebacker Fred Warner urged the defense to get at least one takeaway. Rookie linebacker Jaden Dugger answered early in the third quarter. He intercepted Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins and returned the ball 37 yards for a touchdown.
That play sparked five takeaways in the second half for San Francisco. The team finished with a 38-17 win to move to 7-1. It is their best start to a season since 2019.
Young talent steps in after roster injuries
The squad has relied heavily on young talent due to roster injuries. Second year wide receiver Jordan Watkins led the team with 86 yards on four catches and scored his first NFL touchdown. Rookie running back Kaelon Black added 70 yards on 11 carries. Nickel back Upton Stout forced a key fumble at the goal line.
Through eight games, 16 players from the past two rookie classes have featured in matches. Ten of those players have logged over 100 snaps. Injuries to receivers Ricky Pearsall, Christian Kirk, and Mike Evans gave Watkins his chance. Rookie receiver DeZhaun Stribling suffered an ankle injury in the opener, while defensive tackle Gracen Halton broke his left ankle on Sunday.
Veteran influence driving squad urgency
Tight end George Kittle noted that the young players want to match the high standard set by senior stars. The draft class entered the league with an average age of 23.38 years. Dugger explained that the rookies knew they had to contribute early rather than sitting on the bench.
Defensive end Nick Bosa praised coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch for their work in the draft. Halton added that the rookies want to win a championship for the veterans who have faced adversity in previous years.
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