The San Francisco 49ers opened their 2025 preseason slate at home, hosting the Denver Broncos at Levi's® Stadium. San Francisco's offense came out hot with a scoring drive on their first possession, but the Broncos ultimately pulled away in the second half to secure a 30-9 win.

Quarterback Mac Jones started under center for the red and gold and connected early with rookie wideout Jordan Watkins for a 50-yard catch-and-run that set up the team's only touchdown of the afternoon, a five-yard rushing score by Patrick Taylor Jr. on a sweep to the left side. On the defensive side, San Francisco's front seven generated consistent pressure, highlighted by a first-quarter safety from cornerback Chase Lucas.

Here are five takeaways from the Broncos-49ers preseason game:

Watkins Delivers Explosive Start

Watkins made the most of his preseason debut with San Francisco, recording the team's longest play of the day on just their third snap from scrimmage. Watkins hauled in a short pass from Jones and turned on the jets, finding his way 50 yards downfield before being brought down inside the red zone. Watkins finished as the 49ers leading receiver with two catches for 56 yards, setting the tone for the offense's 71-yard scoring drive.

Lucas Sparks the Defense

Lucas was everywhere for the 49ers defense, leading the unit with eight total tackles, notching a pass breakup, and recording one of the game's biggest plays, a first-quarter safety. Blitzing from the secondary, Lucas forced Broncos quarterback Bo Nix into an intentional grounding penalty in the end zone, giving San Francisco an early 9-0 lead.

Front Seven Brings the Pressure

The 49ers defensive line rotation looked sharp in their first live action of the year, even up against the Broncos starting O-line. San Francisco totaled 2.0 sacks, with Kalia Davis, Robert Beal Jr., and undrafted rookie Sebastian Valdez each getting in on the action. In the third quarter, CB Tre Brown and LB Nick Martin combined to take down Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham on a run, with Brown forcing a fumble that was ultimately recovered by Denver.

Special Teams Showcases Return Talent

The 49ers had multiple returners contribute in the preseason opener, with rookie Junior Bergen leading the way. Bergen's lone punt return went for 28 yards, setting the offense up in favorable field position during the first quarter. He also added two kick returns for 40 total yards, including a long of 23 yards.

Defensive back Dallis Flowers was equally productive on kickoffs, averaging 24.3 yards on three returns with a long of 26. Veteran running back Ameer Abdullah saw a 22-yard return, while Corey Kiner added 17 yards on his only attempt.

Young 49ers Stand Out in Extended Action

The preseason opener provided valuable live-game reps for several of San Francisco's younger players. Rookie running back Kiner led the ground game with 45 yards on 10 carries. Second-year safety Jaylen Mahoney stood out in the fourth quarter with a sequence of back-to-back tackles, a pass breakup, and tight coverage that helped force a Denver turnover on downs. Rookie safety Marques Sigle also impressed, tying for second on the team with seven combined tackles.

The 49ers will look to build on the early offensive spark and strong defensive moments when they head into Week 2 of the preseason in Las Vegas against the Raiders.