The GOAT is watching.
Jerry Rice hasn’t suited up for the 49ers since 2000 but has always stayed close to the franchise. As he told 95.7 The Game’s ‘The Morning Roast’ on Monday, “I’m always a Niner.”
So Rice is aware that Trey Lance and Brandon Aiyuk spent part of their summer at a beach house together in San Diego, working out in the daytime and getting to know each other in the evenings. Rice said he’s expecting big things from Aiyuk and Lance in 2022.
“I think that the guy that’s really, really gonna have a breakout year is Brandon Aiyuk,” Rice told hosts Bonta Hill and Steven Langford (filling in for Joe Shasky). “Because with all of that single coverage and all of that attention going on George Kittle, too, this guy he’s gotta blossom this year. If he does that, it’s gonna take some of the pressure off Deebo Samuel and George Kittle.”
As Rice noted, Aiyuk might be Lance’s third option behind Deebo and Kittle in the 49ers offense.
Lance and Deebo have been spotted working after practice together, but Rice thinks there’s still some progress for those two to make. Lance appeared to underthrow Deebo in 1-on-1 coverage during a third-down pass attempt in last week’s preseason finale against the Houston Texans. Lance and Samuel failed to connect for a completion in their three drives of preseason work together.
“I think you talk about Brandon Aiyuk and what he’s doing during training camp and all of that,” Rice said. “I think it shows because the guy had the opportunity to throw together (with Trey Lance), get the chemistry, the body language and all of that. That’s very important. That’s why with Brandon Aiyuk, they’re a little bit ahead. Deebo Samuel, it’s gonna take a little bit more time. I think if they take extra time during practice and after practice, they can get on the same page.”
Samuel is also dealing with a sore knee that he injured in the preseason finale and is expected to keep him out of practice this week. Rice said 2022 will be a different beast for Samuel after putting his dual-threat capabilities on tape.
“I think it’s thankful that they have an extra week to prepare,” Rice said. “Deebo is gonna have to be durable all season long. Defensive coordinators, they know what he’s about now. They’re gonna make things a little more difficult for him.”
Rice is impressed with what he’s seen from rookie wideout Danny Gray, who burned his man for a 76-yard touchdown in the preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers.
“He’s making plays,” Rice said. “I had a chance at the 49ers Foundation dinner to stand up next to this guy, and he was looking down at me. Like, my gosh. The guy can run and he’s not afraid to go across the middle. We have the weapons on offense.”
When looking at the roster makeup of the 49ers offense, the concern doesn’t lie with the playmakers. Questions are swirling around the offensive line, as all-world left tackle Trent Williams will be flanked by four unproven players.
“The question mark is the offensive line and also the running backs,” Rice said. “If all of those components come together, it’s gonna be an exciting season. … That offensive line has to come together to protect Trey Lance.”
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