49ers - The Golden Bay Times

Santa Clara, CA - San Francisco’s final exhibition delivered a spicy little victory, as the 49ers edged the Chargers 30-23 in a game that was equal parts sloppy and scintillating. Trey Lance, making his awkward return to the Bay, must’ve forgotten how to throw, going 5-for-8 for a skimpy 38 yards, producing zero offense and plenty of punts. But offense eventually arrived courtesy of Tanner Mordecai, who connected on a sharp 22-yard touchdown pass to Terique Owens—fitting, seeing as he’s Hall of Famer Terrell Owens’s kid. Still, the game’s most electric moment came from the blue when linebacker Curtis Robinson snagged a DJ Uiagalelei pass and scampered 32 yards to the house with 6:06 left, delivering a knockout punch. It was one of those games that felt like a scrappy backyard brawl, piled with punts and big plays in equal measure, but in the end the 49ers prevailed thanks to opportunistic defense and just enough offense to sneak out with a win.

Las Vegas, NV - The 49ers edged the Raiders in a real nail-biting showdown, powered by five clutch field goals from rookie kicker Jake Moody, including a jaw-dropping 59-yard bomb as time expired that lifted them to a 22-19 preseason triumph. Offensively, Brock Purdy and Ricky Pearsall opened with a sleek display of chemistry, driving into scoring range early, though Mac Jones later encountered turbulence when he threw a timely interception that led to a Raiders touchdown. The ground game showed flashes as Corey Kiner’s burst was cut short by injury, forcing veterans Ke’Shawn Vaughn and Jeff Wilson Jr. to pick up the slack, and Wilson responded with a power run into the end zone. San Francisco’s defense stiffened when needed, contributing two interceptions and several sacks, while special teams anchored the finale with Moody’s heroics. Yet the win came with a price as key injuries to right guard Dominick Puni and running backs, including Kiner’s ankle and Taylor Jr.’s shoulder, cast a long shadow, leaving the team hopeful they will heal in time.