The San Francisco 49ers held a joint padded practice today with the Denver Broncos ahead of Saturday’s preseason game. It was a competitive practice and, other than rookie Adrian Colbert hitting Steven Scheu in a momentary lapse of judgement, things went smoothly.

“I thought it was great work for both sides out here today,” said general manager John Lynch. “…I think both coaches handled their teams really well. Had one little scuffle, but I’ve never seen one of these joint practices where you haven’t. But I thought it was very professional on both sides, really productive work, and I’m really thrilled with it.”

Mixing It Up

Dekoda Watson, Elvis Dumervil, and Brian Hoyer all expressed the benefits of going against a team other than your own in practice. Lynch agrees.

“You’re going up against something where it’s not scripted; it’s completely unscripted,” said Lynch. “You don’t know everything that they’re doing, and so, it’s just true competition…It really is as close to a game as possible.”

Defense, Defense

The 49ers defense had a very strong day against the Broncos offense.

Cornerback Will Davis had a particularly good day, with an interception and two PBUs. Safety Jaquiski Tartt intercepted quarterback Paxton Lynch with the help of a tipped pass by Rashard Robinson. Team work makes the dream work.

“We get turnovers every day…,” said linebacker and former Denver Bronco Elvis Dumervil. “That’s what we do.”

Let’s hope that extends to game days.

Reuben Foster forced a C.J. Anderson fumble before leaving practice with an upper body injury. Lynch told the media that it was nothing of concern and Foster told Lynch, “I’m straight, man.” 49ers fans breathe a collective sigh of relief.

Brian Hoyer Blew Them All Away

The Broncos have a quarterback competition between Trevor Siemian and Paxton Lynch going on, but the best QB on the field today by far was Brian Hoyer.

Hoyer was sharp, completing about 80% of his passes (unofficially by my observation). Von Miller did sack him twice, but he’s Von Miller, so you now.

Practice Hoyer continues to be impressive. We haven’t really seen enough of game Hoyer to know if it translates, but he held his own against a very tough Denver defense, so hopes are high.

Over on the offensive line, Trent Brown was given a lesson in blocking when he was beat by Von Miller during one-on-one drills. But he bounced back and had a solid showing.

Lynch and the National Anthem Protests

Lynch was asked about his feelings on the National Anthem protests that will continue throughout the NFL in the wake of the tragic events in Charlottesville last weekend. His response, for which he is catching a lot of heat, is below.

Here’s the full transcript of 49ers GM John Lynch talking about silent anthem protests. Calls them “divisive” but says “they have the right” pic.twitter.com/kuMzemPiwi

— Phil Barber (@Skinny_Post) August 16, 2017

• Lynch announced that Donavin Newsom will be placed on injured reserve after his very scary concussion last week.
• Former 49er CB Tramline Brock signed a one-year deal with the Seattle Seahawks.

I’ll be back tomorrow with coverage from the second practice between the Broncos and the 49ers. Make sure to follow me onTwitter and Instagram for full coverage @49ersfangirl.

Go Niners!