San Francisco’s second preseason game was supposed to be a simple tune-up, but instead it exposed serious flaws. The 49ers were dominated 33-16 by Seattle, leaving more questions than answers as the regular season looms.
The Broncos gashed San Francisco’s defense on the ground, piling up 268 rushing yards while Sam Darnold and Jake Bobo connected for two touchdowns through the air. The 49ers, thin across several units, struggled to contain any momentum.
Into this backdrop emerges veteran safety Justin Simmons, previously with Atlanta. With San Francisco’s defense looking porous and battered, his name has quickly resurfaced as a potential solution to bolster a secondary that remains unsettled.
“I’ve seen the struggles on defense, and I know I can help fix it. San Francisco deserves better — give me the chance, and I’ll bring that fire to the Bay,” Simmons declared.
The timing is no accident. San Francisco surrendered over 300 rushing yards to Seattle while six players left with injuries, further thinning a defense already short on depth. It was a collapse that underscored urgent roster decisions.
Ray-Ray McCloud briefly provided a spark with a dazzling 88-yard punt return touchdown, igniting Levi’s Stadium’s crowd, but rookie tackle Jarrett Kingston’s struggles at the line highlighted another area of concern for a team with championship expectations.
Simmons, a proven playmaker and former Pro Bowler, is reportedly open to signing a one-year, $3 million deal with San Francisco. The low-risk price tag adds intrigue as the 49ers weigh their defensive options.
With preseason winding down, San Francisco faces an uncomfortable reality: the roster is bruised, the defense is leaking, and reinforcements are needed. If Simmons truly brings the fire he promises, the 49ers may have little choice.
