Five takeaways from the Broncos' 21-20 loss to the 49ers

Two preseason games, two narrow losses.

The Broncos led the majority of their second preseason game a against the 49ers in San Francisco, Saturday night. But the 49ers scored a touchdown less than three minutes remaining in the game to pull within two points. Then they kicked the game-winning field goal as time expired.

The 21-20 loss leaves the Broncos with an 0-2 record heading into their final preseason game against the Rams on Saturday.

Here’s what happened…

Russell Runs

Russell Wilson’s numbers don’t jump off the page, but he had a good night.

Wilson only played the first drive of the game. He guided his offense 49 yards down the field over the course of 12 plays, setting up a field goal. He completed three of his six passing attempts for 24 yards.

Most of Wilson’s production came on the ground, both on designed runs and scrambles. The Broncos made a conscious decision to get Wilson going in the ground game, and it paid off.

Head coach Sean Payton said after the game that the plan was to only give Wilson one series. The rest of the starters stuck around for a second series, but Jarrett Stidham was at the helm. He played much better in his second outing, completing 12 of his 17 attempts for 130 yards.

Javonte Returns

Javonte Williams returned to the field on Saturday for the first time since he tore his ACL 10 months ago. Earlier this week, head coach Sean Payton said he wanted Williams to have three or four carries and maybe a catch. He got much more work.

Williams carried the ball three times for 12 yards. He consistently fought through defenders in the backfield. He also caught four passes for 18 yards, and dropped another.

Seven touches isn’t enough to know whether or not Williams is back to his pre-injury form, but he looked strong as a runner and didn’t give any reason to doubt him.

The Defense Forces Turnovers

For the second consecutive week, Essang Bassey caught an interception. Just like last week, the play was essentially made for him. A contested pass deflected high into the air and straight into Bassey’s arms.

The Broncos’ other interception came when Matt Henningsen tipped a screen pass into the air and Elijah Garcia came down with the ball. Garcia also had two sacks in the game last week.

A fumbled punt return set the Broncos up just outside the end zone. Damarri Mathis also forced a fumble that the Broncos didn’t recover.

The Broncos didn’t capitalize on all of their opportunities to take the ball away, but three forced turnovers is a solid outing.

Running Backs Make Their Case

Jaleel McLaughlin scored two touchdowns against the 49ers, taking a clear hold of the Broncos’ third running back job.

McLaughlin shook a defender in the hole on his way to an eight-yard score. Then he caught a pass in the flat off of play action and shook a defender at the one-yard line for a nine-yard touchdown. McLaughlin’s 45 rushing yards over seven carries tied for the most in the game.

But Tony Jones Jr. made a claim for the roster spot as well. His 43-yard run set up McLaughlin’s second touchdown.

Maher Doesn’t Miss

Last week, Brett Maher missed his first field-goal attempt and had his other one blocked. But he righted the ship in Santa Clara.

Maher hit from 48 and 34 yards out and made both of his extra-point attempts.

Maher is the only kicker on the roster, but he isn’t guaranteed the job. The Broncos have their eyes on a handful of kickers around the league, and if Maher slips up they’ll be ready to find a replacement.