Two Bright Spots From the 49ers in Their Week 1 Win Against the Steelers

The 49ers had a dominant win over the Steelers in Week 1.

Not too much was revealed about the 49ers. Their defense was as elite as ever and their offense picked right back up where it left off with Brock Purdy. However, there were two bright spots from the 49ers Week 1 win against the Steelers.

Drake Jackson

Of all the players on that scary defensive line of the 49ers, it was Drake Jackson who popped off the most. He finished the game with not one, not two, but THREE sacks. It's a career high for him in a game as well as tying his 2022 sack total. All offseason long, the 49ers were speaking highly of Jackson. After one game, it's looking like that hype was not fluff. Jackson looked so skilled, so vastly improved from last season.

He doesn't look like the player who can be moved off the line of scrimmage easily anymore. All that strength he attained is paying off early on. What also looks different about him is his explosiveness. He was firing off from start to finish looking like a madman with no brakes. That is exactly the type of complimentary player the 49ers need opposite Nick Bosa. If Jackson can sustain just close to what he was versus the Steelers, then the 49ers defense will have gotten scarier..

Jake Moody

I have to admit that I did not think playing rookie kicker Jake Moody was the best course of action for the 49ers. He was coming off a porous preseason and is fresh off an injury. I had questioned how mentally strong Moody was and if he was ready to take on such a challenge on the road. Well, those questions were clearly answered and made me look like a fool for having them initially.

Moody didn't look timid or unsure of himself at all. He drilled every field goal and point after attempt against the Steelers. This is the player the 49ers invested heavily in with their third-round pick. A player they do not have to worry about on the road, especially with perfect weather conditions. He will still be tested as the season goes on in rougher weather and in close games, but the fact that he was excellent in his debut should boost his and the 49ers' confidence.