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San Francisco 49ers: Three keys to Sunday’s matchup with the Detroit Lions

By Frank Yien

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 25: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers throws a pass against the Indianapolis Colts in the second quarter of a preseason game at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 25, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 25: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers throws a pass against the Indianapolis Colts in the second quarter of a preseason game at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 25, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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San Francisco 49ers
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – SEPTEMBER 09: Dante Pettis #18 of the San Francisco 49ers catches the ball for a touchdown in the third quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

3. Rookie play

Game one was a bit of a revelation as several of the 49er rookies showed some flash on both sides of the ball. If they can keep that up against Detroit then we should expect to see them on the field regularly throughout the season.

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With primary wide receiver Marquise Goodwin knocked out of last week’s game with a thigh bruise, rookie Dante Pettis showed both good speed and hands as he nabbed a Garoppolo pass in the corner of the end zone for his first touchdown.

Pettis comes from good pedigree, as his father Gary Pettis was a five-time Gold Glove centerfielder. He will get the start as Goodwin has been ruled for week two.

Inside linebacker Fred Warner also had a big game last week, with 12 tackles and a forced fumble. Vikings running back Dalvin Cook had broken free in the secondary when Warner punched out the ball from behind, allowing Richard Sherman to recover the fumble.

With Brock Coyle (concussion, back) going on injured reserve and Reuben Foster out on suspension until week three, Warner will see more playing time this week.

It would come as no surprise if Warner continues to play the Mike while Foster plays the Will upon his return.

Next. 49ers look forward to hosting the Detroit Lions in week two. dark

Offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey was solid in his NFL debut and even played right guard after both Person and Garnett went down. McGlinchey will be back at his natural right tackle position against the Lions.

The 49ers host the Lions on Sunday 9/16 at 1:05PM PDT.