49ers survive Saints 16-10 despite Purdy, starters stinker in first quarter

Aug 18, 2024, 8:59 PM

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 18: Joshua Dobbs #5 of the San Francisco 49ers drops back to pass against the New Orleans Saints during the first half of a preseason game at Levi's Stadium on August 18, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

BY AMILIANO FRAGOSO

San Francisco 49ers Beat Writer

Week 2 of the 2024 preseason was a it more successful for the 49ers, holding off the Saints in the second half to emerge victorious.

The San Francisco 49ers held on to win their second preseason contest of 2024, beating New Orleans, 16-10. The win puts SF at 1-1 this preseason, looking to finish it on a high note Friday against the Las Vegas Raiders.

SF started off sluggish Sunday, punting the football on three consecutive drives. Additionally, starting quarterback Brock Purdy did not impress, finishing with only 11 passing yards as his wide receivers struggled to make separation. Purdy was also hit a few times, as the left side of his offensive line consisted of backups. Both Jaylon Moore and Nick Zakelj struggled to keep the pocket clean, forcing Purdy off his spot and leading to more frustration.

After a quarter of nothing really happening, he was done for the day.

On came backup QB Joshua Dobbs, and immediately, the vibe changed.

Dobbs led the 49ers to three scoring drives to close the half, including a two-minute drill that resulted in a rushing score for the QB. He finished his day with 158 all-purpose yards and a rushing touchdown. The “passtronaut” also had a 75.9 quarterback rating.

It’s the Josh Dobbs show!

He somersaults into the endzone to put the @49ers ahead.

📺: #NOvsSF on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/nDeaupeQIl

— NFL (@NFL) August 19, 2024

Those three scores served as the basis for SF’s victory Sunday, adding three more points in the fourth quarter to outlast the visitors, 16-10.

Besides Purdy, there were a plethora of takeaways from this one, both good and bad. So without further ado, here are a few to keep an eye on.

Josh Dobbs is making a strong case for QB2

Two weeks into the preseason, the winds seemed to have shifted toward Johs Dobbs being the 49ers’ backup QB this season.

The Passtronaut was very impressive during the first half against the Saints, leading the 49ers to three consecutive-scoring drives. The final one was his symphony, going 80 yards in 11 plays to the house with less than two minutes remaining in the half. He made a fantastic deep throw down the sideline to rookie wide receiver Jacob Cowing for 38 yards. That set up first and goal for the 49ers, but after three unsuccessful plays, SF was staring at a fourth and goal with five seconds to go.

So what does Dobbs do? He take smatters into his own hands, keeping the read option and making his man miss to roll into the endzone for six points.

13-7 49ers to close out the half, with all points coming with Dobbs under center.

Look, it’s preseason, and he was by no means perfect. But Josh Dobbs played better than Brock Purdy this Sunday.

He finished his lone quarter going 12 for 21, 158 all-purpose yards and a rushing touchdown to his name. He also had a 75.9 QB rating. The University of Tennessee alum showed poise and moxie, two traits that coach Kyle Shanahan covets out of his gunslingers. He’s easy to root for as well, and a natural leader on a veteran team.

Oh and he can run, making plays happen when everything breaks down around him. It also helps that every other QB combined for less yards than Dobbs against the Saints.

But again, it’s preseason. There’s still time for Allen to make another case for the spot. But right now, Josh Dobbs looks to be the guy.

The 49ers O-Line NEEDS Trent Williams back

If it wasn’t evident from the past three weeks of training camp, the 49ers desperately need Trent Williams back in the fold.

Sunday against the Saints’ starting defensive line made that abundantly clear. While left tackle Jaylon Moore has made major strides, respectfully, they’re not enough. Same with guard Nick Zakelj, thrusted into the starting lineup Sunday. The result saw two young linemen get worked by former 49ers pass rusher Chase Young and Co., allowing Brock Purdy to take three hits in a meaningless game.

If the 49ers want any shot at making another deep playoff run this season, they should give Trent Williams whatever he wants contractually. And they should do it FAST.

49ers Run Defense still an Issue

After a disappointing 2023 season for the 49ers’ run defense, the early returns are in: The 49ers still struggle to stop the run.

It was one thing to give up 138 rushing yards to the Titans last week, but to rebound at home by allowing 134 yards on the ground. Not great, especially when it’s against the backup ballcarriers.

The run defense should improve once the starting D-Line gets in the game, but it’s been a brutal showing through two weeks of preseason football.

And after a 2023 season that saw a five-year worst 14th-placed-finish in run defense, the 49ers need to get back to dominant fashion in that department. Giving up 272 rushing yards in two weeks ain’t it.

It’s not a need, it’s a must for the 49ers. Let’s see if it changes Week 1.