Is Josh Dobbs locked in as the 49ers’ QB2?

Aug 20, 2024, 9:19 AM

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 18: Joshua Dobbs #5 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up prior to t...

(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Lead Editor & Kings Beat Writer

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Josh Dobbs provided his squad with a boost during Sunday’s preseason win over the New Orleans Saints.

With one preseason matchup remaining until the regular season opener, has Dobbs locked up the 49ers’ backup quarterback role?

The Athletic’s Matt Barrows joined The Drive Guys this week to break down Dobbs’ performance, discuss where Brandon Allen stands in the quarterback room, and much more.

Be sure to check out this interview and much more 49ers content on the Sactown Sports YouTube page.

Listen to The Drive Guys from 2 – 6 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.

Click here for full episodes of The Drive Guys.

More on Josh Dobbs & the 49ers

Analysis per Sactown Sports’ 49ers insider Amil Fragoso

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.

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

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.