Dobbs Shines in 49ers Preseason Victory Against Saints

In a recent exhibition game against the New Orleans Saints, quarterback Joshua Dobbs showcased his potential, stepping in after Brock Purdy and leading the San Francisco 49ers to a 16-10 victory at Levi’s Stadium. This performance came a week after Brandon Allen started in the preseason opener. Dobbs demonstrated his agility and playmaking ability, notably evading Saints’ safety Jordan Howden to score a 1-yard touchdown just before halftime, despite a rocky start to the play. Throughout the game, Dobbs effectively directed the 49ers' offense, orchestrating three scoring drives in the second quarter, primarily with backup players on the field. His performance has raised questions about his role as a potential primary backup to Purdy, should the need arise. Head Coach Kyle Shanahan acknowledged Dobbs' ability to make plays with his legs, emphasizing the strategic advantage of having a quarterback who can threaten defenses with both passing and running plays. Shanahan's comments also hinted at the challenges faced by former quarterback Trey Lance, who was given the opportunity to lead the team in 2022. The coach expressed that he had different expectations for Lance, hoping his athleticism would elevate the offense as he gained experience. When asked about the current preseason strategy, Shanahan clarified that he felt no need to change his approach this year, despite having a wealth of talented offensive assistants in the past.