Dobbs strengthens his position as the 49ers' backup QB with a strong performance against the Raiders

Dobbs solidifies his position as 49ers backup QB with strong performance against Raiders. Originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

LAS VEGAS – After three NFL preseason games, the 49ers have some difficult decisions to make – including who to select to replace quarterback Brock Purdy.

Josh Dobbs cemented his position in San Francisco's final preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Friday night at Allegiant Stadium, completing 8 of 10 passes for 72 yards and a touchdown for a 130.0 rating. He has less experience than Brandon Allen, last season's No. 3 QB, in 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan's system, but he seems to be quickly finding his feet since arriving this offseason.

“It went well, it was smooth,” Dobbs said of his first trip. “It can be tough when you're on the sidelines, especially all day, I feel like. In a 7 p.m. game, you wait until after halftime to go in and play.”

Dobbs took over the 49ers' offense on the second drive of the second half. Purdy started the game and played three drives, then Allen came in and completed 5 of 7 passes for 60 yards and a 97.3 rating in four drives.

“My goal when I get on the field is to get going and pick up right where they left off,” Dobbs said. “So get into a rhythm as quickly as possible, trust the guys around me to protect me up front, trust the running backs to carry the ball, trust the receivers to make plays for me and just execute my game when I'm there.”

“We did that. We went down the field, scored and had some efficient drives while I was there.”

Dobbs completed five consecutive passes on his first drive, targeting tight end Cameron Latu, running back Isaac Guerendo, wide receiver Jacob Cowing and tight end Brayden Willis. Dobbs found Cowing a second time and slipped a pass between two Raiders defenders for points.

“It was a smooth drive,” Dobbs said. “It was good to get out there and get into a rhythm, get a quick pass to Cam. A couple of big third down attempts converted, and when we got into the red zone, it was a four-point play that went from a field goal to a touchdown.”

“When you get into the red zone, you always want to be able to run the ball. It's tight down there. My job as quarterback is to get the ball where it needs to go and it's their job to get it. We did that. It was an efficient drive and we were able to get on the scoreboard.”

The 49ers open the 2024 regular season in just over two weeks when they host the New York Jets on Monday Night Football on Sept. 9. Who will back up Purdy in that game is expected to be decided soon.

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