In the aftermath of the San Francisco 49ers’ preseason victory over the New Orleans Saints, three players have emerged as standouts who have significantly raised their stock. As the 49ers gear up for their final preseason game before the start of the regular season, these players have made a strong case for themselves with their performances on the field.
The battle for the backup quarterback position behind Brock Purdy has been a focal point of the preseason, with Joshua Dobbs and Brandon Allen vying for the role. However, after Dobbs’ impressive showing against the Saints, it appears that the competition may be settled. Despite modest stats, Dobbs showcased his playmaking abilities with a 38-yard pass to rookie Jacob Cowing and a thrilling touchdown run. As one observer noted, Dobbs has put significant distance between himself and Allen in the race for the backup spot.
Rookie wide receiver Jacob Cowing faced obstacles entering the preseason, with limited practice time due to injury. However, Cowing made a statement against the Saints, hauling in four catches for 51 yards and displaying his explosiveness with a 19-yard carry. Despite his lack of experience, Cowing’s performance has turned heads and raised his stock within the organization.
Another rookie who has impressed in the preseason is offensive lineman Dominick Puni. Puni’s stellar play has solidified his position as the likely starter at right guard for the 49ers. With only one pressure allowed in 23 pass-blocking snaps against the Saints, Puni has proven himself to be a reliable and steady presence on the line. As one analyst pointed out, Puni’s emergence as a starter could help shore up the right side of the offensive line, addressing a weakness from last season.
With Puni’s ascension, the 49ers may be inclined to stick with the young lineman over veteran Spencer Burford at right guard. By doing so, the team can build for the future and strengthen the offensive line for the long term. Puni’s performance and potential impact have not gone unnoticed, setting the stage for him to be a key contributor for the 49ers moving forward.
As the preseason progresses, the performances of these players will be crucial in shaping the roster decisions for the 49ers. With their stock on the rise, Dobbs, Cowing, and Puni have shown that they have what it takes to make an impact in the upcoming season. The final preseason game will provide one last opportunity for these players to showcase their talents and further solidify their positions on the team.
In conclusion, the 49ers have plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the future with these standout performances from Dobbs, Cowing, and Puni. As they continue to impress in the preseason, the trio of players has proven that they are ready to contribute and make a difference for the team. The journey towards Week 1 of the regular season continues, with these players leading the way for the 49ers.