The San Francisco 49ers' second preseason game, held tonight at Levi's Stadium against the New Orleans Saints, only helped strengthen the NFL's case for an 18-game regular season. For anyone keeping score, the Niners ended the night with more points than their NFC counterparts, as they outlasted New Orleans 16 -10 in the 49ers' first victory of the preseason.
However, the preseason matchup felt more like the scrimmage and joint practices the 49ers were forced to cancel earlier this week, rather than a key event in the buildup to Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Regular Season. Still, the careers of numerous players on the roster periphery were on the line Sunday night.Some players took advantage of the opportunity, while some – unfortunately – did not. With one final game remaining before "real" football begins, here are your 49ers "Studs and Duds" from tonight's preseason victory over the Saints:
49ers Studs
Joshua Dobbs
It was a statement game for 49ers quarterback Joshua Dobbs, who all but secured the backup job to start the season. Dobbs isn't known for his consistency and he is fairly limited in his long-term upside, but the 8-year veteran doesn't shy from pressure and demonstrated his ability to make plays when it was sorely needed.
Dobbs' three second-quarter drives ended in three scores, including a short fourth-down touchdown run in the final seconds of the first half. The spark he provided to the offense with a pair of sideline completions, and his ability to avoid the Saints' constant pass rush, will likely prove to be the deciding factors in the Niners' backup quarterback battle.
Jacob Cowing
49ers General Manager John Lynch and Head Coach Kyle Shanahan have struggled to draft the mid-to-late-round complementary deep-threat wide receiver they've been searching for the last three years. Three of those draftees are currently on the 49ers' roster, competing for one – or potentially two – receiver spots.
Setting aside some rookie mistakes early in the game, Jacob Cowing's ball skills and play-making ability were on display Sunday night. Expect the fourth-round draft pick to start the season in the Niners' wide receiver room:
49ers rookie WR Jacob Cowing had 5 touches, 70 total yards and 4 first downs against the Saints
Here's a look at his tape from last night pic.twitter.com/pTnrJ9MNJz
— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) August 19, 2024
Dominick Puni
I nearly forgot to list Puni here – but he's an afterthought for good reason. When preseason began, many questioned when or if Puni would be able to work his way into the starting lineup this season.
Now, just eight days later, is Dominick Puni the best offensive lineman on the 49ers' roster?
Pressley Harvin III
Yes, Pressley Harvin III. I recall a time not long ago when Sports Illustrated's Grant Cohn claimed, "The 49ers have a punter problem." And never has Mr. Cohn been so correct. Given the NFL's antiquated rules which only allow one punter to punt at a time, San Francisco has a serious problem indeed.
With the recent performance of the newcomer Harvin, paired with the ongoing legend of Mitch "Punt Jesus" Wishnowsky, would it be crazy to say that the San Francisco 49ers may have the greatest punt duo in the history of mankind? The punter version of quarterbacks Joe Montana and Steve Young? Stay tuned as the drama unfolds.
Rookie Studs
Several additional players are deserving "Studs," particularly the remainder of the Niners' 2024 draft class – or at least the guys who played. The process of getting acclimated to the game at the NFL level is no easy task – they're called "rookie mistakes" for a reason – and it's admittedly far too early to make definitive statements about anyone who isn't an offensive lineman.
But at this point in the preseason, we're looking for flashes – not mere potential, but rather, potential paired with in-game action. And right down the list we have Renardo Green, Malik Mustapha, Jarrett Kingston, and Tatum Bethune. Yeah, we see you.
49ers Duds
I'll keep this section brief. After all, it's the preseason, so we shouldn't be shocked when players play like it's the preseason. But, at the same time, it's the preseason!
Kyle Shanahan
I hope his post-game press conference sheds some light on this situation. I'll do my best to withhold full judgment until then, but regardless of any rationalization or justification, Shanahan worked hard to earn the prime spot on the list.
There is one player on the San Francisco 49ers' roster the team cannot lose. Other players would be a crushing blow to the Niners' Super Bowl aspirations, but one player could potentially end San Francisco's season before it even begins.
What's the highest-risk/lowest-to-no-reward situation such a player could be forced into? Or rather, if you wanted to do your QB dirty, what would be the optimal way to do it?
I'll leave it at that.
49ers Offensive Line
It's not necessarily fair to blame each individual on the offensive line, but as a whole, this unit has prevented the 49ers from success before, and without significant changes, it will again – even with the return of Trent Williams.
The Danny Gray and Ronnie Bell experiments
It's not over yet. There's still hope for the two young wideouts, but it's dwindling – and it's frustrating because the physical tools are there. In addition, the practice squad remains an option, but not the option anyone was hoping for or expecting.
And everything could change with just one breakout performance on Friday.