49ers preseason grades vs Saints: Backup QBs sparkle, run defense disappoints again

The San Francisco 49ers continued their trend of resting their major starters in the second preseason game against the New Orleans Saints, with one notable exception. Starting QB Brock Purdy dealt with constant pressure but escaped the day unscathed after three non-descript drives, the Saints starters embarked upon a touchdown drive that took up nearly half a quarter, and the game turned completely over to the backups.

With the reserves in tow, the Niners showed some juice on offense and defense, scoring on three successive drives led by Joshua Dobbs. The cherry on top was a touchdown to end the half. In the second half, things stayed close with both teams trading field goals, but at the end, the 49ers came through with a defensive stop to cement a 16-10 win.

Just like last week, how San Francisco played as a unit is only important for pride. The 49ers' "starting" defense, for example, had no more than three players who will see consistent minutes come Week 1. But, especially with the absence of joint practices, preseason games are a chance to hit other players and make major strides in training camp battles.

Here are how some position battles progressed this week.

Offensive Game Grades

The Backup QB Battle

The "starting" offense, which was the starting offensive line and Purdy along with skill position reserves, was unable to get the ball moving. But a spark emerged when backup quarterback Joshua Dobbs entered the game.

Dobbs electrified with his hands, starting off scorching-hot with six completions, and with his legs, evading pressure multiple times in the pocket and breaking free a couple times.

Dobbs led three scoring drives, the first two resulting in kicker Jake Moody field goals. But the pinnacle was a scramble-drill two-minute drive where Dobbs ran wild for a first down, hit wide receiver Jacob Cowing deep on an out-and-up, and then pulled the ball on a read option for an acrobatic touchdown. Dobbs finished with 133 yards on 12 completions, along with 25 yards on three carries with the aforementioned touchdown.

it was a high-volume day for Dobbs, but a successful one.

Dobbs' competition, Brandon Allen, was not as statistically successful, with his best drive resulting in a Moody field-goal miss. But the other QB's play was no slouch either, especially showcasing an ability to evade pressure not seen before and high-quality ball placement. His receivers not cashing in is outside of his control, but it does put a bit of a damper on an otherwise solid performance.

Even fourth-string undrafted quarterback Tanner Mordecai had a couple bright spots in the fourth quarter.

But in the build-up to back Purdy, Dobbs may have taken the job and ran with it.

Grades: Dobbs, A+; Allen, B+; Mordecai: B

Run Offense: Does Matt Breida still have the juice?

The 49ers rush offense was disappointing all around, but the brightest bulb of all the backs was Matt Breida, once a starlet at running back and now a grizzled veteran.

Though Breida's yards per carry ended up only at 3.7, Breida showcased significantly more pop than that. His best run was one that did not count: a 12-yard scamper off a great cutback.

With the other 49ers running backs not making a name for themselves again, Breida may be cementing a spot at least at on the practice squad.

Grades: Breida, B; The Field: C-

Passing Offense: Making Sense of the Receiver Shuffle

The 49ers' backup receiver shuffle continued again, with a new name making some major moves. Rookie Jacob Cowing may be an unsung hero for the 49ers this season with his explosiveness and speed adding a new element to the offense, and in his first preseason action of his NFL career, he showcased the full package.

Cowing returned punts rather effectively and was the 49ers' leading receiver with 51 yards on four receptions, including a high-flying deep reception near the end of the first half. Cowing was also flagged for offensive holding, but his willingness to block must be commended, given how that is the prerequisite to get on the field for the 49ers. It was a mixed bag of mostly good for the rookie.

On the other hand, returning "veterans" like Danhy Gray and Ronnie Bell were not as explosive in their performance. Bell in particular had another week of struggling with drops and inopportune performances, while Gray simply did not play enough. Even Trent Taylor dropped a touchdown only to be bailed out by Dobbs on the next play.

If it was not already a guarantee, Cowing might have really sprinted forward to a roster spot, a step that all but assures a couple players will not be making the 53-man roster for the first time in their career.

Grades: Cowing, B+; Gray, C-; Bell, D

Defensive Game Grades

Run Defense: Flashes in the Pan

The 49ers run defense was again mostly porous, continuing a potentially worrying trend if this was the regular season. To be fair, the backups were facing starter-quality backs in Jamaal Williams and to some extent James Robinson. But other than Jordan Mims, the only Saints running back held under 4 yards per carry, the Saints were able to run effortlessly.

That said, a couple of players did shine in the run defense, most notably linebacker Jalen Graham. After fellow backer Dee Winters exploded on the scene against the Titans, Graham put together a solid performance, particularly in the run game. Graham finished with six tackles and strung together a set of great run-fits.

But Graham will have to keep it going next week to prove it is not a flash in the pan.

Grade: Graham, B+

Passing Defense: Clarity at Corner

After being able to see Cowing finally get some tread in the offense, the 49ers were able to see cornerback Darell Luter Jr. get extended playing time, and he performed up and down. Luter was always near the ball, which is not always the best sign for a corner. But he played through the ball admirably, coming through with two big stops down the stretch.

The 49ers' other corner for the majority of the second half, Rock Ya-Sin, was less involved, suffering a pass interference penalty but otherwise playing relatively clean. And the 49ers' second-round pick, Renardo Green, played a strong game of defense.

The Niners' cornerback room has begun to shape itself, with a top-four separating with Charvarius Ward, Deommodore Lenoir, Isaac Yiadom, and Green. That Green has made his way to this upper stretch is a big sign for the young rookie, and leaves the other 49ers in the middle of a battle to make the roster.

Grades: Green, B+; Luter Jr., B-

Final Thoughts

The 49ers were able to get a win on the board, and better yet many of the standouts were players who'll make an impact come the regular season. Rookies in particular flashed, and the 49ers will gladly take that.

They'll continue their offseason program to prepare for a final game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

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