Key Takeaways:
– A new competition for the position of the second quarterback at the 49ers is underway.
– Josh Dobbs and Brandon Allen will compete for the role.
– The past year witnessed Sam Darnold secure the position and Trey Lance trade for the Cowboys.
– Beat writer, Matt Barrows, lists this competition as one of the top 10 things to watch during the 49ers’ practice sessions.
As the 49ers kick off their Organized Team Activities (OTAs), the battle for the second quarterback spot is drawing significant attention. Last year, spectators watched as Sam Darnold won this spot battling against Trey Lance. However, this year, the hot seat is contested between Josh Dobbs and Brandon Allen.
The Stakes of the Backup Quarterback Contest
Last year, not just football triumphs, but career futures were at stake. Sam Darnold, a former No. 3 overall pick from 2018, successfully captured the glittering opportunity to refresh his career. Simultaneously, Trey Lance lost his last chance to stay with the team that drafted him and was traded to the Cowboys in August.
Brock Purdy, the team’s starter, had just recovered from an elbow injury, which increased the significance of the backup role. It was believed that the backup would land a few early starts while Purdy was still in recovery. However, Darnold got only one start, while Purdy jumped right back into his MVP-caliber season.
Allen Vs. Dobbs: A new competition begins
Fast forward to this year, and the backup competition is back in full swing. With OTAs commencing, two new names have entered the battle ring. Matt Barrows, a 49ers beat writer for The Athletic, refers to the competition between Josh Dobbs and Brandon Allen as one to watch during the team’s practices.
Neither Dobbs nor Allen was a high draft pick like their predecessors. Dobbs, a fourth-rounder from 2017, and Allen, a sixth-rounder from 2016, have both shifted amongst various teams before landing in San Francisco.
Allen, 32, has been mainly part of practice squads for most of his eight NFL seasons. He has a total of nine career starts to his name and hasn’t started since 2021.
Dobbs and the Advantage He Brings
In contrast, Dobbs, the former Cardinals and Vikings starter, carries a more recent and extensive starting resume. When Kyler Murray began the previous season injured, Dobbs stepped up, though the Cardinals only won one of his eight starts. Post this stint, he was traded to Minnesota, where he marked two victories in his four starts.
Although Purdy’s injury means Dobbs and Allen may not be the team’s preferred options, Barrows believes Dobbs might have an edge. This is due to his commendable performance after his elevation to a starting role last season. Allen’s advantage, however, lies in his familiarity with the 49ers offense.
With intense competition on board within the 49ers, this NFL season marks another critical football faceoff. Allen and Dobbs go head-to-head in an exciting battle that promises to keep fans on their toes. As the OTA practices continue, all eyes are on this quarterback competition as 49ers fans eagerly anticipate the outcome.