49ers Defeat the New Orleans Saints 16-10 in Preseason Week 2

The San Francisco 49ers Defeat the New Orleans Saints 16-10 in Preseason Week 2

The San Francisco 49ers welcomed back the Faithful to Levi’s Stadium® on Sunday evening for their only home game of the 2024 preseason schedule. 

Despite resting several key starters, including George Kittle, Charvarius Ward, Javon Hargrave, Deebo Samuel Sr., Nick Bosa, Leonard Floyd and Fred Warner, the 49ers managed to defeat the New Orleans Saints by a score of 16-10.

Quarterback Brock Purdy Leads the Offense

Quarterback Brock Purdy got the start and played the entire first quarter, leading three offensive series before being replaced by Joshua Dobbs.

With a change in the offensive line due to Aaron Banks’ recent pinky injury, Purdy had Jaylon Moore at left tackle, Nick Zakelj at left guard, Jake Brendel at center, Dominick Puni at right guard and Colton McKivitz at right tackle protecting him.

Joshua Dobbs Shines in Relief

Dobbs entered the game in the second quarter and immediately made an impact, leading the 49ers to three straight scoring drives. He connected with Jacob Cowing, Cameron Latu, Cody Schrader and Trent Taylor for 10+ yard gains, setting up field goals of 47 and 24 yards by kicker Jake Moody. 

Dobbs capped off his performance with an 11-play, 80-yard touchdown drive, hitting Matt Breida and Cowing for 20+ yard conversions and scoring on an 11-yard scramble, flipping into the end zone for the one-yard touchdown.

Young Defensive Players Make Plays

San Francisco’s young defensive players made several key plays in the first half. Second-year safety Ji’Ayir Brown tackled Taysom Hill for a loss, rookie cornerback Renardo Green broke up a pass, and third-year linebacker Curtis Robinson recorded a tackle-for-loss.

Turnovers Favor the 49ers

The 49ers’ only takeaway came in the second quarter when Alex Barrett sacked and stripped Spencer Rattler, recovering the fumble. Dobbs and the offense capitalized with a 24-yard field goal.

Special Teams Shines

Punter Pressley Harvin III had an impressive night, pinning the Saints inside the 10-yard line on four of his punts, with Tayler Hawkins, Chase Lucas and Mason Pline downing the ball. Moody made four of his five kicks, connecting from 47, 24 and 36 yards.

Despite resting several starters, the 49ers managed to defeat the Saints 16-10 in a hard-fought preseason matchup at Levi’s Stadium. The performances of Dobbs, the young defensive players, and the special teams unit were particularly noteworthy in the victory.