SANTA CLARA – Here are the players who stood out on Day 19 of 49ers training camp. It’s important to remember that Brandon Aiyuk was a no-show for the second day in a row. It was reported that he had a meeting with the 49ers on Monday. My guess is that the meeting didn’t go well.
THE GOOD
1. WR Jacob Cowing
He caught four passes – a five-yard screen from Brock Purdy, a 30-yard deep crosser from Tanner Mordecai, a five-yard curl from Brandon Allen and a five-yard touchdown pass from Joshua Dobbs. Cowing is quickly becoming every quarterback’s favorite target, or at least one of them. And all he needed to do that was a week of health. He looks like the fastest player on the field.
2. CB Renardo Green
Played exclusively outside cornerback after playing nickelback for most of the offseason and intercepted a potential touchdown pass intended for Cowing. Green was in zone coverage, saw Cowing running into his area, broke up the pass early and intercepted it. He deserves to be the third cornerback on the team, following Isaac Yiadom, who missed the last two weeks with an ankle injury.
3. Quarterback Joshua Dobbs
He had two touchdowns in three games in the red zone. First, he scored a rushing touchdown with a naked bootleg to his right. On the next play, he threw a touchdown pass to Cowing, who ran a quick out route to his left. Dobbs’ game is a bit unconventional, but he finds ways to make good things happen.
4. QB Tanner Mordecai
Had the best throw of practice – a 30-yard throw to Cowing, who ran a long right-to-left route. The 49ers should keep Mordecai and kick Brandon Allen, just like they kept Brock Purdy and kicked Nate Sudfeld two years ago.
5. FS Ji’Ayir Brown
Intercepted a pass over the middle intended for George Kittle. Brown can play zone coverage in the middle of the field or man coverage against one of the best tight ends in the NFL. That’s how good he is.
THE NOT SO GOOD
1. Quarterback Brock Purdy
Missed five of his last six throws and failed to score a touchdown in the red zone. He missed a completely free throw to Jordan Mason that could have scored a potential walk-in touchdown — Purdy just threw the pass behind Mason’s head. Purdy also threw the same deep crossing route that Mordecai completed. Purdy had Deebo Samuel free but missed the throw. Purdy also dropped a turnover with Samuel and one with Elijah Mitchell, who finally returned from a hamstring injury. Purdy hasn’t had the best training camp. Let’s see if he can finish the preseason on a high note this Friday night in Las Vegas.
2. QB Brandon Allen
Thrown a long pass to Robbie Chosen short, who was one step ahead of cornerback Darrell Luter Jr. Allen’s throw allowed Luter to catch up and intercept the pass. Allen should not be on this team. He didn’t earn a spot last year and he doesn’t earn one this year. He should retire and coach.
3. WR Danny Gray
Missed another practice with an unspecified injury. Gray never seems to stay healthy for more than a few days at a time. And when he’s healthy, he’s not good. He shouldn’t be on this team. He’s a failure.
