49ers falcons

“I don’t know who has played all three ways in this game, but I take it as a challenge,” said Dobbs, before
pointing out the numerous scheme and gameplan adjustments he has to learn daily.
Despite his popularity, Dobbs doesn’t lose sight that the coaches find ways to let him rest in between
plays.
Dobbs’ opportunities to catch a breather have been few and far in between the last few weeks of 49ers
practices. After donning No. 96 for his rookie season and the subsequent offseason, Dobbs was recently
asked to change numbers, a commitment of sorts to being a two-way player.
When presented his uniform options, Dobbs selected No. 40, which allows him to line up as a tight end
and still rush the passer on defense.
“The new number came as a surprise,” Dobbs admitted. “I don’t have problems with No. 40, people say it
makes me look slimmer, so I guess that’s a good thing.”
The unselfish nature in which Dobbs approaches the game is just another reason he’s appreciated by his
teammates.
“Everybody here respects him for doing it,” Gooden added. “And the thing is, he’s doing pretty good at
everything.”
Dobbs’ biggest asset, perhaps, is his ability to rush the passer. In college, Dobbs saw action in 52 games
for the Georgia Bulldogs, a well-known school in the nation’s top football conference. There, he learned to
be an athletic pass-rusher who can also stop the run.
With the 49ers, Dobbs is also looking apply those skills as the team’s third-down nickel pass-rusher.
Harbaugh has said Dobbs has the “license and ability” to perform that role held last season by first-round
pick Aldon Smith.
This past week against the Texans, Dobbs had the opportunity to line up as a defensive end on passing
downs.
“Coach told me that if I worked hard this offseason, I could be that third pass-rushing guy,” Dobbs said.
This week, Dobbs looks forward to repeating his all-around role, while rushing the passer against a future
Hall of Fame quarterback like Peyton Manning of the Denver Broncos.
“It’s a chance to show what I can do and an opportunity to face a really good quarterback,” Dobbs said. “I
just have to stay in tune to what I’ve been taught and unleash everything I have. Give it all on every play,
every down.
“Rushing the passer is really four guys working together, not just one.”
There goes Dobbs, being that team-guy everyone knows and loves.