49ers’ Coach Kyle Shanahan Calls QB Brock Purdy’s Critique ‘Ridiculous’

When quarterback Brock Purdy took over as the 49ers’ starting last year and went unbeaten in regular-season starts, it wasn’t uncommon to hear him credit his success to playing in head coach Kyle Shanahan’s scheme.

Purdy’s success continued until he was hurt in the NFC title game, but when he returned to action this year, he took up right where he left off. Over the team’s 4-0 start, he has completed more than 72% of his throws, including a 20-of-21 performance against the Cardinals last Sunday, and has thrown five touchdowns and no picks.

Some have continued to credit the strategy for Purdy’s success, although Shanahan disputed the concept that Purdy was a system quarterback.

49ers’ Coach Kyle Shanahan Calls QB Brock Purdy’s Critique ‘Ridiculous’

Is Brock Purdy of the San Francisco 49ers only a backup quarterback?

On Wednesday, head coach Kyle Shanahan reacted angrily to the allegation.

“That’s pretty ridiculous,” he told journalists. “You just got to watch the tape. I mean, he plays at a high level every time he’s been out there. And he’s done it in a lot of different situations versus a lot of different defenses, on the road, at home, in playoff games, when injured. You can’t do all that stuff [if you’re a system quarterback]. He’s been out there too long. It’s on tape.”
There’s little doubt that Shanahan’s system benefits quarterbacks, however.

Purdy has put up great stats to start the season. He is eighth in the NFL in throwing yards (1,019 yards) and third in completion percentage (72.9%). He is one of three regular quarterbacks with no interceptions, and his quarterback rating of 115.1 is the highest in the NFL.

And he triumphs. It’s difficult to disagree with 11 out of 12. Purdy simply hasn’t done it frequently enough for some, despite the fact that he has yet to play a complete NFL season.

Purdy’s ability to play “free” football and let it go while also reducing the mistakes that appeared on video at times during his rookie season has impressed Shanahan thus far.

“Usually guys you can see who are real conscious of that they miss a lot of number one being open. They’re a little hesitant and stuff. And the number one thing is to not turn it over and that is the number one thing in football,” Shanahan said. “But, when you totally think that way and you totally think that way and you can tell it’s how your actions are responding you don’t make as many plays and play as freely as [Brock Purdy] does.

Purdy will face his toughest test of the season this weekend when the 49ers face the Dallas Cowboys, who have one of the greatest scoring defenses in the league, on Sunday Night Football at Levi’s Stadium.

 

 

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