Is 49ers QB Brock Purdy A Problem? Lost Three Games Straight

At Levi’s Stadium on Sunday, Purdy struggled in a 31-17 defeat to the advancing Cincinnati Bengals with the Hall of Famer in attendance. He was a turnover machine once more, misfiring on two consecutive throws, losing a fumble, and throwing two interceptions. For the erstwhile Mr. Irrelevant, who ran Kyle Shanahan’s offence so well to begin the season, it’s a concerning trend.

Is 49ers QB Brock Purdy A Problem? Lost Three Games Straight

Purdy threw nine touchdowns and zero interceptions in San Francisco’s opening five games of the season, all of which were victories. He has completed five passes for three touchdowns and five interceptions in the previous three games, all of which San Francisco has lost.

During the 49ers’ current losing streak, quarterback Brock Purdy has been suffering in late, close circumstances. During that run, he has thrown five interceptions, all of which have occurred when the team is tied or down in the second half.

Actually, with three touchdown passes and seven interceptions—tied for the worst ratio in the NFL during the previous two seasons—Purdy’s career record while tied or behind in the second half is not very outstanding.

The 49ers have always struggled in late, close games. Under head coach Kyle Shanahan, they have a 30-1 record when leading by at least eight points at the half. But since 2017, they are 0-37 when down by eight or more points in the fourth quarter, making them the only club to have lost all of their games in that span.

Under Shanahan, the club has also had one of the best offenses in the league; but, when it comes to EPA per play in game-tying or go-ahead scenarios in the fourth quarter, they are ranked 30th in the NFL.

Under Kyle Shanahan, the 49ers have never been designed to come back from behind. Under Shanahan, they are 30-1 when leading by at least eight points at the break. They are the only club that has lost every game since 2017, going 0-37 while behind by eight points or more in the fourth quarter.

Under Shanahan, they have had one of the best offenses in the league, but when it comes to EPA per play in game-tying or go-ahead scenarios in the fourth quarter, they are ranked 30th in the NFL.

The issue is if Purdy’s troubles are all his own or if Shanahan’s QB situation is a result of something bigger. The squad has performed admirably when leading, but they have faltered in late, close games due to a lack of a quarterback capable of making crucial throws in the face of an opposition pass rush.

It might be too soon to hold Purdy accountable for his recent interceptions in crucial circumstances.

Even if Purdy’s difficulties are a contributing factor, the 49ers’ current losing run cannot be entirely attributed to him. Under Shanahan, the squad has struggled in late, close circumstances and has had injuries for a while. If the group want to be a genuine postseason contender, they must figure out how to play well under those circumstances on a regular basis.

 

 

FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE- 

Is There A Beef Brewing Between Russell Westbrook & LeBron James?