San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is paid like one of the top passers in the NFL, which is why former 49ers star Donte Whitner has an issue with one thing he’s convinced Purdy can’t do.
During an appearance on “The Grit Code” podcast, Whitner called Purdy out for the one glaring flaw in his game that he thinks opposing defensive coordinators have already keyed in on.
“Most of his success has been coming off play-action, gimmick plays, things that they practice all week long,” Whitner stated. “I need you to be able to bring us back from three touchdowns down like Patrick Mahomes can. When Brock had to drop back versus a defensive philosophy that understands you and a defensive coordinator who’s competent, he has struggled.
“I don’t truly believe that when it comes down to the L.A. Rams, the Baltimore Ravens, and the Seattle Seahawks, who have competent defensive coordinators — Brock cannot sling that thing 40 times and not put the team in distress by turning the football over.”
The big criticism of Purdy over the years is that he’s had an All-Star supporting cast of running back Christian McCaffrey, wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel, and tight end George Kittle, who some say have done the hard work and made Purdy look good.
Whitner seemingly agrees, pointing out that Purdy has struggled in games when it falls on him to carry the team on his back.
“Can our quarterback drop back 40 times and dissect a defense like he’s paid to do?” Whitner asked. “It was a cute story at first — Mr. Irrelevant; now you got paid, we expect you to do those things.
“We expect you to have greatness outside of Kyle Shanahan’s philosophy; drop-back precision. Christian McCaffrey’s not having a good game, your defense can’t stop anybody — Brock I need you to get on the field and be the best player every game.”
To Whitner’s point, when Purdy had a full season of McCaffrey, Aiyuk, Samuel, and Kittle, he averaged 267.5 yards passing per game with 31 touchdowns and a 113 passer rating — both career highs.
The following season when McCaffrey was limited to four games, Aiyuk was limited to seven, and Jauan Jennings was the team’s leading WR, Purdy averaged 257.6 yards passing per game, his touchdowns dropped to 20, he threw career high 12 interceptions, and his passer rating fell to 96.1.
Though he was injured for half of last season, Purdy’s production dropped to 240.7 yards passing per game with 20 touchdowns and 10 interceptions without Samuel and Aiyuk and Kittle limited to 11 games.
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