Title: San Francisco 49ers Head Coach Kyle Shanahan Affirms Brock Purdy’s Status as Starting Quarterback
Date: [Insert date]
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — As the San Francisco 49ers’ preseason reaches its final stages, head coach Kyle Shanahan has reiterated his confidence in Brock Purdy’s abilities. According to Shanahan, Purdy’s performance has been consistent and reminiscent of what was seen before he got injured.
Shanahan’s declaration is significant as it attempts to cut through the continuous external analysis that has surrounded the team since training camp began. There has been a daily evaluation of quarterback stat lines, comparing Purdy’s numbers with his backup quarterbacks Trey Lance and Sam Darnold. This evaluation includes various factors such as snap counts, completion percentages, red zone performances, and perceived body language. While most of the scrutiny has focused on the quarterback depth chart beneath Purdy, the comparisons with his backups have never truly been far away.
However, when speaking about Purdy, Shanahan dismisses the need for such comparisons. He unequivocally affirms that Purdy is the team’s starting quarterback. Shanahan praised Purdy’s performance toward the end of last season and believes that he could have led the team to a Super Bowl victory in 2022 had it not been for a shoulder injury sustained during an NFC championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles. For now, nothing can change Purdy’s status as the starting quarterback, although Shanahan always adds the qualifier that circumstances can shift. Regardless of how Lance and Darnold perform, Purdy remains the guy.
Only a complete and utter collapse by Purdy during the remaining weeks of the preseason could alter Shanahan’s decision. However, Purdy’s practice performance thus far, despite a few interceptions, has not raised any concerns. Shanahan actually believes that Purdy is ahead of the curve, thanks in part to the offseason mental reps and studying that he was unable to receive in 2022.
Since Purdy’s arrival in the team, he has largely gone unnoticed due to the anticipated emergence of Lance and the availability of Jimmy Garoppolo. However, the situation has now changed. The focus has shifted to determining who will back up Purdy, as showcased during a practice where Lance and Darnold took over all the first-team reps.
Although both backup quarterbacks displayed reasonable accuracy, neither was overly impressive against a first-team defense that did not include reigning Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa. Some of their completions may have been unrealistic given the time they held the ball in the pocket. Even the most impressive completion of the day was a circus catch by Willie Snead on a deep touchdown pass from Lance, which could have easily been intercepted.
While one practice does not define an entire training camp, it is essential to consider the decision-makers’ opinions. In the case of the quarterback position, Shanahan’s views carry the most weight. He has left no doubt that the 49ers will start the 2023 season with Purdy as their quarterback. Shanahan’s confidence in Purdy stems from reevaluating footage of Purdy’s college performance against Clemson, which convinced Shanahan of his talent and potential.
As the upcoming weeks focus on preparing Purdy’s shoulder for game action and continuing his development, doubts about the plan falling apart seem unfounded. Shanahan’s anecdote about rewatching Purdy’s college game solidifies his belief that Purdy has always been a skilled player, even though he was unexpectedly selected in the last round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
As the regular season approaches, the San Francisco 49ers can rely on Brock Purdy as their starting quarterback, affirmed by their head coach’s unwavering confidence in his abilities.