This blog has been updated.
Who could have had such a start to their professional sports career than Brock Purdy?
You already know this is, assuming you are paying attention. Purdy was the last player in the 2022 NFL draft, thus making him “Mr. Irrelevant.” No quarterback from that spot has ever won a game in the same season he was picked last in the draft until Purdy.
However, he has yet to lose a regular-season game. He did lose to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game in January, but that’s the only blemish thus far. So, what does this mean? And he’s already drawing comparisons to the game’s greats.
Is He Joe, Tom, or Peyton?
With such a great start, Purdy is already drawing comparisons to the likes of Brady, Peyton Manning, and, in some cases, Joe Montana. That comes from fans and players who believe this guy might be unique, but we might jump to conclusions.
Manning, for one, was a gunslinger from the outset, setting several rookie records, while Brady only threw three passes in his rookie season. Let’s go back to when I was covering the 49ers for a local radio station and seeing the beginning of Montana’s storied career.
In Montana’s case, he was part of a rebuilding project engineered by owner Eddie DeBartolo, a front office led by Carmen Policy and John McVay, and head coach Bill Walsh. It took a couple of years for Montana to emerge as one of the greats. The same can be said for Brady. Greatness didn’t come right away.
On the other hand, Purdy is off to a rather remarkable and potentially historical beginning. Purdy is poised in the pocket for a guy with very little fanfare. He can check off on receivers and has shown good mobility to make a play on the run or decide to take the ball and run to keep the chains moving. Purdy has even demonstrated a little swagger out there.
Purdy Inherited Playmakers
The offense that Purdy has adopted is solid. The deal to bring Christian McCaffrey has dramatically boosted the running game. Purdy has a good group of receivers and an offensive line to play behind.
Let’s not forget about the 49ers’ defense. A great defense is a significant reason why a quarterback can look good. Indeed, if the defense does its job, the offense will continue to find good field position and spend more time on the field than its opponent.
Purdy did not enter a rebuilding project like Manning, Brady, and Montana. This team is Super Bowl-capable right now, and I feel like all Purdy has to do is not screw it up. Yes, he can shine, but my question is, what happens when things aren’t that rosy?
For instance, Jimmy Garoppolo was injured against the Dolphins, who held a 7-0 lead after scoring on the first play from scrimmage. The 49ers’ defense shut down Miami, giving Purdy ample opportunity to settle in. The playcalling, understandably, was conservative. But, to his credit, Purdy did not give the store away, and the 49ers ran away with a 33-17 victory.
Now, as it became evident that Garoppolo would not be available, Purdy had time to work with the first-team offense. Meanwhile, what was very interesting was that the 49ers passed on bringing in Baker Mayfield, who the Carolina Panthers waived. Instead, Mayfield went to the Los Angeles Rams. So this leaves the question for 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan. In his mind, was Purdy ready to go?
We know how this went down. Purdy looked like a seasoned veteran. Purdy has enjoyed a nine-game regular-season winning streak. Not bad for any quarterback. Yet, my question is, how will Purdy handle adversity? You can’t expect Purdy to have the lead for most of the season. If it happens, more power to him. On the other hand, when he’s behind, facing a hostile crowd, how will he respond?
What If …?
The 49ers have put all of their cards behind Purdy, getting rid of both Jimmy G. to the Raiders and Trey Lance to the Cowboys. Sam Darnold was brought in as a test for Purdy and has started the season on the bench.
At this point, it is clear that Purdy is a great match to the 49ers’ offensive scheme and the sky is the limit for this season. True, what if something goes wrong along the way, including another injury to Purdy? Yet, you can say this about any of the contenders. No one can afford to lose their big playmakers.
Sometimes you’re blessed. What comes to mind for me was Kurt Warner and the Rams in 1999. Warner went from warehouse stocker to Super Bowl champion when Trent Green went down with a season-ending knee injury in preseason. Suddenly, Warner landed in the Rams’ laps and he went on to two trips to the Super Bowl for the Rams and later one more for the Cardinals.
Purdy has come out of nowhere and now has the 49ers as Super Bowl contenders. He’s young with great talent and a knack for dissecting opposing defenses. What if we’re seeing the beginning of another Montana, Manning, or Brady? Can we talk like this after just a handful of starts? Why not?
About The Author
Steve Dempsey
Steve Dempsey has worked for a variety of news organizations for nearly 40 years. The majority of Steve's work came in sports, including covering the NFL, Major League Baseball, NBA, golf, and motorsports. Steve also wrote editorials in Opinion along with hosting a live-stream online show covering many topics. Steve is also an experienced web designer and CMS operator. He recently completed a web development boot camp named Coding Dojo.
So Far, So Good for Brock Purdy
This blog has been updated.
Who could have had such a start to their professional sports career than Brock Purdy?
You already know this is, assuming you are paying attention. Purdy was the last player in the 2022 NFL draft, thus making him “Mr. Irrelevant.” No quarterback from that spot has ever won a game in the same season he was picked last in the draft until Purdy.
However, he has yet to lose a regular-season game. He did lose to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game in January, but that’s the only blemish thus far. So, what does this mean? And he’s already drawing comparisons to the game’s greats.
Is He Joe, Tom, or Peyton?
With such a great start, Purdy is already drawing comparisons to the likes of Brady, Peyton Manning, and, in some cases, Joe Montana. That comes from fans and players who believe this guy might be unique, but we might jump to conclusions.
Manning, for one, was a gunslinger from the outset, setting several rookie records, while Brady only threw three passes in his rookie season. Let’s go back to when I was covering the 49ers for a local radio station and seeing the beginning of Montana’s storied career.
In Montana’s case, he was part of a rebuilding project engineered by owner Eddie DeBartolo, a front office led by Carmen Policy and John McVay, and head coach Bill Walsh. It took a couple of years for Montana to emerge as one of the greats. The same can be said for Brady. Greatness didn’t come right away.
On the other hand, Purdy is off to a rather remarkable and potentially historical beginning. Purdy is poised in the pocket for a guy with very little fanfare. He can check off on receivers and has shown good mobility to make a play on the run or decide to take the ball and run to keep the chains moving. Purdy has even demonstrated a little swagger out there.
Purdy Inherited Playmakers
The offense that Purdy has adopted is solid. The deal to bring Christian McCaffrey has dramatically boosted the running game. Purdy has a good group of receivers and an offensive line to play behind.
Let’s not forget about the 49ers’ defense. A great defense is a significant reason why a quarterback can look good. Indeed, if the defense does its job, the offense will continue to find good field position and spend more time on the field than its opponent.
Purdy did not enter a rebuilding project like Manning, Brady, and Montana. This team is Super Bowl-capable right now, and I feel like all Purdy has to do is not screw it up. Yes, he can shine, but my question is, what happens when things aren’t that rosy?
For instance, Jimmy Garoppolo was injured against the Dolphins, who held a 7-0 lead after scoring on the first play from scrimmage. The 49ers’ defense shut down Miami, giving Purdy ample opportunity to settle in. The playcalling, understandably, was conservative. But, to his credit, Purdy did not give the store away, and the 49ers ran away with a 33-17 victory.
Now, as it became evident that Garoppolo would not be available, Purdy had time to work with the first-team offense. Meanwhile, what was very interesting was that the 49ers passed on bringing in Baker Mayfield, who the Carolina Panthers waived. Instead, Mayfield went to the Los Angeles Rams. So this leaves the question for 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan. In his mind, was Purdy ready to go?
We know how this went down. Purdy looked like a seasoned veteran. Purdy has enjoyed a nine-game regular-season winning streak. Not bad for any quarterback. Yet, my question is, how will Purdy handle adversity? You can’t expect Purdy to have the lead for most of the season. If it happens, more power to him. On the other hand, when he’s behind, facing a hostile crowd, how will he respond?
What If …?
The 49ers have put all of their cards behind Purdy, getting rid of both Jimmy G. to the Raiders and Trey Lance to the Cowboys. Sam Darnold was brought in as a test for Purdy and has started the season on the bench.
At this point, it is clear that Purdy is a great match to the 49ers’ offensive scheme and the sky is the limit for this season. True, what if something goes wrong along the way, including another injury to Purdy? Yet, you can say this about any of the contenders. No one can afford to lose their big playmakers.
Sometimes you’re blessed. What comes to mind for me was Kurt Warner and the Rams in 1999. Warner went from warehouse stocker to Super Bowl champion when Trent Green went down with a season-ending knee injury in preseason. Suddenly, Warner landed in the Rams’ laps and he went on to two trips to the Super Bowl for the Rams and later one more for the Cardinals.
Purdy has come out of nowhere and now has the 49ers as Super Bowl contenders. He’s young with great talent and a knack for dissecting opposing defenses. What if we’re seeing the beginning of another Montana, Manning, or Brady? Can we talk like this after just a handful of starts? Why not?
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About The Author
Steve Dempsey
Steve Dempsey has worked for a variety of news organizations for nearly 40 years. The majority of Steve's work came in sports, including covering the NFL, Major League Baseball, NBA, golf, and motorsports. Steve also wrote editorials in Opinion along with hosting a live-stream online show covering many topics. Steve is also an experienced web designer and CMS operator. He recently completed a web development boot camp named Coding Dojo.