Over the offseason, there has been significant talk surrounding the San Francisco 49ers and their quarterbacks, especially after the team signed Sam Darnold in free agency, providing them three capable options with starting experience in the former Carolina Panther, Brock Purdy, and Trey Lance.
Purdy is evidently the leader in the clubhouse, as stated by general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan several times this offseason, but many have pointed out his flaws, such as the inability to make throws downfield, as a reason why one of the other quarterbacks could win over the starting job with a strong performance in organized team activities(OTAs) and training camp.
What do the 49ers believe about Purdy's downfield ability?
General manager John Lynch spoke on the radio on Wednesday, highlighting what the 49ers saw from Purdy during his rookie season, focusing on his ability to make plays outside of the system as a reason why he's the real deal.
"Is it a flash in the pan or is it the real deal? As we've gone back and studied it, he played at a high, high level. Not only played within the system, he made a lot of plays outside the system by extending plays. He showed tremendous playmaking ability. He showed tremendous ability to run the system efficiently, effectively, ***push the ball downfield*** — he just had an incredible first year," Lynch said, via The Athletic's David Lombardi.
John Lynch poured a lot of water on the notion that Brock Purdy didn't attack enough downfield. The 49ers clearly don't believe that.
"Is it a flash in the pan or is it the real deal? As we've gone back and studied it, he played at a high, high level. Not only played within the…
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) May 31, 2023
Additionally, the general manager spoke about Purdy's recovery, sharing that the team was extremely encouraged by his first throwing session, which came slightly earlier than the three-month timeline that was expected.
"There are certain markers that you hit," general manager John Lynch said Wednesday morning on SiriusXM NFL Radio. "He was 12 weeks out, and that meant it was time to throw. He did so and responded really well. He's just had one session thus far, but we're incredibly encouraged by that. And Brock's a worker. If you give him a task, he's going to do everything in his power.
However, Lynch reiterated Shanahan's words last week that the 49ers won't rush Purdy out on the field until he's ready, pointing out the quarterback room with Lance and Darnold as good insurance, while also mentioning that there is an open competition, failing to rule out any possibilities at the position.
"But what I can tell you is—I mentioned Trey, I mentioned Sam—we feel good about that position holistically," Lynch said. "So we're not going to do anything to put Brock in a situation where he's not fully healed, and that means not just getting back but getting back, getting reps under your belt, the whole deal. So we'll take it as it comes, as we're doing. He's working incredibly hard, and the early returns are really good. Hitting all the timelines."
