To say there is concern over some of Brock Purdy's practice miscues would be a vast overstatement. However, it is something being discussed on social media, which is a sign of the times. There are those who are meticulously keeping track of training camp quarterback statistics. However, coaches are more concerned with the bigger picture. They probably aren't even looking at the practice statistics.
Social media tends to eat practice stats up, though. That means reporters like Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area will continue to dish them out, even though the trusted San Francisco 49ers insider has admitted that even he doesn't put much stock into them.
In addition to Brock Purdy's one interception in 11-on-11, he had a couple other near picks and two more interceptions in usually-passer-friendly 7-on-7 drills.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) August 11, 2023
Players like Trent Williams have been in the league long enough to know that what happens in practices doesn't necessarily translate to the field. Everyone remembers the unnecessary fuss around quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo's five consecutive interceptions in a 2019 training camp practice. Garoppolo ended up having his best season that year.
Williams said he doesn't get concerned about the progress of Purdy or the 49ers offense in training camp.
"I just don't. I got faith in Coach. I got faith in Brock," Williams told reporters. "I mean, it's the preseason. The guy just got back from a six-month rehab. I'm definitely not putting too much into a practice rep or a practice interception.
"I literally don't even think about it, not one second. I wouldn't even have known (about the interceptions) if you didn't tell me."
The 49ers will open their preseason on Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders. You probably won't see guys like Trent Williams on the field. The starters, including Purdy, are not expected to play. Instead, head coach Kyle Shanahan will use the team's two joint practices with the Raiders this week to evaluate his players.
It's unlikely there is growing concern among the coaching staff surrounding some picks thrown by Purdy to Raiders players. That won't have Shanahan rethinking his plan to have the second-year quarterback be his Week 1 starter.
