Yes, it is just the preseason. No, it's not worth reading into what happens during those exhibition games. Respected San Francisco 49ers reporter and insider Matt Maiocco understands that. Still, he thought it fun to throw out a quarterback comparison as the Niners and Pittsburgh Steelers prepare for their Week 1 clash at Acrisure Stadium.
Maiocco compared Brock Purdy's preseason performance to that of Kenny Pickett, who was impressive in his three outings, achieving a perfect passer rating. That has Steelers fans excited about the upcoming season. Both quarterbacks had a similar number of snaps—28 for Purdy compared to 27 for Pickett.
49ers-Steelers preseason QB comp
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) August 31, 2023
🏈Brock Purdy played three drives (28 plays) this preseason. The #49ers averaged 68.7 yards on those drives (FG, fumble in end zone, TD).
🏈Steelers QB Kenny Pickett played four drives (27 plays). Those drives averaged 72.5 yards (TD, TD, TD, TD).
The world will little note, nor long remember what preseason stats we cite here, but . . .
Purdy: 9 of 14 (64.3%) for 138 yards, no TDs, no INTs, 96.7 passer rating.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) August 31, 2023
Pickett: 13 of 15 (86.7%) for 199 yards, 2 TDs, no INTs, 158.3 (perfect) passer rating.
Meanwhile, 49ers fans are also excited about the possibilities this season. The team owns a loaded roster, and Purdy showed last season that the offense can run efficiently with him at the helm. After taking over the starting job in December, the then-rookie helped guide San Francisco to the NFC Championship Game.
As for Pickett, the 49ers would benefit from having a great pass rusher on the field against the Steelers quarterback. You know, someone like Nick Bosa, who continues his holdout for a new contract.
"What I'll tell you is that the communication is ongoing, it's good, it's healthy, and we're working to try to get something done," general manager John Lynch said on Thursday morning. "I don't have any more updates other than that."
Here are the Purdy and Pickett preseason stats laid out next to each other.
| Purdy | Pickett | |
| Comp % | 64.3 | 86.7 |
| Pass Yards | 138 | 199 |
| Pass TDs | 0 | 2 |
| Rush TDs | 1 | 0 |
| INTs | 0 | 0 |
| Rating | 96.7 | 158.3 |
Purdy is coming off March surgery to repair the torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow, an injury suffered in the NFC Championship Game. However, the quarterback played in the 49ers' final two preseason games and looks more than ready to start Week 1.
The 49ers have the next three days off and will resume practice next week as the team prepares for the September 10 road contest against the Steelers.
