San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy started the season strong, going five games without throwing an interception. However, he has tossed five during the team's recent three-game losing streak. Some of this can be attributed to Purdy and the 49ers playing from behind, with the quarterback trying to make something happen and carry his team to wins.
As the 49ers aim to reverse their fortunes against the Jacksonville Jaguars, one NFL analyst hopes Purdy maintains his aggressive style of play.
When asked to assess the second-year quarterback's season thus far, Brian Baldinger commented, "It's been good to very good. It hasn't been great because of the last three games, but you can't put it all on him, though."
While Purdy's recent mistakes have been costly, the analyst strongly emphasizes that the young quarterback also relies on his teammates to perform their roles effectively. He noted, "I mean, it would be good if [WR] Jauan Jennings runs a route that he's throwing to. And I don't know what Jauan was doing at the top of the route in the last game against Cincinnati, but it got intercepted."
Now, the 49ers have been without wide receiver Deebo Samuel (shoulder) for much of the last three games, and Purdy has missed All-Pro tackle Trent Williams (ankle) protecting the left edge. Nevertheless, there is still abundant talent on the roster, and three consecutive losses are cause for concern.
"You know, you're throwing these balls on timing," Baldinger continued. "Like the receivers have to win. They have to be where they're supposed to be. If you just wait for receivers to get open in this league, you're never going to be an elite offense. Sometimes, you have to live with the mistakes. But he's made elite throws, and he runs the offense.
"The team has to play better around him. But yes, he could play better, he can eliminate some of those mistakes, but I don't want him ... to eliminate the mistakes at the risk of not being aggressive. You're not winning a championship [that way]. [Cheifs QB Patrick] Mahomes doesn't have two in the bank if he's not aggressive and lives with the mistakes. You have to live with them. It can't be just, let's play not to make mistakes. Nobody plays good like that."
Purdy isn't solely responsible for the 49ers' month-long winless streak. Overall, the quarterback has performed well. Baldinger has observed some remarkable throws from Purdy in recent weeks.
"He's got amazing vision, and he's got escapability," Baldinger said. "I mean, he's got what it takes. Now look, these guys only get measured by winning Super Bowls and how you play in January, ultimately. But still, I mean, for a guy that has just crossed the threshold of starting a full season, I think they've got something special there at that position."
You can listen to the entire conversation with Baldinger below.