As San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy gears up for his second consecutive playoff run, external criticism continues to linger. Detractors continue to downplay his accomplishments this season, attributing his success to the playmakers surrounding him and the system in which he plays.
The labels "game manager" and "system quarterback" continue to be used to describe the second-year player. However, those inside the 49ers organization remain unwavering in their belief that the team owes much of its success to the 24-year-old quarterback.
One Hall of Fame quarterback, Kurt Warner, expressed his frustration with the narrative surrounding Purdy.
As I continue to prepare for Divisional Games - the stats continue to state how impressive @brockpurdy13 has played this year… which completely backs up what the tape says, yet I continue to see ppl take shots at him, just don't get it… Just keep ballin until the recognize!
— Kurt Warner (@kurt13warner) January 20, 2024
H/t Tristi Rodriguez of NBC Sports Bay Area for the find.
Part of the reason for Purdy facing significant criticism may stem from his draft status. The 49ers made the quarterback the last overall pick—number 262—in the 2022 NFL Draft. Purdy started his rookie season buried on the team's depth chart, only given an opportunity to prove himself after San Francisco lost two starting quarterbacks.
Purdy seized the chance and excelled, earning respect from teammates, coaches, and fans. Had it not been for an injury in the NFC Championship Game last season, the 49ers might have represented the NFC in the Super Bowl instead of the Philadelphia Eagles.
This season, Purdy threw for 4,280 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, setting a new franchise record for passing yards in a single season. His 113.0 pass rating, 9.6 yards per attempt, and 13.9 yards per reception led the NFL.
Former Raiders executive Amy Trask recently voiced her opinion on the remaining playoff quarterbacks, dubbing Purdy the least impressive among the eight.
"Eight quarterbacks, seven terrific quarterbacks, and Brock Purdy," Trask stated during a podcast.
When asked about her comments in a radio interview, Trask elaborated, "He is a good quarterback. I don't put him in the category of the other seven. ... When I look at the eight quarterbacks ... I don't put Brock at the top of that eight. I probably do put him at the bottom of the eight."
