Cam Newton is doubling down on labeling San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy as a "game manager." The former NFL signal-caller emphasizing his belief that you can't be considered a "game changer" without being the best player on offense. Newton defended his perspective on his "4th and 1" podcast, clarifying that it's not an attack on Purdy but an assessment based on his interpretation of what makes up a "game changer."
"I've never said that Brock Purdy was trash," Newton explained. "What I did say is Brock Purdy is a game manager. That's not hate. That's just what I feel to be facts. But I still reserve the right to say this: To be labeled a game changer, Brock Purdy has to be the best player on the offensive side of the ball, and that's not the case."
"Brock Purdy is the 10th-best player on the 49ers"
To earn the 'game changer' label, you must be among the top three players on your team - @CameronNewton pic.twitter.com/ELmQRWF8yL
— 4thand1show (@4thand1show) January 31, 2024
Newton declares running back Christian McCaffrey holds the title of the best player on the offensive side, and few would argue with that. While the 49ers have an abundance of playmakers on offense and defense, to diminish Purdy's accomplishments by labeling him a "game manager" seems naive. Anyone who has watched Purdy play this season can see that the team would not be headed to the Super Bowl without him.
The criticism often directed at Purdy baffles analyst Brian Baldinger, who this week said, "I think the guy's just a silent assassin. He's so relaxed, and he's so confident."
Purdy's exceptional season has etched his name in the 49ers' record books. His 4,280 passing yards are the most in a single season in franchise history. The 24-year-old quarterback has propelled his team to the cusp of a sixth championship, aiming to become the second-youngest quarterback to hoist the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
"I ain't recanting s--t," Newton continued. "And if you really just want to be honest, if you add in the defensive talent and you add in the offensive talent, Brock Purdy is the 10th-best player on this team. OK, cool. Did he have a great game? Yes. Is he been playing out of his mind? Yes. Is he a quarterback that's hot? Yes. But he's still the 10th-best player on this team."
Newton's opinion likely holds little weight among Purdy's teammates or 49ers fans. The second-year quarterback has proven his status to The Faithful by guiding the team to its first Super Bowl since the 2019 season.
H/t to Sportskeeda for the find.