San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy set a single-season franchise record with 4,280 passing yards last season. However, one Hall of Fame quarterback believes Purdy can take his game to the next level by using his legs more. Purdy's 48 rushing yards in the NFC Championship Game against the Detroit Lions were crucial in the comeback victory, and Steve Young would like to see more performances like that.
Young believes there are free yards in NFL games, and quarterbacks who take advantage of those yards become elite players.
"I think that he needs to think about spitting out 50, 60 yards a game with his legs," Young told Matt Maiocco during an interview for the "49ers Talk" podcast. "… And you don't have to necessarily do it every time, but defenses need to know, 'Oh, in a key moment, he just got the first down' because it's wide open. Go take it.
"Patrick Mahomes does a great job. Josh Allen, you see that all the time. Lamar Jackson, you see it. Look, Brock knows he's not that guy, but he can be a threat, and I think that threat needs to come out more this year."
Fifty to 60 rushing yards per game would equate to 850 to 1,020 rushing yards in a season. Purdy rushed for only 144 yards last season but showed in the playoffs that he is capable of being dangerous with his legs when needed.
Young's advice comes from experience. Known for his own mobility during his career with the 49ers, Young amassed 4,239 rushing yards and 43 rushing touchdowns. He often used his legs to escape pressure and extend plays, something he believes Purdy can incorporate into his game effectively.
As Purdy enters his third NFL season, the expectations are higher than ever. If he can successfully integrate Young's advice and become a more versatile threat on the field, the 49ers will be a legitimate contender for years to come.