Brock Purdy entered this season riding a wave of success. After being selected as the final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, the young quarterback was thrust into the San Francisco 49ers' starting lineup as a rookie due to injuries. Since then, Purdy has guided the team to two NFC Championship Games and a Super Bowl appearance.
This season has been vastly different. The 49ers have faced significant adversity, with injuries and mental mistakes leading to nine losses and early elimination from playoff contention.
Despite the challenges, head coach Kyle Shanahan believes this tough season will ultimately benefit Purdy in the long run, especially after his record-breaking 2023 campaign.
"He's in a more challenging situation this year," Shanahan told reporters on Thursday. "He's got two more weeks of it. I think it's going to end up being really good for him in the long run. I thought he played at such a high level in some situations last year that some were good and easier, but then some were tough."
Shanahan highlighted Purdy's resilience in last season's playoff wins, which required the team to come from behind in both games. The quarterback played a pivotal role in those victories.
"I think this year, just having a number of his guys down has been harder on him, but usually, that stuff can make you better," Shanahan explained. "I think he's fought through it all year. He's got two more weeks to fight through it, and hopefully, we can still improve in these two weeks and then get to the film in the offseason."
Despite the team's underwhelming performance and disappointment, Shanahan is confident that Purdy's confidence hasn't wavered.
"Brock's a very strong person," Shanahan said. "I think he's disappointed. He had high expectations this year, just like we all did. I also don't think he hasn't ever been in a losing situation yet. So, I think that's very hard for him.
"But to watch how he responds each week, to watch how he practices, to watch how he is in the meetings, he's always the same guy, and nothing's changed in that way."