Purdy dropped from ESPN’s top 10 QB list, labeled ‘system quarterback’ originally appeared in NBC Sports Bay Area
despite the statistics, leaderboards and leading the 49ers to the Super Bowl in his first full season as starting quarterback, Brock Purdy can’t seem to make it earn the respect of the entire league he apparently deserves it.
He also can’t escape certain labels.
Upon being called “game manager” For most of the 2023 NFL season, Purdy’s secondary tag — a “system quarterback” — was one of the reasons he was left out. an ESPN survey of league executives, coaches and scouts, who ranked the top 10 quarterbacks ahead of the 2024 season.
“He’s very good at navigating the pocket, buying time, using his legs – you’re not going to win because of him in most cases,” an NFC executive said in the survey. “He’s a very good system quarterback.”
Instead, Purdy was disqualified from the honorable mention list behind Jared Goff, Dak Prescott and CJ Stroud.
The 24-year-old led the NFL last season with a 113.0 passer rating while throwing 31 touchdowns, guiding the 49ers through a grueling NFC playoff path to the big stage of Super Bowl LVIII.
Additionally, Purdy has a 17-4 record in the regular season and 4-2 in the playoffs, and earned Pro Bowl honors in just his second season in the NFL. He was also among the first various league metrics in 2023, including yards per attempt (9.6), yards per completion (13.9) and passer rating (113.0).
Despite all this, pessimists believe 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan’s system and the offensive scheme makes it easier for the young quarterback to succeed.
While that may be true — Purdy could benefit from Shanahan’s play calling — it’s what the Iowa State product, who went from Mr. Irrelevant to Pro Bowler, has with his opportunity that matters.
“It’s hard to call him top 10 based on the guys ahead of him, but it’s hard to keep him out of the top 10, too,” said another NFC executive. “He wanted that team to the Super Bowl. Just the right to seriously consider it.”
Tough crowd.
It’s good that Purdy doesn’t focus too much on external noise – whether positive or negative. He is just focused on playing football and helping his team win games, something he has already proven himself capable of doing.