Maybe you’ve heard it. There is a continuous narrative that argues that the playmakers surrounding Brock Purdy and head coach Kyle Shanahan’s playbook elevate the San Francisco 49ers’ second-year quarterback. Critics seem to believe that Purdy is merely along for the ride, despite the fact that the 24-year-old has frequently demonstrated his ability to make big throws and provide clutch performances.
One example of a clutch performance is last weekend’s game-winning drive against the Green Bay Packers. Purdy completed six of seven throws on the 12-play, 69-yard drive, connecting with receivers such as Brandon Aiyuk for key gains and scrambling to set up running back Christian McCaffrey’s game-winning touchdown.
“I’ve never had a fault or a lack of confidence in Brock,” Kittle told Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area. “And you walk away from this game [with] a game-winning drive in the playoffs, and were you playing your best ball the entire time? No. I don’t believe any of us were, and he figured out how to go out there every play, be the same person in the huddle, lift us, boost our confidence, and just go down there and throw it. That’s what he excels at.
“He does a great job with this. He resets after each play. As if he could throw a 50-yard bomb, and the next play, we’re down there, in the red zone, and you can’t tell he did. You can’t tell he’s thrown an interception. He’s the exact same person.
“I think that’s really difficult, especially as the quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers. He sat upon the shoulders of legends. This is the truth of his position. This is the reality of the franchise. And I believe that is an important moment for many individuals. And he simply says, “Hey, I’m just doing my job, and I’m out here with my friends, and we’re just going to go out there and win the game.”
Instead of complimenting the rookie quarterback, critics will refer to the rest of Saturday’s game, during which Purdy struggled to find rhythm on a rainy night.
While some will argue that the 49ers carry Purdy, Kittle claims the reverse. The tight end was questioned why naysayers often underestimate the quarterback’s accomplishments.
