Brock Purdy Faces Criticism as 49ers QB Despite 4-1 Record
Brock Purdy’s season can be viewed through a dual lens. On one hand, he boasts a commendable 4-1 record, even after battling a turf toe injury in Week 1. Yet, on the other, his performance metrics paint a less rosy picture. The 49ers had a winning streak prior to his return, and Purdy’s touchdown-to-interception ratio stands at a concerning 9 to 7. Moreover, his passer rating lags nearly ten points behind that of Mac Jones. As the 49ers approach their bye week, it’s time to evaluate Purdy’s performance week by week.
Week 1 @ the Seahawks: C-Plus
In his season opener against the Seahawks, Purdy secured a win. However, it was largely thanks to a formidable defensive effort that limited Seattle to just 13 points. The 49ers managed a mere 17 points offensively, with Purdy throwing two touchdowns alongside two interceptions—both of which stemmed from poor judgment. Although he suffered a toe injury in the first half, he did manage to give the 49ers a late-game lead with a touchdown pass to Jake Tonges. Ultimately, it was the defense that clinched the victory by forcing a turnover on the Seahawks’ final drive.
Week 4 vs. the Jaguars: F
After the 49ers had won two consecutive games without him, Purdy rushed back into action, but it was evident he was not fully fit. His return resulted in a reinjury of his toe, and he struggled mightily, turning the ball over three times and completing under 58 percent of his passes. His performance was pivotal in the team’s loss, raising questions about what could have been had Mac Jones taken the helm instead.
Week 11 @ the Cardinals: B-Plus
Purdy rebounded in Week 11, throwing for only 200 yards but managing to score three touchdowns without any interceptions. The 49ers posted an impressive 41 points against a struggling Cardinals squad that had lost 10 of their last 11 games. However, the performance was not without flaws; Purdy was fortunate not to have thrown at least two interceptions. Nevertheless, he effectively exploited a weak defense and led the team to a decisive win.
Week 12 vs. the Panthers: F
In a disheartening performance against the Panthers, Purdy finished with a mere 193 passing yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions, resulting in a dismal passer rating of 58.5. While the Panthers possess a solid pass defense, Purdy’s repeated mistakes—including three consecutive interceptions on drives where the 49ers were in control—were unacceptable. The team’s defense allowed just eight points, yet they had to rein in Purdy’s attempts in the second half, opting to check down rather than risk further turnovers.
Week 13 @ the Browns: B
Purdy faced the Browns in Cleveland, a team notorious for self-sabotage. Although he secured a win, it was marked by minimal risk-taking—he notably did not throw an interception, a feat achieved by tossing the ball away seven times. He focused on short passes, averaging just 5.8 yards per attempt. This conservative approach allowed the defense to dominate, yet it raised further doubts about his ability to lead the offense effectively.
Composite Grade: D-Plus
As the 49ers head into the second half of the season, Purdy’s composite grade stands at a D-Plus, reflecting the inconsistency that has characterized his play. With only five starts under his belt, he still has the opportunity to elevate his performance and possibly improve his grade to a B-minus. However, his recent games have seen a noticeable restriction on downfield throws, reminiscent of the cautious approach taken with former quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
For the 49ers to make a meaningful playoff run, a significant uptick in Purdy’s performance is essential. The pressure is mounting as the team looks for a more dynamic and reliable quarterback to lead them into the postseason.
