Contrasting Styles of 49ers Quarterbacks
The San Francisco 49ers have found themselves in an intriguing quarterback battle between Mac Jones and Brock Purdy this season. While the sample size is still small, it highlights the differing approaches each player brings to the position.
Purdy’s Boom-and-Bust Dynamics vs. Jones’ Steady Hand
Brock Purdy’s play style embodies a risk-reward mentality, producing moments of brilliance alongside pivotal mistakes. This season, he has averaged more yards per attempt than Mac Jones, yet when you factor in interceptions, Jones holds an edge with a higher adjusted yards per attempt. Furthermore, Jones also leads in adjusted net yards per attempt, which accounts for sacks.
Purdy’s game has been marked by explosive plays, but these come at a cost. His two interceptions in crucial moments were damaging, earning him a turnover-worthy play rate of 4.8%, according to Pro Football Focus. In contrast, Jones, while not flawless, recorded a more manageable 2.2% turnover-worthy play rate, showcasing a more reliable performance.
While Jones secured three touchdowns, his success came from executing the offense and connecting with open receivers. Purdy, on the other hand, has thrived in high-pressure situations, successfully converting low-probability throws into impactful plays, evidenced by his impressive 7.9% big-time throw rate, a stat where Jones remains at zero.
Sack Troubles for Jones
One of the significant concerns regarding Jones has been his susceptibility to sacks. He absorbed three sacks in a recent outing, largely due to prolonged decision-making rather than overwhelming pressure. His pressure-to-sack rate stood at 37.5%, a troubling statistic that places him among the bottom performers alongside Tua Tagovailoa and J.J. McCarthy. In stark contrast, Purdy’s pressure-to-sack rate is a mere 5.9%.
Although Purdy’s interceptions may appear more detrimental than the sacks Jones faced, he also showcased mobility with three scrambles, while Jones managed only one. There were instances where Jones could have extended plays but opted not to.
Defensive Pressures and Performance
Another critical aspect to consider is the defensive pressure each quarterback faced. Jones encountered a comparatively lenient defense, with just 18.6% of his drop-backs under pressure. Purdy, however, faced a formidable challenge, enduring pressure on 43.6% of his drop-backs.
This disparity in defensive pressure has implications for their performances. For example, Christian McCaffrey’s rushing averages against both Seattle and New Orleans reflect the different levels of defensive resistance. Against Seattle, he averaged only 3.1 yards per carry compared to 4.2 yards against New Orleans. It’s reasonable to speculate that Jones would have struggled similarly against the Seahawks, where a few explosive plays would have been necessary to secure a win, while against New Orleans, a more methodical approach sufficed.
As the season progresses, the contrast between Purdy’s high-risk, high-reward style and Jones’ steadiness will undoubtedly continue to shape the narrative surrounding the 49ers’ quarterback situation. Each player’s unique approach provides not just a test of their individual capabilities but also presents a fascinating dynamic for the team as they navigate the challenges ahead.
