NFL
By: Aidan Quinn
Yesterday, the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Green Bay Packers 24-21 in a rainy game at Levi’s Stadium. As exciting as this win is for 49ers fans as they advance to the NFC Championship, I believe there is a huge weakness of Brock Purdy that may be exploited next week.
Brock Purdy’s Game Winning Drive
Before I highlight the main concern I have with this 49ers team, I want to emphasize one of the biggest takeaways I saw yesterday. Although Kyle Shanahan is one of the best coaches in the league, the 49ers have struggled immensely in the Shanahan era when trailing due to the differences in play calling that the game script would require. Shanahan loves to have his quarterbacks under center in order to establish a play-action game on early downs which is one of the most efficient offensive plays. When trailing games in the fourth quarter, Shanahan has to put his quarterback in shotgun formation which limits a big part of his offensive scheme. While former 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garroplo struggled in these situations, Brock Purdy proved that he could lead his team even when they were trailing. Purdy was making plays out of structure and was able to storm down the field in order to score the game-winning touchdown.
Facing Pressure
While nothing can take away from Purdy’s game-winning drive yesterday, Purdy showed a bit of inconsistency in his game. I understand that it was raining all game, but one of the biggest obstacles this 49ers team is going to face is how Purdy can play when teams are dialing up natural pressure and taking away the middle of the field. Purdy is elite against the blitz, which stopped Joe Barry and the Packers defense from running cover 0 frequently. Instead, the Packers were able to get to Purdy through natural pressure. Packers defensive lineman Karl Brooks was able to pile up five pressures on Purdy. This pressure caused Purdy to make some bad throws. Purdy had a throw over the middle of the field that was nearly intercepted by Darnell Savage. Purdy seemed uncomfortable all night and was making bad reads which had nothing to do with the weather. Purdy threw 24 completions on 39 attempts for 252 yards and a touchdown. The numbers do not accurately reflect how inaccurate Purdy was through the first three quarters. Nonetheless, Purdy still had a phenomenal game-winning drive where he made some high-level throws such as the dot he threw to Brandon Aiyuk.
Can Purdy Bring This 49ers Team To The Promised Land?
I am confident that Brock Purdy can have a bounce-back game next week against either the Detroit Lions or the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Both of those teams have weaker passing defenses and do not have a great pass rush unit. However, I do think Purdy may see his big flaw exploited in the Super Bowl. If the Ravens make it out of the AFC, that defense could get Purdy out of rhythm with ease. The pass rush unit led by Justin Madubuike and Jadeveon Clowney could get home consistently and make Purdy throw under pressure. Purdy threw four interceptions against the Ravens in the regular season and was uncomfortable all night. The key to the 49ers success against the Ravens would be for the offensive line to keep a clean pocket for Purdy as much as they can. If Purdy is in rhythm and isn’t facing consistent pressure, Brock Purdy can lead this 49ers team to a Super Bowl victory.
See you at our house. pic.twitter.com/muV9yqMmn9
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) January 21, 2024
