2x Super Bowl victor delivers ominous recommendation for Brock Purdy’s future
Heading into 2024, analysts pulled for Brock Purdy to milk every penny he could out of the San Francisco 49ers. The front-runner to be the next Tom Brady in the sense of turning a late drafting position into a dynastic career, instead, has hit a bump in the road.
As the 49ers continue to wait until they are officially eliminated, questions swirl around the team's future and what to do with their quarterback. Speaking on Friday's edition of "Pro Football Talk," NFL analyst and 2x Super Bowl-winning DB Rodney Harrison recommended "blowing it up."
Rodney Harrison: [00:01:49] "He's given every single ounce of energy that he has but time and time again, he continues to fall short. They tried so hard for so many years, they might have to blow this thing up and start all over," he said. [00:02:21][31.6]
He then recommended a mid-range deal instead of making Purdy one of the perennial market-setters in the position.
Rodney Harrison: [00:05:22] "If they can get him on a cheap deal, maybe a three-year, $100 million deal, very similar to, maybe, Baker Mayfield, maybe you sign something like that. But you can't overpay for Brock Purdy. I mean, 14-31, 142 yards and an interception. The kid has been so up and down this year, it almost seems like he's fighting with his confidence," he added. [00:05:41][19.6] PFT
Purdy's prospects had been trending up. Now, the tone has shifted the other way. The loss against the Los Angeles Rams was not the first red flag for Purdy.
Brock Purdy in danger of throwing half as many touchdowns in 2024 than in 2023
The San Francisco 49ers quarterback had set as high of a bar for himself in 2023 as any quarterback could. Not only did Purdy throw for 31 touchdowns, but he also got his team to reach the Super Bowl.
However, 2024 has been a different story entirely. After going 12-4, Purdy now is 6-8. Perhaps even more alarmingly, he is in danger of throwing half as many touchdowns this season when compared to last year.
This year, Purdy has thrown for 15 touchdowns, less than half of what he did last year. While there still are three games left for the quarterback to turn in enough scores to change that final comparison, he also could go quiet or nearly quiet and finish the year with roughly half as much production in the category.
With lingering matchups against the Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions and Arizona Cardinals on tap, there are no easy games left.
Will Brock Purdy save his touchdown total in the last gasp of his season?
If any of the above quotes are used, credit "Pro Football Talk," and H/T Sportskeeda.