George Kittle reveals 49ers knew Brock Purdy would lead them to wins even before he stepped on the field following Jimmy Garoppolo's injury
Jimmy Garoppolo and Brock Purdy have been recipients of George Kittle's exceptional plays as he has helped both quarterbacks increase their production as their tight end. As good as Jimmy Garoppolo was before his season-ending injury, it seems that George Kittle is equally enamored with the 49ers' new quarterback and could not stop raving about Brock Purdy as he appeared with Peyton and Eli Manning on "ManningCast" today.
He first talked about one great throw that Purdy made against the Seattle Seahawks. Kittle scored a touchdown after initially feigning a set-up to block. Then when the linebackers split, he went downfield and the young quarterback hit him on the play.
Can’t stop thinking of this play. Brock Purdy double pump fake to George Kittle.
Kyle Shanahan was in his bag with this https://t.co/YIRgBb4liS
George Kittle especially appreciated Brock Purdy for showing awareness and pumping in both directions to make them split. He said:
“I was fake blocking and waiting for the two linebackers to split, and as soon as I see them split, that’s when I trigger to get down the field. Purdy did a great job; it was very natural how he pump-faked both directions.”
It was an instrumental play that ensured the 49ers won the NFC West and qualified for the playoffs with a win over the Seahawks.
George Kittle says Brock Purdy is ready and learning from Jimmy Garoppolo
George Kittle is as qualified as anyone to give an opinion on Brock Purdy. He was at Iowa, whereas the quarterback was at state rivals Iowa State. Kittle is now part of the same offense, playing alongside Purdy at the San Francisco 49ers.
He has seen the rookie playing and balling behind veteran Jimmy Garoppolo and has been impressed by how much he has learned. In his appearance on "ManningCast," the tight end said:
“When he first got in, we were all like, ‘He’s prepared, he can do this.’ He’s been behind Jimmy and learning. He’s been playing at an unreal, high level, making plays left and right. It’s fun to see someone like that take advantage of his opportunity.”
That was indeed high praise from his teammate for the first-year quarterback. It also shows the degree of comfort they have with him. It also reinforces the notion that Brock Purdy is genuinely grateful to Jimmy Garoppolo for helping him learn and for leading the team to the position they are in now.
"Definitely not 'all praise to Brock' ... those guys, they deserve all the credit."
Brock Purdy credits Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo for laying the groundwork for his success at quarterback ❤️ https://t.co/qPgKkuIKFM
George Kittle and the San Francisco 49ers have the postseason to look forward to. Constant presences like his are the reason why the 49ers' offense has kept churning despite them being on their third quarterback this season.