The anticipation surrounding Brock Purdy’s preseason debut with the San Francisco 49ers quickly diminished as he faced significant pressure from the opposing defense. Despite the excitement of seeing Purdy on the field, he was forced to scramble frequently and endured several unnecessary hits, including a notable sack attributed to backup left guard Nick Zakelj being outmatched.
This challenging start raised concerns about the effectiveness of the offensive line and the overall preparedness of the team.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan had a strategic plan to give Purdy valuable game reps, hoping for at least one sustained drive. He noted that the intention was to mirror the experience of another quarterback from the previous week.
However, the 49ers struggled offensively, resulting in two three-and-outs, prompting Shanahan to limit Purdy’s time on the field. He expressed that while it was beneficial for quarterbacks to get live game action, the lack of success during those drives was disappointing and did not provide the desired outcome.
The offensive lineup featured several backups instead of the usual starters, which contributed to the struggles observed during the game. Without key players like Deebo Samuel and George Kittle, and with a compromised offensive line, it was a challenging environment for Purdy to showcase his skills.
Shanahan recognized that the absence of his top players could have influenced the decision to allow Purdy to play, noting the need for a more complete team when putting a quarterback in these situations.
Despite concerns about Purdy’s safety and performance, Shanahan maintained confidence in his ability to protect himself on the field. He emphasized that taking hits is an inherent part of the game, and while he considered the risks, he believed that gaining experience was crucial for Purdy’s development.
Shanahan indicated that even though Purdy’s drives were not productive, the experience would ultimately be beneficial as the team prepared for their next game against the Raiders.
Looking ahead, Shanahan confirmed that Purdy would suit up for the upcoming game, despite the likelihood of facing a similar situation with the offensive line. With Aaron
Banks still sidelined and Trent Williams holding out, there were hopes for the wide receivers to return to action as well. Shanahan mentioned that Jauan Jennings’ injury should not impede his participation, suggesting an optimistic outlook for the team as they move forward in the preseason.
