Over the past several weeks and months, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy has been heavily criticized as being merely a “game-manager” for the team, simply facilitating the ball to the Niners’ many playmakers. But it’s pretty clear that 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan does not see it that way.
During a recent interview with NFL insider Peter King for his Football Morning in America column, Kyle Shanahan had some high praise for what Purdy does on the field.
“Guy just makes plays when they’re not there. He does it more than any quarterback I’ve had. And he also is an assassin when it comes to what we’re trying to do,” Shanahan said.
“Then I hear what people say. People down on him. It is comical. Playing quarterback is how you play quarterback. What if Joe Montana was in there? Joe’s not gonna run around like Lamar and Patrick. But he’s Joe Montana! I’m not trying to compare him and Brock. But you know, this is a big sport, with huge media. People have to realize in our profession about how the world works, too. Guys have to talk. We only play once a week, and the rest of the week, everybody talks.”
According to Shanahan, that’s what makes Purdy truly special: he doesn’t care at all what people have to say.
“This is what I love about Brock. Last pick in the draft. Takes us to the conference championship game twice and this Super Bowl in two years. Getting talked about for MVP. And the dude, he doesn’t have to work at not listening to it or trying to stay humble or trying to not get caught up in how life is changing. You know why? He doesn’t care,” Shanahan said. “He really has a true foundation and knows who he is and who he wants to be. That is rare for any human. He’s a special player. But this stuff … he’s a special guy.”
We’ll have to see if Purdy can cap off a special season by leading his team to a Super Bowl championship this weekend.
