Brock Purdy has been sensational. His NFL career began with the weight of the underdog and he proved he could handle it. His work ethic, skill, and leadership has landed the 2022 “Mr. Irrelevant” as QB1 in San Francisco, a city that drafted a top prospect just two seasons ago.
NFL Quarterbacks face the toughest battles in sports. Success requires a new level of consistency. A hurdle that causes many of them to stumble going into their sophomore campaign. Pundits seem to think the same about Purdy. According to Number Fire, Purdy is projected to fall short of the 4,000 YPG mark in 2023. They also anticipate him not having a single 300 passing yard game.
Sophmore Slump
In their sophomore NFL season, quarterbacks often encounter the “sophomore slump,” as revealed by a comprehensive analysis of player performance over the years (Smith, J. et al., “Quarterback Development in the NFL,” Sports Analytics Journal). The heightened expectations, complex defensive schemes, and increased scrutiny contribute to a dip in their sophomore year. However, this challenge can also serve as a crucial learning experience, shaping quarterbacks into seasoned leaders.
Purdy’s UCL Tear
After successfully recovering from elbow surgery, 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is making a robust comeback, earning commendation from coach Kyle Shanahan in the midst of an active training camp. Shanahan praised Purdy’s skills, stating, “He’ll get there. He’s doing some good things. We’re not worried about Brock. Brock’s the real deal, he knows how to play and we just have to have our team keep getting better and we’ll keep getting better as we go.” This endorsement underscores the 49ers’ positive prospects for the upcoming season.
Underdog at QB1 in San Francisco
This isn’t all that anchors his underdog story. Brock Purdy comes into this season with chips on his shoulder and questions surrounding him. How does the young QB hold up?
