49ers QB Purdy subtly roasts CMC and Deebo after recent athletic flashes originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Star 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy has earned extra praise for his scrambling ability four weeks into the 2024 NFL season.
The 24-year-old has earned eight first downs on the ground and routinely extends playing time for San Francisco’s injury-riddled offense by maneuvering around contested pockets.
After using his legs in the 49ers’ 30-13 victory over the New England Patriots on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium, Purdy discussed mobility with reporters, poking fun at two of his offensive All-Pro teammates.
“I think my 10-yard split, to give you some perspective, was faster than [Christian McCaffrey] And [Deebo Samuel]I think,” Purdy told reporters of his 2022 NFL Combine appearance Sunday. “You guys can fact check me, but that’s what I mean. I think I have just enough to get out of the pocket and make a play, get five, seven yards here and there. So I’m not [Baltimore Ravens QB] Lamar Jackson in any way. But either way, just do what you need to do.”
Purdy hilariously cooked McCaffrey and Samuel’s starting speeds.
Furthermore, Purdy understands that he cannot match Jackson’s speed. But in a pinch, San Francisco’s signal caller can get the job done.
He has 75 rushing yards on the season and 232 during his three-year NFL career with three rushing touchdowns. Purdy, however, was much more of a scrambler at Iowa State, amassing 1,177 rushing yards and 19 scores over four Cyclones seasons.
But the old times are the old times.
“I’m not going to back down and think, ‘Okay, I’m going to pretend I’m going to throw and then just run and try to make a play.’ It’s not like that,” Purdy explained. “I’m a quarterback. I try to go through my measurements and hit my guys and move the chains that way, and that’s the position I play, and that’s where I am. proud of.
“If something’s not there and teams are dropping eight and they’re rushing three… I’m still going through my progression, trying to hit my guys in the windows when I can, but if not, then I I feel like I made exactly the right choice. right amount of athleticism to move and play. I don’t have to be a crazy athlete and stuff like that. I know who I am, but if something comes up, I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get our team moving the chains and using my legs.”
“I feel like I have just the right amount of athleticism to move and play.”
Purdy doesn’t exaggerate his mobility, despite his climbing success 😅 pic.twitter.com/1Anu3MyHSP
— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) September 30, 2024
Purdy is, as he should be, a read-first QB. He doesn’t want to run without exploring all options.
However, Purdy’s San Francisco co-stars have taken notice of his wheels and are advocating for their use. Superstar linebacker Fred Warner, who used his legs on a 45-yard pick six against New England, praised his QB.
“Seems like a great athlete to me,” Warner told reporters afterwards. “Keep running for those first downs, buddy. I love that.”
Warner has probably seen Purdy scramble more than any opposing defenseman because of the hours he spent practicing.
And facing fake QB spies like Warner is likely tied to Purdy’s flashes of mobility on game day.
Oh, and if you were wondering how Purdy’s 10-yard combine split stacked up against McCaffrey and Samuel’s, check this out:
Purdy’s subtle roasting of his teammates was factually rooted.
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