As the Mr. Irrelevant of the 2022 NFL Draft, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy probably did not expect everything in his professional life to change so fast.
Sure, going into the NFL from the collegiate level meant transition on a whole different level, but what he may not have anticipated was the swiftness at which he became QB1 for the 49ers.
There are two parts to how this situation has shaped up the way it has. First and foremost, in 2022, Purdy’s rookie year, he was the third-string quarterback, but injuries to starter Trey Lance and then backup Jimmy Garoppolo handed Purdy his big break.
Secondly, Purdy grabbed the opportunity with open arms with impressive play, as he led the 49ers to the NFC Championship Game against the Eagles, only to get injured during play. However, Purdy had already earned the trust of head coach Kyle Shanahan, who returned the favor by naming him as the starter for the 2023 season.
So, within two years, Purdy guided the 49ers to deep playoff runs, reached the Super Bowl in 2023, and was in the conversation for the NFL MVP throughout the season.
That brings us to the topic at hand of three reasons why Purdy will win the MVP this year.
Brock Purdy’s mental makeup
Heading into the start of the 2024 season, this much about Purdy is clear: he has a very positive mentality. Leaving aside his physical capabilities, Purdy is strong mentally and doesn’t let external factors bog him down.
A classic example of this was the way he handled himself as a rookie entering the NFL with the Mr. Irrelevant tag on him. It didn’t take him long to go out and take the game by the scruff. From the onset, Purdy seemed to be in complete control, grasping the 49ers’ offensive scheme quickly. He also played without nerves for the most part.
Last year, playing in his first Super Bowl in just his second year in the league was also a monumental moment for him. Yet, he didn’t look overawed by the occasion and settled into the game confidently. Keeping his head firmly on his shoulders, Purdy has a calmness about him that will help him make the correct decisions on the field.
Improvement in processing
One of the biggest strengths of Purdy is his ability to process plays. It did not take long for him to understand the different looks defenses in the NFL threw at him, and while he is still getting better, there is no question he will be able improve this year with more experience.
That said, many in the 49ers camp and former players themselves such as Steve Young believe that Purdy is already an elite level processor. This is also evident from his tape which shows multiple instances of him having understood the development of the play at the line of scrimmage before the play even starts.
Consistency within the 49ers’ system
When Purdy entered the league in 2022, he joined a 49ers team coached by a great offensive mind in Shanahan. Purdy immediately took to the system and started delivering quality performances game by game.
Heading into the new season, Purdy will have the similar setup he has had in terms of staff and key players around him, which bodes well as a consistency factor. Last season, Purdy led the NFL in yards per attempt and passer rating. Having the same group of guys will no doubt help him improve his overall game as the chemistry is already there.
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