Joint practices with the Los Angeles Chargers certainly didn't go the way quarterback Brock Purdy and the San Francisco 49ers would've liked.
Ahead of both teams' second preseason bout, kicking off on Thursday, Aug. 20 from SoFI Stadium, the Bolts reportedly ran circles around the Niners defense, while Purdy and the offense struggled in move-the-ball scenarios
"Honestly, I don’t think it was our best day," Purdy told reporters after practice. "I feel like fundamentals and stuff were just a little off and whatnot."
Meanwhile, L.A.'s offense shredded San Francisco's defense, which might lead some to conclude Purdy's own successes in training camp were less due to his own prowess and potentially because of the defense's ineptitude.
Either way, that leads to a provocative potential reveal when both the Chargers and 49ers square off for Week 2 of the preseason.
Especially for Purdy.
The 'real' Brock Purdy might be on display when 49ers face Chargers
Head coach Kyle Shanahan didn't openly state Purdy would see some field time against the Bolts, but he more or less alluded to it.
"I haven’t told him yet, but there’s a good chance," Shanahan told reporters when asked if Purdy would see his first preseason action of the year this Thursday.
L.A. is planning to field a sizable chunk of its first-team defense to start the game, meaning Purdy likely faces off against the same group that gave him and his offense some fits during joint practices. Making things tougher, Purdy will likely be without three of his best weapons—wide receiver Mike Evans, tight end George Kittle and running back Christian McCaffrey—who've missed varying amounts of time because of injuries.
If Purdy can thrive despite these conditions, tossing passes to B- and C-list receivers while not having his best tailback helping to establish the run game, it'll be a true sign of him being able to elevate the offense regardless of his supporting cast.
If Purdy struggles, those who've criticized him for being propped up by surrounding superstar talent will have more of an argument.
All because of a preseason game.
And that exhibition bout could be a major reveal to what kind of adversity Purdy will overcome (or shirk in front of) when the games actually count.
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