The NFL has never viewed San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy all that highly. So many analysts have bent over backwards to explain why he only succeeds because of the pieces around him or because of head coach Kyle Shanahan’s system. Purdy didn't even make it into the top 10 of NFL quarterbacks in a recent ESPN anonymous poll of NFL coaches, executives, and scouts.
While the kneejerk reaction for Niners fans is understandably to be upset by that, the way that Purdy still sort of lurks under the radar among NFL quarterbacks actually works to his advantage.
Many players around the NFL certainly respect the player Purdy is, but many probably don’t view him as elite. That’s how he’s able to pick defenses apart when they least expect it since they underestimate his abilities.
Purdy isn't afraid to scramble and get out of the pocket and make plays, which isn’t what one would expect from a player who has had the dreaded “system quarterback” label slapped on him pretty much from day one.
He can make plays with his legs as he showed everyone during the NFC Championship game against the Detroit Lions a few years ago. Sure, he’s not a burner, but he’s faster than most people realize.
Purdy doesn't have the strongest arm, but he has to be among the most accurate in the league. The way he can thread balls into tight pockets or elevate it over one defender without overthrowing his man truly is special.
But the fact that he’s still viewed as a sort of “second-tier” quarterback works to his advantage and the 49ers’. As long as he’s being slept on a little bit, that means he can still surprise folks and especially opposing defenses.
Some analysts have certainly come around on Purdy in recent years. The fact he was able to play at a high level last season in his return from injury with Jauan Jennings as his top wide receiver shows that Purdy doesn’t need the most elite talent around him to succeed.
He’s far from perfect as he can still make too many risky throws and has silly turnovers at times, but that gunslinger mentality can simultaneously be his best asset and his Achilles heel.
Fans may hate the fact he’s still underrated, but it actually works to his benefit.
But as long as they continue to sleep on him, Purdy will keep surprising the rest of the NFL.
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