Shanahan Addresses Brock Purdy’s Status After 3 INTs in 49ers’ Victory
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has confirmed that there will be no quarterback change following Brock Purdy’s performance in a recent game. Despite Purdy throwing three interceptions in the first half during a 20-9 win over the Carolina Panthers, Shanahan remains confident in his starting quarterback.
Shanahan’s Confidence in Purdy
After the game, Shanahan spoke to reporters, emphasizing that he never considered substituting Purdy with Mac Jones. He noted that Purdy’s decisions were correct, but he was simply “a hair late” on his throws. Shanahan remarked, “It makes me a lot more hesitant if they’re all bad decisions. But he was seeing it right.”
Purdy’s Historical Performance
Brock Purdy’s performance marked a significant milestone. He became the first quarterback since Lamar Jackson in 2021 to throw three first-half interceptions while leading his team at halftime. This statistic highlights the unusual circumstances surrounding the game.
Player Statistics
- Brock Purdy: 979 passing yards, 8 touchdowns, 8 interceptions in 4 starts.
- Lamar Jackson (2021): Three interceptions in the first half of a leading game.
- Mac Jones: 2,151 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, 6 interceptions in 8 games during Purdy’s absence.
Purdy’s Injuries and Comeback
Purdy returned to action after missing six games due to a turf toe injury, alongside previous injuries earlier in the season. His performance has drawn comparisons to Jackson’s earlier struggles. Shanahan previously indicated that Purdy might not be 100% healthy through the season, but surgery on his toe is not anticipated.
Upcoming Challenges
The 49ers face a challenging upcoming match against the Cleveland Browns, led by standout Myles Garrett. With playoff aspirations at stake, the pressure will be on Purdy to improve his performance, especially after recent struggles. If his issues persist, the team may again consider Mac Jones as a viable option.
