Is it time to freak out yet, 49ers fans? Not so fast, says All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams.
The Niners offense has been under the microscope through the first three weeks of training camp, as all eyes are on the quarterback situation. The unit put up another ugly showing on Friday, reportedly throwing six interceptions during a joint practice with the Raiders in Henderson, Nevada.
When asked about the quarterback struggles Friday, Williams didn’t bat an eye.
“I’m definitely not putting too much into our practice reps or practice interceptions,” Williams said. “I literally don’t think about it not one second. I wouldn’t even have known if you didn’t tell me.”
The Niners haven’t even played their first of three preseason games – that’ll come Sunday at Allegiant Stadium against the Raiders – but it’s hard not to notice that the offense has been struggling to sustain drives throughout camp. Maybe a good showing from Trey Lance and Sam Darnold will quell the concerns, but for now the offense looks like a big question mark.
Brock Purdy is about five months removed from his elbow surgery and will be sitting out Sunday’s matchup. Williams said the 23-year-old looks to be right on track, despite the unimpressive practice stat lines he’s posted in camp thusfar. On Wednesday, Purdy reportedly threw three interceptions, including two in 11-on-11 and one more in 7-on-7 action.
“I got faith in coach and I got faith in Brock,” Williams said. “It’s preseason. Guy just got back from a six-month rehab.”
Football appetite is unlike any other in American sports. I don’t recall reporters going to Giants spring training practices and logging simulated game stats on the backfields or media members dissecting Klay Thompson’s shooting numbers in a preseason practice. But until Week 1, that’s where 49ers football conversations begin.
By the time the regular season rolls around, we’ll forget all about it. For now, the best advice might be to just breathe and let the game action form opinions. Williams said he’s not paying attention to any practice stats that are shared on social media.
“Unfortunately, I got a lot of other things to take care of,” Williams said with a smile. “Unfortunately, I can’t help y’all with that.”
