Brock Purdy dropped a dime, and cemented his win over Tom Brady in the process. Late in the second quarter, the last pick of the 2022 NFL Draft found a wide open Brandon Aiyuk down the left side of the field for San Francisco’s fourth score of the day.
A couple of hours later, Mr. Irrelevant officially beat the GOAT. The 49ers’ offense keeps humming regardless of who’s under center. In other words, Kyle Shanahan is accomplishing what Bill Belichick can only dream about.
Down to their third-string QB, the 49ers have blown out the Dolphins and Buccaneers by a combined score of 68-24. Purdy played so well Sunday — 16-of-21 for 185 yards and two touchdowns — Shanahan benched him for the final eight minutes of play.
It sounds insane, but Purdy might be an upgrade over Jimmy Garoppolo, who’s expected to miss the rest of the season with a broken foot. Garoppolo hadn’t completed a touchdown pass of more than 25 air yards this season. Purdy did that twice Sunday.
Quarterbacks thrive under Shanahan: Matt Schaub went to the Pro Bowl, Robert Griffin III won Rookie of the Year, Matt Ryan captured the MVP and Garoppolo has played in two NFC Championships and a Super Bowl. Shanahan has won games with C.J. Beathard, Nick Mullins and now Purdy. With nine wins, the 49ers are once again legitimate contenders.
Shanahan isn’t just using Purdy as a game manager. Purdy was throwing with the 49ers up by three touchdowns at the end of the first half. The reward was San Francisco’s decisive fourth score.
Compare the 49ers’ approach to the Patriots, who were punting last week against the Bills despite being down multiple possessions in the second half. The Patriots supposedly tried to implement some sort of Shanahan-type offense during training camp, but it failed dramatically. Instead, they’re all about check downs and screens.
Years ago, an unnamed Patriots assistant told sportswriter Ian O’Connor they could win with “any top 15 QB.” It’s easy to boast when Tom Brady is playing quarterback and all other scenarios are hypothetical. The reality of winning with different quarterbacks is much easier said than done. Belichick’s record during seasons without Brady is 59-66.
Shanahan, meanwhile, is on the cusp of clinching his third playoff appearance in four seasons, and this time with Purdy.
The quarterback may change, but his brilliant system remains the same.