Even record-breaking QBs have a hidden weakness! PFF has pinpointed Brock Purdy’s surprising Achilles’ heel on the field. It’s not what you think, and it could impact the 49ers’ 2025 season. Can Purdy adapt his game, or will this “kryptonite” continue to haunt him?
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, despite a record-setting 2023 season that saw him achieve a franchise record of 4,280 passing yards along with 31 touchdowns, faced an unexpected challenge in the subsequent 2024 campaign. His remarkable performance in 2023, which also included elite Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades of 88.4 offensive and 83.6 passing, solidified his position as a rising star in the National Football League.
However, the 2024 season presented a different narrative for the young signal-caller. A significant dip in performance occurred as injuries sidelined several of Purdy’s critical offensive weapons. Despite these setbacks, the 49ers quarterback still managed respectable PFF offensive and passing grades of 82.9 and 76.3, respectively, accumulating 3,864 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. These numbers, while decent, ultimately weren’t enough to propel the San Francisco 49ers through adversity, leading the team to a disappointing 6-11 record and a last-place finish in the NFC West.
A recent deep dive by PFF analysts, particularly focusing on Purdy’s 2024 performance, unveiled a surprising “kryptonite” in his game: bootleg plays. These plays are typically considered quarterback-friendly, offering a moving pocket, simplified reads, and high-percentage throws on the rollout. Yet, for Purdy, this particular aspect of his game proved to be a significant struggle, impacting his overall efficiency.
Analyst John Kosko highlighted the severity of this issue, stating, “Boot dropbacks proved troublesome for Purdy, as his 55.5 PFF passing grade on such plays ranked fifth-worst in the NFL.” Kosko further elaborated on the contributing factors, noting that without a healthy Christian McCaffrey to draw in linebackers with play-action and a full complement of elite playmakers for targets, Purdy’s accuracy suffered considerably on these critical bootleg plays, failing to register a single big-time throw in 2024.
Looking ahead to the 2025 NFL season, there is significant optimism regarding Purdy’s potential to overcome these newly identified challenges. The good news for the 49ers is the anticipated healthy return of star running back Christian McCaffrey, who missed substantial time in 2024 due to injuries. McCaffrey’s presence is crucial for establishing a dominant run game and enhancing the effectiveness of play-action fakes, which are integral to successful bootleg execution.
Furthermore, the San Francisco 49ers have actively bolstered their running back room, adding depth that could significantly strengthen their ground attack and, consequently, their play-action potential. This improved depth provides Purdy with more reliable options in the backfield, allowing for a more diversified offensive scheme and potentially alleviating some of the pressure on his bootleg execution.
While the return of McCaffrey and enhanced running back depth will undoubtedly aid Purdy’s bootleg struggles, the upcoming season also presents a new set of challenges, particularly concerning the limited availability of top-tier wide receivers. This means the young quarterback will need to adapt his play style, maximize the effectiveness of the weapons he has available, and refine his technique on crucial plays to elevate his game and lead the 49ers back to playoff contention, especially with increased scrutiny after signing a new contract.
