Shanahan dismissed Purdy’s recent self-criticism about competition. Originally published NBC Sports Bay Area
Brooke Purdy recently offered a self-criticism. That he needed to play with a “chip” on his shoulder again after suffering a regression during the 2024 NFL season.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, coach Kyle Shanahan didn’t share that belief, expressing his confidence in Purdy’s competitive nature.
“No,” Shanahan said when asked if he had talked to Purdy about playing with a chip on his shoulder. “I heard about it because I had a radio show yesterday and they asked me about Brock going to play with more of a chip on his shoulder. And so, I told him about it. That’s all I heard. He’s got as big a chip on his shoulder as any player I’ve been around. He’s probably just trying to answer a question and Gotta say something to you guys, but Brooke plays just as hard and competitive is as much as I’ve been around anyone.
Purdy posted sensational numbers in his first two NFL seasons, throwing for 44 touchdowns and 15 interceptions in 25 appearances as the starter leading the 49ers to a 17-4 regular season record.
However, the 24-year-old quarterback has seen his numbers decline in 2024, throwing just 15 touchdowns with nine interceptions as San Francisco stumbles through a rocky campaign that has all but eliminated playoff contention. were gone
Purdy reached incredible heights during the 2023 NFL season. 4th in MVP voting After throwing for a franchise-record 4,280 yards with 31 touchdowns and a league-leading 113.0 passer rating.
In 2024, those numbers are down across the board, and the 49ers sit at 6-8 with more questions than answers with three games left on the schedule.
While Purdy never shies away from owning his part in San Francisco’s struggles, Shanahan clearly isn’t putting much stock in the third-year quarterback’s comments about returning the chip on his shoulder. Need to find a way.
