Former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky is the latest critic to criticize 40ers quarterback Brock Purdy.
“If Jones was in San Francisco, he would play like Brock Purdy,” Orlovsky told a panel on Monday morning’s “Get Up” segment.
San Francisco tight end George Kittle was asked about the comments during an interview on KNBR’s “Murph & Mac” show Tuesday morning.
“I saw it this morning. That’s disrespectful to Brock Purdy,” Kittle said. “I think Mac Jones is a great quarterback. What Bullock is doing right now, look at his stats, watch the tape. Watch him move in the pocket, watch his Look at his throwing motion. It’s phenomenal.”
Following Kittle’s advice, let’s take a look at the tape of Purdy’s performance during the 49ers’ 42-10 win over Dallas on Sunday night.
Cowboys 19 first quarter, 1st and 10
This is a great example of what Brock Purdy has added to the 49ers offense.
Sensing pressure from the right side, the quarterback steps up and slides to the right to escape the pocket. Purdy kept his eyes downfield and saw George Kittle get open in the end zone, stride in and deliver a perfect hit to the tight end for the 49ers’ first touchdown of the game. Ta.
3rd Q, 1st and 15 at 49ers 20
The first possession of the second half shows an example of Purdy’s anticipation and ability to layer throws over the bottom defender.
Purdy knows the Cowboys are rolling into Cover 2 and the middle of the field behind Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch is open. The quarterback lofted the ball past Vander Esch’s outstretched hand and strode to hit Brandon Aiyuk for a 23-yard gain.
3rd quarter, 3rd and 4, 49ers 49
Purdy advances to the pocket and gives a strike to Brandon Aiyuk who is running a deep out.
This play shows several things. First, it shows Purdy’s ability to step into the pocket and make downfield throws outside of the numbers. The second thing is Purdy’s arm strength. If you look closely, you’ll see that Purdy can’t step into this throw. He used his hip and shoulder rotation to generate the force needed to get the ball to his receiver, achieving a 41-yard gain, but the hold forced the play to be called back.
3rd quarter, 3rd and 14, 49ers 39
The 49ers are running the Dagger concept. This leaves Jauan Jennings running vertical routes up the middle and Deebo Samuel running deep.
Purdy recognized that Dallas was in Cover 2 and that Leighton Vander Esch needed to carry Jennings to deep center. Purdy knew Samuel was deep inside and hit the receiver in stride for a 42-yard gain.
What makes this play notable is Purdy’s ability to diagnose the coverage and quickly get the ball out of his hands. Notice how Purdy starts his throwing motion while Samuel is still running vertically at the Cowboys 48 and the receiver makes the catch in the middle of the field at the Cowboys 38. Dallas had no chance to stop this play.
3rd quarter, 3rd and 2, Cowboys 10
After completing the play-action, Purdy made a subtle pocket move by sliding to his left to escape pressure and dropped a pass to George Kittle for his third touchdown connection of the game.
bonus play
I had to include this pitch from Purdy against the New York Giants. This is a perfect example of what Kittle was referring to about Purdy.
Purdy immediately noticed the Giants’ blitz. He quickly gains depth and buys time by sliding to his left and escaping the rush. Purdy kept moving even as Kittle was open, stepping on his back foot and hitting the tight end for a 15-point gain.