San Francisco’s Deebo Samuel ain’t letting Brock Purdy’s recent struggles in practice deter him from believing in his quarterback. While Purdy’s interceptions may have raised eyebrows, Samuel’s got zero worries. 

In a tweet from the Up and Adams show, the Niners’ star WR didn’t flinch when addressing concerns over his QB’s interception-filled preseason. “Our defense knows all our plays, so it’s kinda really really hard to get open,” Samuel pointed out. “You gotta think about the pressure in the pocket sometimes like [Brock Purdy] got all the guys on his face, but he’s trying to make the throw cause we’ve practiced. If you see Brock in a game and he can’t step up in a pocket and make the throws, he’s got well enough legs to go out there, put on the ground, and run.”

The Carolina Gamecocks’ champ made it clear: those INTs were just a byproduct of elite practice situations. After all, it’s hard to shine when you’ve got Nick Bosa and Co. breathing down your neck.

But let’s rewind a bit. Brock Purdy’s preseason’s been a rollercoaster. After tossing seven INTs over a rough couple of practices, the young QB bounced back with a stellar session, throwing three touchdown passes. A 5-yard dart to rookie Ricky Pearsall was one of the highlights (the first real connection between the two). Purdy also found Samuel and George Kittle in the end zone, reaffirming that he’s got the goods under pressure.

Despite the preseason jitters, Purdy’s coming off a monster 2023 season. In his first full year running the show, the State Cyclone star hit 69.4% of his throws, racking up 4,280 yards, 31 touchdowns, and only 11 picks. His passer rating? A league-best 113.0. Let’s not forget San Fran’s 12-5 record and a playoff run that still has fans splitting up. So, yeah, maybe those practice INTs don’t mean much in the grand scheme.

Still, analysts like Ryan Clark haven’t held back. On a First Take segment, Clark questioned Purdy’s place in MVP conversations, saying it was hard to compare him to QBs like Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen. “Purdy doesn’t raise the level of play around him,” Clark claimed. “So when you talk about Mahomes, Allen, Lamar Jackson, the people around them benefit from having those sorts of players at the quarterback position. Brock Purdy benefits from having the sort of players he has at the skill positions around him.”

Fox Sports’ Nick Wright, Greg Jennings, and James Jones also criticized the 24-year-old, saying his 2022 ‘Mr. Irrelevant’ tag fits him pretty well. Unsurprisingly, Samuel shut that down fast, reminding everyone just how good his QB really is. “Never seen so much hate for a QB that led the league in almost every category y’all folks be buggin frfr,” Niners’ WR posted on his IG story. “Brock has grown so much as a player. The tape don’t tell no lies!”

So, can Brock Purdy shake off the preseason rust and silence his doubters again? Well, the 49ers QB looks primed to prove haters wrong with Samuel in his corner and high praise from NFL alums. 

High praise for Purdy’s elite processing skills 

NFL alum and Fox analyst Greg Olsen just dropped some major praise for the Niners’ QB Purdy, and it’s coming straight from the San Fran team’s coach.

While talking to NBC Sports Bay Area, Olsen revealed what Brian Griese told him about Purdy’s secret sauce. “Griese said [Purdy’s] magic wand is, his secret weapon is, ‘He’s the fastest processor I’ve ever been around’.” Not only that, but Vikings’ QB Sam Darnold agreed, calling the Niners’ QB’s quick decision-making a game-changer.

Olsen’s had a front-row seat to Purdy’s rise since calling his first pro start in Week 14 of 2022 against Tom Brady. And while being surrounded by stars like Christian McCaffrey, Samuel, and Kittle definitely helps, Olsen believes Purdy’s success goes way beyond that. “They aren’t winning in spite of him, they are winning a lot of times because of him,” he said.

What’s most impressive? Purdy’s ability to make the right read, even under pressure. His quick processing and ability to navigate HC Shanahan’s system’s been key to the 49ers’ success.

The NFL alum made it clear—Purdy might not always get the love, but his game does all the talking. “It’s pretty remarkable what he’s pulled off,” Olsen said, pointing to Purdy’s college reps and cool-headed vibe as game-changers. 

Bottom line? It’s not just about the star power around him—Purdy’s the real deal, and the league must wake up to it.