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Debate

Is Brock Purdy crumbling under pressure, or is this just a temporary slump for the 49ers' star?

The diamond that was once hidden now finds it difficult to reveal its true identity under pressure. The 49ers‘ QB Brock Purdy, who is entering the third year of his $3.7 million four-year deal, has come under scrutiny. His early performances impressed everyone, but his struggles during pre-season games have troubled analysts, including former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky.

Dan Orlovsky perfectly captured Purdy’s current situation in his tweet on August 25, 2024. He wrote, “Brock Purdy was under pressure and hit way too much for a preseason game and 1 qtr of ball,” highlighting the precarious scenario of Purdy being under pressure.

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Purdy’s recent preseason performances have made both fans and analysts a bit worried. In the first preseason game against the New Orleans Saints, he was repeatedly sacked and struggled to manage the pocket. Facing pressure five times, he was also sacked once, completing only 2 of 6 passes and gaining just 11 yards. And so, the next game against the Las Vegas Raiders saw some improvement, 9 completions on 12 attempts and 96 yards, but still faced pressure and got sacked once again.

This shaky start has fans and analysts questioning how he’ll fare when the regular season hits. Orlovsky’s concerns seem pretty valid given these early signs.

The No. 13 has been good at avoiding pressure, but the offensive line’s lack of protection has greatly affected his performance. This problem compromises his ability to deliver effectively in high-pressure situations.

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What’s your perspective on:

Is Brock Purdy crumbling under pressure, or is this just a temporary slump for the 49ers' star?

Have an interesting take?

Last season, QB faced pressure nearly half the time on his drop backs, which affected his accuracy and ability to make crucial plays. Opposing defenses have analyzed Purdy’s gameplay well and adjusted their strategies to exploit his weaknesses. The performance of the 49ers’ offensive line is a major concern, as they ranked 24th in the league ahead of the regular season. Therefore, the 49ers must fortify their offensive front to give Purdy a fighting chance.

Purdy has shown great poise in clutch moments, but the stakes are rising with every game under scrutiny from fans and analysts. His past resilience has been a double-edged sword, performing well in crucial moments has been highlighted, but recent preseason issues raise questions about his consistency.

The upcoming journey is critical for Brock Purdy. His teammates and coaches support his work ethic and mental resilience, but that alone can’t completely counterbalance the pressure on the field. The challenge now is to turn criticism into motivation to improve his game, so that the 49ers’ journey toward success in the upcoming season can be smooth.

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Brock Purdy reviewed the offense’s performance

Well, in the 49ers’ preseason finale against the Raiders, the offense seemed to find its rhythm, though the results were mixed. On August 23, 2024, Purdy noted that there has been a lot of improvement in the chemistry between the offensive players, who now feel more synchronized than before. This sync was evident in the opening drive, when he made good connections with Deebo Samuel and George Kittle, building momentum for the regular season.

Reflecting on an interception play, Brock Purdy said, “I felt like I had leverage to get him out of bounds and that’s what I tried to do. Obviously, I don’t want to be tackling in the preseason, but it happened so quick.”

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Expressing confidence in the team, Purdy also addressed challenges like red-zone interceptions and highlighted the need for more precise execution. He said, “It felt good to get out there with the guys and move the ball.​ We were all in rhythm.”

Purdy’s honest assessment goes along with the optimism but also emphasizes areas where work is still needed as the 49ers prepare for their season opener against the New York Jets.