San Francisco 49ers star Christian McCaffrey believes the success rookie quarterback Brock Purdy has had is from being able to learn from nine-year veteran Jimmy Garoppolo.
Purdy was thrust into a very difficult situation in his first season in the NFL. The man selected with the final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft was never supposed to see regular-season action. However, the 23-year-old had to jump in and lead the offense for a Super Bowl contender after both of the QBs ahead of him on the depth chart went down with season-ending injuries.
“Mr. Irrelevant” 2022 should have been disastrous, all things considered, but instead he has been a revelation and taken the offense to new heights during the back half of a stunning 10-game win streak. He has posted 200-yard throwing games consistently and, most importantly, has limited his turnovers with smart decision-making.
Purdy’s play has been magical over the last few games. One top player on the offensive unit says that is happening because Purdy has a very good mentor this season.
During a conversation with “49ers Talk” ahead of the NFC wild-card matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, McCaffrey spoke on what Purdy has been able to do despite the odds. The one-time All-Pro said Garoppolo deserves a lot of the credit.
“Brock’s success is a major testament to Jimmy. Jimmy has handled so many things like a true pro. A lot of the things Brock does, Jimmy did. And that is from Jimmy, that it was passed on.”
– Christian McCaffrey (h/t NBC Sports Bay Area)
While the NFL trade deadline acquisition believes Garoppolo has been highly influential in Purdy’s success, he also believes the 49ers QB room — with Garoppolo, Week 1 starter Trey Lance and QB coach Brian Griese — groomed the rookie to be capable of making an immediate impact.
“That’s a testament to [Garoppolo] and that whole room and coach Griese getting those guys ready, and Trey being there every day. I think it’s a special room. When you have quarterback room that’s competing like that and you have no egos, it’s a special room.”
– Christian McCaffrey
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