San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Hall of Famer implies 49ers QB Brock Purdy can't win close games

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 10/24/23

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy faltered in another one-possession loss, raising concerns about his ability to deliver in clutch situations.

"In a situation where he has to be perfect at the end of games to win, he throws interceptions," Hall of Fame cornerback Rondé Barber said Tuesday in a video posted to the 33rdTeam's website. "But there's something about Brock when the timing of the routes or his release isn't perfect, he doesn't look capable of winning these games."

On Monday, Purdy threw two costly fourth-quarter interceptions in a 22-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, including one with 0:25 remaining. Otherwise, he was solid, completing 21-of-30 passes for 272 yards and one TD.

CAM CALLED GAME

: @ESPNNFL pic.twitter.com/3bU5oPMFPb
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 24, 2023

"We came in with the right mindset," the second-year QB said after the loss, per the Associated Press. "We've just got to execute better."

The 49ers (5-2) went 1-for-2 in the red zone and only recorded 325 yards, their second-lowest mark this season. Still, it's surprising Purdy didn't lead his team to victory and struggled to make plays in critical situations.

49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel, one of Purdy's favorite targets, was sidelined with a shoulder injury, which clearly affected the QB.

"I think there's something missing. It could be Deebo Samuel," Barber said. "You take away one of those elements, and it puts the onus on Brock Purdy to be more of a drop-back passer without that play-action game or misdirection."

Purdy, 23, is a promising passer who has completed 67.9 percent of his passes and is second in the NFL in QBR (75.6). Yet he must find a way to excel without his weapons and step up in close games because that is what determines if a QB is truly elite.

More must-reads: