PFF identifies 49ers QB Brock Purdy's Kryptonite

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy enjoyed a record-breaking season in 2023, setting a franchise single-season record with 4,280 passing yards, while throwing 31 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He earned career-high grades from Pro Football Focus (PFF), including an 88.4 offensive grade and an 83.6 passing grade.

In 2024, those numbers dipped as injuries sidelined several of Purdy's key weapons. Still, the quarterback posted respectable offensive and passing grades of 82.9 and 76.3, respectively, throwing for 3,864 yards with 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. However, it wasn't enough to carry the 49ers through adversity, and the team finished with a 6-11 record, placing last in the NFC West.

PFF recently highlighted each starting NFL quarterback's "Kryptonite," and for Purdy, one area stood out: bootleg plays. Typically quarterback-friendly, these plays feature a moving pocket, simplified reads, and high-percentage throws while rolling out—but it would seem that Purdy struggled in this area in 2024.

"Boot dropbacks proved troublesome for Purdy, as his 55.5 PFF passing grade on such plays ranked fifth-worst in the NFL," analyst John Kosko wrote. "Without a healthy Christian McCaffrey to force linebackers to bite on the play action and his arsenal of elite playmakers to catch the ball, Purdy struggled with accuracy and failed to record a big-time throw on boots in 2024."

The good news for Purdy heading into 2025 is that McCaffrey is healthy and ready to return after an injury-plagued 2024 season. Additionally, the 49ers bolstered their running back room by adding Brian Robinson Jr., strengthening their depth—and perhaps—their play-action potential.

The challenge, however, lies at the wide receiver position. Brandon Aiyuk is recovering from ACL and MCL injuries, Jauan Jennings is dealing with a calf injury and contract uncertainty, and Jacob Cowing landed on injured reserve with a torn hamstring. Rookie Jordan Watkins suffered a high-ankle sprain during the preseason, and Demarcus Robinson will miss the first three games due to suspension.

While Purdy enters the 2025 season with a healthy McCaffrey and improved running back depth, which would help alleviate his struggles on boot plays, the limited availability of top-tier wide receivers means the quarterback will need to adapt and maximize the weapons he has available.

Purdy is no longer one of the NFL's biggest bargains. The 49ers rewarded their young quarterback with a five-year, $265 million contract extension, putting the spotlight on him to elevate his play and lead San Francisco back to the postseason.