If somebody were to be asked who has the highest career passer rating of all time, they might say a legend like Tom Brady or Aaron Rodgers. Others would choose a quarterback with multiple MVP wins in recent history like Lamar Jackson or Patrick Mahomes. They would all be wrong. The correct answer is San Fransico 49ers quarterback and Mr. Irrelevant Brock Purdy. Ever since he was selected with the last pick of the 2022 NFL draft, Purdy has been elite, and it’s time that fans give him the credit he deserves.
The Shanahan Excuse
The biggest reason Purdy doesn’t get the respect he deserves is because of the 49ers’ mastermind of a head coach, Kyle Shanahan. He is one of the best coaches in the league and has led San Francisco to the Super Bowl multiple times. Shanahan is widely considered around the league as an ‘Offensive Guru’ who always seems to have productive offenses regardless of who is playing QB. While this is true, nobody runs the offense as well and fits the scheme as perfectly as Purdy.
People point to the trajectory of Jimmy Garoppolo’s career as the reason why Purdy’s hasn’t been as impressive as the numbers show. Garoppolo was a good QB for the 49ers under Shanahan for six years, posting a 38-17 record, with a passer rating of 99.2. He was even able to reach a Super Bowl in his third season with the team. After he left the 49ers and Shanahan, his career quickly spiraled, and he only started 7 more games before going unsigned in the 2026 season.
It’s believed that because Garoppolo was only able to succeed under Shanahan and completely fell off without him, Purdy’s career wouldn’t be anything without the coach as well. These quarterbacks, however, are not the same.
Brock Purdy Elite Regular Season Performance
When comparing Garoppolo’s 2019 season, when he went to the Super Bowl, with Purdy’s Super Bowl run in 2023, the differences between them become clear. Both teams won 12 or more games, but Purdy had the much better season.
Purdy led the league in TD% (7.0), yards per attempt (9.6), passer rating (113.0), QBR (73.4), made the Pro Bowl, and finished 4th in MVP voting. Garoppolo did have a great season, definitely his best as a pro, but had significantly lower stats across the board. He also didn’t receive a single MVP vote and was not a Pro Bowler. Garoppolo had fewer passing yards and TDs, a lower TD%, passer rating, QBR, and completion %, and more interceptions. Basically, every statistical category points towards Purdy having the much better season.
Success Down the Stretch
Here’s what actually matters: the Playoffs. Purdy stepped up in the postseason and was a major reason for the team’s success, whereas Garoppolo was kind of there for the ride. In Purdy’s first two playoff runs, he was 4-2 with 6 touchdowns to only 1 interception. He was also clutch when it mattered, leading 3 game-winning drives. He was a key reason why the 49ers made it to the Super Bowl.
Garoppolo also had a record of 4-2 through his first two playoff appearances, but had 4 touchdowns to 6 interceptions. It’s a shock that San Francisco was able to win as many games as they did. One turnover per game is hard to overcome, especially down the stretch when every possession is more important. This makes Purdy’s extreme efficiency, along with his winning and great production, more impressive.
Stability Going Forward
Purdy has proven that he can put up amazing numbers in the regular season and step up in the biggest moments in the playoffs. The only question going forward is, can he be available consistently enough to get over the hump and win a Super Bowl? Purdy struggled with injuries the past two seasons, missing 10 games. He also suffered an elbow injury in the AFC Championship Game vs. the Philadelphia Eagles. This infamously led to him finishing the game unable to throw, but having to play, because the backup was also hurt in the game.
If Purdy can stay healthy, he is no doubt a top 10 quarterback in the league and is already showing it this year. Through his first two games, he has been one of the most efficient QBs in the NFL. He leads the league in completion % (80.4%) while having zero turnovers and leading the 49ers to a 2-0 record. Purdy has the talent to elevate the Shanahan system to a higher level than it has been before and finally get the 49ers over the hump to win a Super Bowl.
