No rookie quarterback is supposed to play this well.
Rookie quarterbacks have to go through growing pains and a learning curve — that’s what we’re led to believe. But so far, Brock Purdy has experienced neither. He is undefeated and looks like he is better in the NFL than Iowa State.
How is this possible?
Take a look at all the quarterbacks drafted in Round 1 of the 2021 Draft: Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson, Trey Lance, Justin Fields and Mack Jones. All five struggled and experienced great adversity early in their careers. So what makes Purdy different?
Most of the 49ers players point to Purdy’s experience. He was his four-year starter, and in college he threw a whopping 1,467 passes. Most draft-eligible quarterbacks don’t go into the NFL with that many live reps.
But college has plenty of four-year freshmen who haven’t had as much success as Purdy. So what makes him unique?
Clearly, Purdy is on a stacked team—arguably the best team in the NFL. It helps. But it’s important to remember where he came from. Purdy went to Iowa, where he’s not an NCAA powerhouse. He’s one of the Big 12 already. You may or may not have a talent advantage over your opponent. Still, Purdy played well and there he was able to win.
Now he has a talent advantage every week. Not only does he have the best weapon group and best left tackle in the league, he also has the best defense. He suddenly felt like he was performing at the University of Georgia. An NFL game must have felt easier for Purdy than a college game. Because at Iowa State, the best teammate he had on offense was the excellent Breece Hall running his back. But Purdy never played with elite receivers in college. Now he has his two elite wide receivers (when healthy), elite tight he ends, and the world’s best pass he’s catching he’s running back.
Life must be very good for the Purd Man.
