ESPN expert gives reasons why he believes 49ers QB Brock Purdy ‘is playing the best football of his career

The San Francisco 49ers have faced some early-season struggles, but none of the blame has fallen on quarterback Brock Purdy. Through the first four games, Purdy has posted solid numbers, completing 68.9% of his passes for 1,130 yards, 5 touchdowns, and only 2 interceptions. However, as ESPN NFL analyst Mina Kimes noted on her podcast *The Mina Kimes Show Featuring Lenny*, Purdy’s performance goes beyond what the stats show.

Kimes argued that Purdy is playing the best football of his career, even better than last season when he stepped in and led the 49ers deep into the playoffs. “His [Brock Purdy’s] season right now, compared to last, is such a great example of why quarterback stats are bull**** because he is playing the best football of his career right now,” Kimes said. “When I watch the tape, I see more impressive plays by him this season. He is really good at making plays outside of structure. He has been accurate throwing downfield. I have been so impressed by him this season.”

Kimes’ guest on the episode, Benjamin Solak of *The Ringer*, echoed her thoughts. Solak marveled at Purdy’s ability to thrive in Kyle Shanahan’s offense, likening his play to someone who is untouchable. “Brock is just invulnerable, right?” Solak joked. “He can’t die. It’s a Kyle Shanahan offense, we’re always going to have an explosive play somewhere. We’re always going to be moving the ball. Brock is doing the quarterbacking equivalent of walking through traffic, knowing that everything’s going to bounce off him.”

Together, Kimes and Solak highlighted the rare synergy that Purdy has developed with Shanahan’s offensive system. Unlike previous quarterbacks in Shanahan’s scheme—many of whom hesitated to push the ball downfield—Purdy has fully embraced the aggressive nature of the 49ers’ offensive weapons. He confidently takes shots, trusting his talented supporting cast to come down with big plays. The presence of playmakers like Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle, and Christian McCaffrey gives Purdy plenty of options, and he’s shown no hesitation in putting the ball in their hands, even in high-stakes situations.

While the 49ers haven’t put it all together yet this season, Purdy’s play has been a consistent bright spot. His fearlessness and decision-making have earned praise, and he’s shown an uncanny ability to make plays out of structure, an essential skill in Shanahan’s offense. More than just a game manager, Purdy has demonstrated a willingness to extend plays and deliver accurate throws deep down the field, showing poise beyond his years.

For San Francisco, the early-season hiccups may be frustrating, but with Purdy’s continued development and Shanahan’s offensive genius, the pieces seem to be falling into place. As long as Purdy keeps playing with the same confidence and efficiency, the 49ers’ offense could soon become as formidable as ever. While the team works through its challenges, the emergence of Purdy as a dynamic playmaker gives the 49ers hope that they can bounce back quickly.