Trending News: Former Pro Bowler says the 49ers should ditch Brock Purdy for this QB
The 49ers are in their fourth NFC Championship game in five years, with opinions divided on quarterback Brock Purdy’s contribution. Greg Jennings, a former two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver, suggested on FS1’s “The Carton Show” that if the 49ers lose to the Lions, they should consider trading for Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears.
To Jennings’ point, Purdy did not play like a difference-maker in the 49ers’ 24-21 win over the Green Bay Packers in their divisional-round matchup over the weekend.
“Is Brock Purdy a good quarterback? Yes. Is he a difference maker? No, he is not. If he does not win, you have to go and try to find a difference maker at that position. A guy maybe like Justin Fields.” — @GregJennings.
Before San Francisco’s game-winning drive with 1:07 left in the fourth quarter, Purdy had a completion rate of 17 out of 32 passes for 205 yards and one touchdown. He faced difficulties with intermediate passes (ranging from 10 to 19 yards), only completing 3 out of 8 attempts for 43 yards, averaging just 5.4 yards per attempt, according to Pro Football Focus.
In two of his recent three games, Purdy achieved a completion rate below 60% and a passer rating under 87. On the other hand, Fields, although not matching Purdy’s stats this season, has faced challenges with injuries and lacks the robust offensive line and playmakers that the 49ers have.
Even with a four-game absence, Fields achieved career highs this season with a completion percentage of 61.4%, 2,562 passing yards, and a passer rating of 86.3. Notably, he recorded a career-low nine interceptions. Over three seasons, Fields has accumulated 2,220 rushing yards and scored 14 touchdowns, showcasing an explosive dual-threat ability that Purdy does not possess.
“This was the first year he actually had skill guys around him, support up front in protection and we wanted him to be what Joe Burrow was right away, what Justin Herbert was right away when they had competency around them,” Jennings added. “This was the first year we saw Justin Fields with some competent skill guys around him and look what he did.”
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has been known to always be on the lookout when it comes to quarterbacks, so it wouldn’t be completely out of the realm of possibility if the 49ers at least inquire about Fields if Chicago makes him available
Purdy is the best of the best. He also loves the Lord and that makes me happy. He is just a great guy. 🤗♥️
Fields is erratic. Purdy is calm and accurate. Brady and Montana were not dual-threat QBs and they acquitted themselves well. The 49ers would be foolish to pursue Fields.
Like you said, they would be foolish not to hold on to Purdy. Purdy is just an exceptional player