Is Brock Purdy a Product of the 49ers System? Unpacking the Rise of Mr. Irrelevant
By Jason Bolton October 07, 2025 19:32
Is Brock Purdy a Product of the 49ers System? Unpacking the Rise of Mr. Irrelevant
Brock Purdy, the San Francisco 49ers’ quarterback, has defied every expectation since being drafted as the final pick—“Mr. Irrelevant”—of the 2022 NFL Draft. By October 2025, the 25-year-old has cemented himself as a cornerstone of one of the NFL’s most potent offenses, leading the 49ers to an NFC Championship Game in 2022, a Super Bowl appearance in 2023, and a strong 4-2 start in the 2025 season. With a stat line boasting 9,001 passing yards, 61 touchdowns, and a 68.7% completion rate through his first three years, Purdy’s ascent from Iowa State obscurity to Pro Bowl starter is nothing short of remarkable. Yet, a persistent question lingers: Is Purdy’s success a product of his own talent, or is he a beneficiary of the 49ers’ elite system under head coach Kyle Shanahan? As Purdy navigates his contract year, with a potential $300 million extension looming, this debate—fueled by analysts, fans, and X posts—demands a closer look. Is Brock Purdy the real deal, or is he a system quarterback riding the coattails of a stacked roster and genius play-calling?
The Case for the System: Shanahan’s QB Machine
The 49ers’ system, orchestrated by Shanahan, is a quarterback’s dream. Known for its precision, versatility, and reliance on play-action, Shanahan’s scheme maximizes efficiency by leveraging elite skill players and a robust offensive line. Christian McCaffrey, the 2023 NFL Offensive Player of the Year, anchors a run game that forces defenses to stack the box, opening up passing lanes. Receivers like Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, and George Kittle—plus a top-tier left tackle in Trent Williams—give Purdy weapons that most QBs envy. As one X user put it, “Put any decent QB in SF’s system with those playmakers, and they’d look like an MVP too.”
The evidence is compelling. Before Purdy, Jimmy Garoppolo thrived in the same system, posting a 38-17 record as a starter and reaching a Super Bowl despite modest arm talent. Even Nick Mullens and C.J. Beathard, journeymen at best, looked serviceable under Shanahan, with Mullens throwing for 4,405 yards in 16 starts. Shanahan’s play-calling emphasizes quick reads and schemed-open receivers, reducing the need for elite arm strength or improvisation—areas where Purdy, with his average arm and 4.84-second 40-yard dash, isn’t exceptional. In 2025, Purdy’s 8.1 yards per attempt and 102.3 passer rating lean heavily on yards after catch (YAC), with 49ers receivers generating 1,200 YAC yards, second-most in the NFL.
Critics point to moments when the system’s sheen fades. In the 2023 Super Bowl loss to Kansas City, Purdy struggled when pressured, completing just 3 of 8 passes for 28 yards under blitzes. Similarly, in a 2025 Week 3 loss to the Rams, he faltered without McCaffrey, throwing two picks when forced to carry the offense. ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky has argued Purdy’s ceiling is capped by his physical tools, calling him “a great fit for Shanahan but not a game-changer outside it.” The system-skeptic narrative holds that Purdy’s numbers are inflated by an environment any competent QB could exploit.
The Case for Purdy: Grit, Poise, and Untapped Potential
On the flip side, Purdy’s advocates argue he’s more than a system puppet—he’s elevating it. Drafted 262nd overall, he wasn’t handed the keys; he earned them, beating out Trey Lance and Garoppolo in 2022 after injuries thrust him into the spotlight. His 13-4 record as a rookie, including playoff wins over Seattle and Dallas, showcased a poise rare for a seventh-rounder. “The kid’s got ‘it’—you can’t coach that,” Shanahan said after Purdy’s five-touchdown performance against Dallas in 2023.
Purdy’s intangibles shine brightest. His 2025 stats include a league-leading 12.4% big-time throw rate (per PFF), reflecting his knack for clutch, off-script plays. Against Arizona in Week 5, he scrambled for a 17-yard gain on third-and-12, setting up a game-winning field goal—a play Garoppolo rarely made. His 2.1% interception rate, among the NFL’s lowest, shows decision-making that transcends scheme. X fans have rallied behind him, with one viral post declaring, “Purdy’s not just along for the ride—he’s driving the damn bus.”
Advanced metrics back this up. Purdy’s adjusted EPA per play (0.21) ranks him alongside Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen, not system-dependent QBs like Jared Goff. He’s also thrived in high-pressure situations, with a 108.7 passer rating in fourth quarters since 2023. Unlike predecessors, Purdy’s improved each year, cutting his sack rate from 6.2% in 2022 to 4.8% in 2025 despite facing the NFL’s third-most blitzes. His ability to read defenses pre-snap—honed at Iowa State under heavy pressure—adds a layer Shanahan’s system doesn’t fully explain.
The Middle Ground: Symbiosis, Not Dependence
The truth likely lies in a symbiotic relationship. Shanahan’s system amplifies Purdy’s strengths—quick processing, accuracy, and calm under fire—but Purdy’s execution pushes it to new heights. Compare him to Garoppolo: Jimmy G’s 49ers rarely overcame deficits over 10 points; Purdy’s done it five times since 2022, including a 17-point comeback against Detroit in the 2023 NFC Championship. Yet, remove McCaffrey or Kittle, and Purdy’s efficiency dips, as seen in a 2024 loss to Green Bay where he posted a 79.2 passer rating without key weapons.
The “system QB” label also ignores context. Tom Brady and Drew Brees thrived in tailored schemes, but their greatness wasn’t diminished. Purdy may not have Mahomes’ arm or Lamar Jackson’s legs, but his 2025 Pro Bowl nod and top-10 QBR (72.3) suggest he’s no mere cog. Still, skeptics like NFL Network’s Kyle Brandt argue that paying Purdy top dollar—potentially $60 million annually—could strain the 49ers’ roster if he’s system-reliant.
The Verdict: More Than Meets the Eye
As Purdy approaches free agency in 2026, the debate isn’t just academic—it’s financial. His camp, led by agent Don Yee (Brady’s longtime rep), will push for a mega-deal, while the 49ers must weigh if he can win without their All-Pro cast. The answer lies in his growth: If Purdy sustains his 2025 trajectory—say, leading a deep playoff run despite injuries to key players—he’ll silence doubters. If he falters when the system breaks down, the “product” tag will stick.
For now, Purdy is neither a system drone nor a transcendent star—he’s a damn good quarterback in a damn good system. The 49ers’ faithful, chanting “Purdy! Purdy!” at Levi’s Stadium, see a franchise savior. The rest of us? We’re watching to see if Mr. Irrelevant can prove he’s indispensable, scheme or no scheme.
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