Brock Purdy finished fourth in the NFL MVP vote, but one former quarterback feels the 49ers’ signal-caller was the best at his position during the 2023 season.
Robert Griffin III, who won the 2012 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year alongside 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan as his offensive coordinator in Washington, stated why he believes Purdy was the NFL’s best quarterback this season, despite the perception that he is a product of his surroundings.
“When we look at it from a big-picture standpoint, most quarterbacks have guys and they’re surrounded with extreme talent when they win,” Griffin said in an interview with RG3 and The Ones. “It just so happens that because Brock Purdy is Mr. Irrelevant and was the last pick in the draft, people are reluctant to accept that he was the best quarterback in the NFL this year.
“That is merely based on the numbers. You’re talking about #1 in QBR, quarterback rating, touchdown %, and EPA per play. Brock Purdy’s accomplishments extend beyond the scheme itself. If he’s always throwing to open individuals, why is he first?
Griffin explained how Purdy confirmed his belief with a brave performance in Super Bowl LVIII before presenting an intriguing perspective on the 24-year-old’s disproportionate criticism despite his very efficient play.
“There’s no way you come away from that game [Super Bowl LVIII] and you say, ‘Oh yeah, he’s just a game manager,'” Griffin stated. “There was no point in the game when you told yourself, ‘He can’t compete at this level.'” There was no point in the season where you said, ‘Brock Purdy just can’t get it done.
“Did he have a horrible performance against the Ravens? Yeah, he had a poor performance against the Ravens. Did he have any additional instances where he was slightly off in the middle of the year? Yes, they dropped three games in a row.
“But when I look at how people criticize Brock Purdy, I don’t believe it has anything to do with Brock Purdy. I believe it has more to do with how they feel about themselves and how they wish they had the potential he has, with the guns surrounding him.
Purdy led the 49ers’ offense in their Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, finishing with 255 passing yards and one score.
