Brock Purdy Set to Return
Kyle Shanahan officially announced to NBC Sports’ Matt Maiocco that quarterback Brock Purdy will be returning to the starting lineup on Sunday. The 49ers have been without their $260 million quarterback since Week 4 after he re-injured his toe.
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Mac Jones’ Performance in Purdy’s Absence
Without Brock Purdy, the 49ers have turned to former first-round pick Mac Jones to run the offense and Jones has done an impeccable job given the circumstances. He’s led the 49ers to five wins in his eight starts, including huge divisional wins over the Rams and Cardinals.
Efficiency Numbers and Unexpected Success
Jones has also put up decent efficiency numbers, ranking in the Top-15 of EPA (expected points added) per play and Completion Percentage Over Expected (CPOE) among all qualifying starting quarterbacks.
The former Alabama quarterback’s surprisingly stellar play has left some hoping that Shanahan would ride with him until he shows that he’s not capable.
Why Purdy Remains the Preferred Option
While I do think that Jones has played well and would continue to play well in this offense, I think this Brock Purdy elevates this offense in a way that Mac Jones currently does not.
Regardless of the 49ers handing out $188 million guaranteed to Purdy this past summer, I think as long as his toe’s healthy, the starting job was always going to go back to Purdy because of he’s proven to be the better quarterback over time.
Statistical Comparison Between Purdy and Jones
In 2024, Brock Purdy was fifth in EPA per play among all quarterbacks, while Jones is 13th this season in the same statistic. While the comparison is not perfect because their supporting casts aren’t identical, the 49ers’ offense was more efficient on down-to-down basis with Purdy last season.
Differences in Playing Style and Explosiveness
There is also an explosive element to Purdy’s passing game that’s seemingly been missing with Jones at the helm. To his credit, Purdy seems to have a bit of a gunslinger mentality, giving his pass-catchers chances to make plays down the field. On the flip side, Jones has a more Jimmy Garoppolo-esque feel to his game where he prides himself on getting the ball out on time and accurately.
The 49ers’ passing offense was also fifth in explosive pass play rate in 2024 (explosive passes are throws that are 20+ yards). Through 10 weeks this season, they’re 19th in the same statistic. Again, the supporting casts can certainly play a role in this, but I also think it’s inherent in the approach of each quarterback.
Mobility and Play Extension
The obvious difference between the two players is Purdy’s mobility and scrambling ability that will extend plays. Purdy had one of the highest time-to-throws in Week 1 this season, while Jones has been getting the ball out much quicker, given that he does not have the same ability to hold onto the ball and create with his legs.
Trust in Purdy’s Proven Ability
Simply put – I think Purdy’s the better player and while recent memory will show that Jones has the hot hand, I’ve seen Purdy do it time and time again in big moments in the playoffs when all the marbles on the line. That counts for something.
Favorable Schedule for Purdy’s Return
The 49ers have done their best to weather the storm without their most expensive asset on the field and have found a soft spot in the schedule to re-introduce him to the lineup. The 49ers will face a dinged-up defense in Arizona and then come home to play a middling Panthers team.
Healthiest Offensive Unit of the Season
This is also the healthiest the 49ers’ offense has been all season long with their starting offensive line in place, wideouts Ricky Pearsall and Jauan Jennings in the lineup and playmakers George Kittle, Christian McCaffrey and Brian Robinson Jr. all hitting a stride.
Final Thoughts
Add in all these ingredients and I think Shanahan’s trust in Purdy to carry this offense (and team) is going to pay dividends.
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