Brock Purdy’s 2024 season with the San Francisco 49ers fell short of expectations, with the team failing to reach another Super Bowl. Head coach Kyle Shanahan recently addressed Purdy’s performance, offering insight into the challenges the quarterback and the team faced throughout the season.
In an interview with KNBR, Shanahan acknowledged that Purdy’s numbers didn’t match the impressive statistics of his breakout 2023 season. However, he emphasized that the issues surrounding the team went beyond just Purdy’s performance. “The numbers and everything haven’t been there like it was in that historical run [for Brock], but the team around it hasn’t been the same either,” Shanahan explained, suggesting the struggles were part of a broader context.
Shanahan went on to praise Purdy’s work ethic and commitment, noting that he gave maximum effort throughout the year. While Purdy’s second season didn’t live up to expectations, Shanahan reminded everyone that his initial success was extraordinary, calling it “amazing and memorable.” However, Shanahan made it clear that the team’s recent struggles could not be attributed to Purdy alone.
The head coach took responsibility for the team’s overall performance, including Purdy’s struggles, stating, “I put that on everybody.” He pointed to deficiencies not just on offense, but also on defense and special teams, indicating that the team’s challenges were shared across all phases of the game.
Despite the disappointing season, Shanahan’s comments reflected a sense of understanding that Purdy’s development was affected by various factors beyond his control. The 49ers had to contend with injuries and inconsistencies in multiple areas, making it difficult for the quarterback to replicate the success he had in his first year as a starter.
Purdy, for his part, acknowledged his own need for improvement and vowed to work harder in the offseason. “I need to get better and get back to playing with a chip on my shoulder,” Purdy said, though he didn’t offer further details on what that “chip” meant. It’s clear that Purdy is committed to regaining his form and leading the 49ers back to contention in the 2025 season.
Looking ahead, the 49ers will be hoping that Purdy can bounce back from a challenging season, supported by a team that performs at a higher level across all areas. Shanahan’s message suggests that while Purdy is a key part of the team’s future, the responsibility for the 49ers’ struggles is shared, and a more complete effort will be necessary for success in the coming years.
