Brock Purdy's Preparation Powers 49ers' Seattle Win

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From Outspoken With Dan Sileo

Brock Purdy’s Preparation Highlights the Value of Processing the Game

The 49ers went into Seattle and earned a 32-29 win in a memorable game. The performance brought the conversation back to Brock Purdy, described as perhaps the most underrated quarterback in the league.

Purdy’s 38 games at Iowa State contributed to his development, but so did his ability to watch, learn how to develop game plans and understand how to process the game. It is unusual for a young backup to prepare as though he is starting, especially before he has played in the league.

Backup quarterbacks must approach meetings with the same preparation as the starter and put themselves in that role. The 49ers have done an exceptional job of preparing Purdy and teaching him what he needs to do. Purdy is also very bright and has an unusual ability to process information, placing him much further along than expected for a player of his age and experience.

The discussion then turned to the importance of practice and game repetitions for backup quarterbacks. Although game speed can overwhelm players who lack experience, the coach explained that his starter received all the practice repetitions. Backup quarterbacks received most of their opportunities during the preseason, while the priority during the season was ensuring that the starter played as well as possible.

Bolger was the third-string quarterback and received no practice repetitions. When Jamie Martin, the backup, could not play because of his knee, Bolger was called upon. Despite the lack of reps, he was fully prepared and helped defeat the previously undefeated Raiders.

Before the game, the coach approached Bolger during stretching and told him it looked like he was up. Bolger replied, “Well, it’s about time.” He was emotionally prepared, understood what was happening and caught fire during his first eight starts.