Shanahan dismisses Purdy’s recent self-criticism about competitiveness

Shanahan dismisses Purdy’s recent self-criticism about competitiveness originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Brock Purdy recently expressed self-criticism that he needed to get back to playing with a “chip” on his shoulder after regression during the 2024 NFL season.

Coach Kyle Shanahan doesn’t share that belief and expressed confidence in Purdy’s competitiveness in a call with reporters on Friday.

“No,” Shanahan said when asked if he had spoken to Purdy about playing with a chip on his shoulder. “I heard about it because I had a radio show yesterday and they asked me about Brock, who said he was playing with more of a chip on his shoulder.” And that was the only thing I heard about it. He has as big a chip on his shoulder as any player I’ve been with, so that puts me off. He’s probably just trying to answer a question and say something for you. But Brock plays just as hard and competitively as anyone I’ve been around.”

Purdy posted sensational numbers in his first two NFL seasons, leading the 49ers to a 17-4 regular-season record as a starter while throwing 44 touchdowns and 15 interceptions in 25 appearances.

However, the 24-year-old quarterback saw his numbers decline in 2024, throwing just 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions as San Francisco stumbles through a rocky campaign that has all but eliminated them from playoff contention.

Purdy reached incredible heights during the 2023 NFL season, finishing fourth in MVP voting after throwing for a franchise-record 4,280 yards with 31 touchdowns and a league-leading passer rating of 113.0.

In 2024, those numbers have dropped across the board, and the 49ers are 6-8 and have far more questions than answers with three games remaining on the schedule.

While Purdy never seems to shy away from admitting his role in San Francisco’s troubles, Shanahan clearly doesn’t place much stock in the third-year NFL quarterback’s comments that he needs to find a way to return the chip on his shoulder.

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