Brock Purdy is in the middle of a major contract extension negotiation. So he's in the headlines, and here's another angle ... as he admitted on a podcast recently the throws without physically being able to see his receivers.
While the internet is making a big deal out of it, it is really something many quarterbacks do. ... especially, if like Purdy, they are a smallish 6-1.
“So, my quarterback coach Brian Griese, the last couple years, he and I talked about that," Purdy said. "He played 11 years; his dad’s Bob Griese. We got talking about how really it’s 60-40 you can see about 60 percent of the time, and the other 40 percent, you really can’t."
There are 22 men on the field and quarterbacks cannot always see the receiver they are looking for. There are also times the defender blocks the vision in the passing lane and the quarterback throws it when he anticipates the receiver to be there.
However if the receiver runs the proper route and does his job, the ball will be there. Interceptions happen when quarterbacks place the ball where the receiver should be and he is not there.
"I mean doesn’t matter how (much) bigger you are—I’m already shorter in stature, yes—but he goes, ''That’s why it’s so important when it comes down to knowing coverages, knowing scheme, where our players are supposed to be, how many steps they’re breaking, and where the ball should be over a certain 'backer."
In recent years, Purdy's interception percentage has gone up. That is due mostly to the receivers not being in the correct spot at the correct time.
In 2022, his interception percentage was 2.4. In 2023, it was 2.5. And in 2024, it was 2.6. Meanwhile, the league average last season was 2.2.
Purdy has led the 49ers to an NFC Championship Game and to the Super Bowl in two of his three seasons as a starter. Obviously, he must be doing something right.
