The Brock Purdy-Brandon Aiyuk connection has been incredibly fruitful since Purdy became the San Francisco 49ers' starting quarterback.
In the Week 2 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, it was clear they still have work to do to re-establish it following Aiyuk's prolonged contract impasse, which didn't see him practice until six days before the season opener.
As was the case in the 49ers' Week 1 win, Aiyuk was quiet against Minnesota, making four catches for 43 yards, with Deebo Samuel and George Kittle doing the heavy lifting in the receiving game.
Aiyuk said afterwards that he is at 85 percent. When asked about that assessment, Purdy offered a more complimentary one of the All-Pro wideout despite his slow start.
For me, I think he looks pretty good and stuff, but I'm not dropping back thinking B.A.'s not been like what he was like," Purdy told his postgame press conference after the 23-17 defeat in Minnesota.
"I don't think that at all. For me, I go through my reads. He's been where he needs to be. There's probably a couple routes maybe in certain looks where we both could have been better on some stuff but that’s like early in the season stuff if you ask me.
"I know we'll continue to get better together in our connection. For four quarters, I thought B.A. grinded and, you know, went and competed, man. I'm proud of him for that."
It's only a two-game sample size, but 71 yards through two games is far from enough for a receiver now earning $120 million over four years.
But Purdy has close to 30 games of evidence of them thriving together to support his belief that things will get better. The 49ers still moved the ball well against Minnesota but, with the absence of Christian McCaffrey clearly having a negative impact, there is an obvious need for Aiyuk to improve sooner rather than later.
