NASHVILLE, Tenn. – NFL alumnus and FOX analyst Greg Olsen has been watching Brock Purdy since the quarterback’s first professional start and believes the 49ers star doesn’t get enough credit for what he’s capable of. do in the field.
The former tight end, who was in Nashville last week to help host Tight End University with 49ers star George Kittle and Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro Travis Kelce, spoke with KeynoteUSA Sports Bay Area about a conversation he had last year with Brian Griese in which San Francisco’s quarterbacks coach revealed what has made Purdy so successful.
“(Griese) told me last year that (Purdy’s) magic wand is, his secret weapon is, ‘It’s the fastest processor I’ve ever met,'” Olsen said. “(Minnesota Vikings) Sam Darnold told me the same thing. For both guys to say that without being asked, he says a lot.
“They’re not just saying this to talk as coaches, we were having a personal conversation about Brock and the great years he’s had, and his ability to process things quickly, eliminate the pitches that aren’t there, move up to the pitches that are there. , which dictates the coverage, which dictates the play clock. He is a big differentiator in this league, and he does it at a very high level.”
Olsen was there at the beginning of Purdy’s journey, on the call for the quarterback’s first start in Week 14 of the 2022 season against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Olsen’s broadcast team continued to cover 49ers games with Purdy at the helm during last season’s NFC Championship Game.
The former tight end believes being surrounded by stars like Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk helps Purdy’s success, but it’s not the only reason. Olsen made it clear that the Iowa State product does not get the respect he deserves from the public.
“They’re not winning in spite of him, they’re winning a lot of times because of him,” Olsen said. “I think it’s important for people to realize that. With the Christian McCaffreys, the Kittles, Trent Williams, Deebo, Aiyuk and then you can go on and on, and that’s just on offense.
“The stars that they have have been against them, and I think from a football standpoint, people who study the game, who watch football, look at what makes the offense click, I think It’s a big mistake.”
Olsen agrees that Purdy’s support staff contributes to his success, along with coach Kyle Shanahan, who calls the plays for the offense. Still, the ball has to get from point A to point B, and Purdy is the one who facilitates and makes the system successful.
“It’s pretty remarkable what he’s been able to accomplish in such a short amount of time,” Olsen said. “I think it’s a testament to the amount of time he played in college. He got a lot of reps, a lot of experience and just the demeanor of him. Everyone you talk to says the guy is a stud.
“I think people don’t give him enough credit for what he does because he’s at the mercy of the talented guys around him. I don’t think it should be held against him, I think he’s earned everything he’s had. He’s a big part of the reason they’re winning.”
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