49ers’ Fred Warner responds to QB criticism with bold prediction about Brock Purdy

Just as a pitcher will use spring training to work on new pitches, NFL quarterbacks sometimes use training camp to work on things. Especially things in which they need to improve. San Francisco 49ers QB Brock Purdy is no different. The third-year quarterback has admitted to working on things in camp that have led to several interceptions. For example, Purdy attempted more downfield throws on Friday and was asked if it was intentional.

"Yeah, trying to take some shots and connect with Deebo [Samuel] on a couple of deep ones," Purdy said. "Missed them a couple of times and almost connected on some. But yeah, we're trying to push the ball down the field and just continue to build that chemistry."

There have been reporters and analysts in recent weeks who have criticized Purdy for throwing so many interceptions in camp. Some have even suggested this could be a sign of bad things to come for the league's top-rated passer in 2023. But one of Purdy's teammates isn't having it.

49ers linebacker Fred Warner spoke with Kay Adams, of the Up and Adams show on Friday. Adams asked what Warner thought about all the interceptions Purdy has thrown in practice. Warner didn't hold anything back when he told her, "From Day 1, I've been a Brock Purdy fan and I always will be. I think he's one of the best in the league, and soon I think he will be the best—undisputed.

"People want to make something out of practice interceptions and all that other stuff. Listen, you've obviously never been in the NFL if you're writing stories about interceptions in practice. Like Deebo mentioned, he's going against one of the best defenses in the league. So, we're not worried about that."

Purdy also threw a lot of interceptions in training camp last year. He then went out and led the NFL in multiple passing categories. It's not uncommon for a quarterback to throw a lot of interceptions in training camp, but Purdy still has some detractors who seem to be waiting for him to fail. Nick Wright, of First Things First on FS1, is one of those. Last week, he criticized Purdy for his interceptions in camp, comparing the 49ers' QB to San Francisco's former QB, Jimmy Garoppolo. "The reason I have such a skeptical lens is because I do feel like I've seen this before," Wright said.

But former coach Eric Mangini doesn't agree. He responded to Wright by saying, "When you do look at their numbers, he's got significantly less interceptions, a significantly higher QB rating, and he's played in the league a lot less time than Jimmy Garoppolo had when Jimmy Garoppolo got his opportunity. So he was a lot further on. To say that it's apples and apples, I don't that is completely fair.

"This is a guy that came in with very few expectations, he has to take over a situation, he does incredibly well his first year. I'm as skeptical as you in terms of whether or not he is truly the answer, but he did answer a lot of those questions when he was able to come back in meaningful games last season. Which is another step in his progression."

Mangini also noted that the reason Purdy's interceptions have been a big story is because of the level of scrutiny the quarterback is under, especially while missing WR Brandon Aiyuk. Mangini added, "In the games that have counted, he's been excellent."

And that's what matters most. Not the interceptions thrown in training camp.

• Marc Adams
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