Brock Purdy threw for 255 yards and a touchdown in Super Bowl LVIII—the only time Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has had to prepare for the San Francisco 49ers quarterback. Despite the third-year player still having some remaining critics, Spagnuolo made it clear this week that he holds Purdy in high regard.
"I think the quarterback's really good against zone and finding those pockets and spaces, and I think the receivers adjust routes to do that," Spagnuolo explained. "That makes it really challenging in zone."
Spags shows so much respect for Brock Purdy. Always. pic.twitter.com/me5Yzrx7Ml
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) October 17, 2024
Spagnuolo will face Purdy again this weekend when the Chiefs travel to Santa Clara to play the 49ers at Levi's Stadium. His primary focus will be on limiting 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan's rushing attack, but he acknowledges that Purdy poses a significant challenge as well.
"It's going to start up front and stopping the run, and hopefully, we can get the quarterback not to be in timing like he is because I can't find a weakness in this quarterback," Spagnuolo admitted. "Every time I put the film on, I'm more and more impressed."
Spagnuolo reflected on his first look at Purdy during the 2022 regular-season matchup. The rookie entered the game after the Chiefs had the victory well in hand.
"It was at the end of the game, and I think they had taken [Jimmy] Garoppolo out, and it was Brock Purdy," Spagnuolo recalled. "And I had forgotten that, but he ran the two-minute drill and kind of got them down there, and then I think we picked it off at the end. But he looked pretty good then. Not like he is now, but I'm really impressed with the quarterback."
He also pointed out that the Chiefs' defensive personnel have changed since last season, which may impact their ability to replicate their success against Purdy in the Super Bowl.
"But I just think their system is built that they really can expose on coverage," Spagnuolo added, "and yet, I think they've got enough skill that, if you don't have the right man, people covering their men, that that can be challenging, too."
