Brock Purdy's current NFL season has not mirrored the breakout success of last season when he set a single-season franchise record with 4,280 passing yards. This year, the San Francisco 49ers quarterback is on track for more modest numbers as the team has struggled to a disappointing 6-8 record.
Purdy's recent performances have been inconsistent, sparking speculation about lingering effects from the shoulder injury that sidelined him in Week 12. Addressing reporters before Thursday's practice, Purdy dismissed any concerns about his health impacting his play.
"No, since I've been back playing, it feels good," Purdy said confidently. "And there's no doubt in my mind that there [isn't] still some injury with it or anything like that. When I got back on the field, I was good to go to play."
In addition to health-related speculation, Purdy has faced criticism for his performances in adverse weather conditions. The topic gained traction following two recent subpar outings.
In Week 13, Purdy threw for just 94 yards in a snowstorm in Buffalo. Last week, in a rain-soaked game against the Los Angeles Rams, Purdy managed only 142 passing yards and threw an interception.
While Purdy doesn't believe bad weather diminishes his ability to perform, he admits that playing in such conditions requires adjustments and is a learning process.
"I think any person that's throwing an object in the rain, it makes it wet, [and] the grip isn't as good," Purdy explained. "I think, for me, it's been more about learning how to change the motion a little bit and throw differently in the rain. You can't just get back there and be as violent as you normally are. The ball can come out and all that kind of stuff.
"So, it comes down to sort of learning how to handle those kinds of environments and finding a way to complete the ball, move the chains, stay on the field, put up points. Those are all things that you sort of just got to learn as you go.
"For me, and if I see bad weather for a possibility in a game, I don't freak out or anything. It's just, all right, how can I be better and learn from games that I've played in those kinds of situations or environments? So, that's how I look at it, and for me, I can play in it."
