Analysts quickly criticized Purdy during the 49ers' three-game losing streak, but the quarterback has played impressive football since then. In a conversation with respected NFL analyst Brian Baldinger, Shasky commended Purdy's ability to recognize what is developing on the field before and after the ball is snapped.
"He does so many things so well, and I'm just blown away at the way he climbs up in the pocket, protects himself, throws perfectly to a guy in stride downfield," Shasky explained. "I feel like the way we talk about quarterback, he doesn't fit any of those descriptive things, and he doesn't do the highlight stuff. Yet, all I do is watch this dude make unbelievable plays."
Baldinger responded by drawing a comparison between Purdy and a legendary Hall of Fame quarterback familiar to 49ers fans.
"You know who you're describing right there? You're describing Joe Montana," Baldinger said. "Like, you go out and shake Joe Montana's hand back in the day, there's nothing that wows you about Joe except the way that he played the game and the fact that he never felt pressure. And if you need to go have a game-winning Super Bowl drive in the final two minutes, he could be looking at John Candy on the sideline.
"All that stuff is legendary right now, but maybe that's what we're looking at because you shake [Purdy's] hand, he might have the smallest hands I've ever shook from a quarterback. And then you look at his frame, he doesn't have a big frame."
Purdy's lack of elite physical attributes makes his performances even more remarkable. He is on track to surpass 4,500 passing yards and 30 touchdowns this season. That's more passing yards than any quarterback in franchise history. The last 49ers signal-caller to surpass the 4,000-yard mark was Jeff Garcia in 2000.
Baldinger, discussing Purdy's standout play against a formidable Buccaneers defense, said, "He was just amazing, the way he sees the field."
The analyst praised the 49ers' ability to block out all outside noise, noting that Purdy's teammates have unwavering confidence in the young quarterback.
"They know they're playing with an elite player," Baldinger said. "They know it. And so the outside noise is, 'He can't throw the deep. Oh, his arm strength. Oh, he's a product of the system.' It's like just white noise to them right now."
Purdy and the 49ers have a challenging three-game stretch ahead. First, they'll play the division rival Seattle Seahawks on Thanksgiving night. Then, they'll travel to Philadelphia for an NFC Championship Game rematch against the Eagles before returning home to face the Seahawks again.
You can listen to the entire conversation with Baldinger below.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers find their next bruiser: Jordan James draws Jordan Mason comparisons
The San Francisco 49ers added a running back in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft because—well, it wouldn't be a 49ers draft without adding a running back. With the 147th overall pick in the fifth round, they selected Oregon standout Jordan James. RELATED: 5 things... -
Why Baldy loves new 49ers pass rusher Mykel Williams
NFL analyst Brian Baldinger joined Bay Area radio station 95.7 The Game on Friday morning to discuss the San Francisco 49ers' first-round selection of Georgia defensive end Mykel Williams. Baldinger is a big fan of the pick, calling Williams the clear second-best edge defender... -
Baldy Tabs 49ers' Mykel Williams as a Top Defensive Rookie of the Year Candidate
NFL analyst Brian Baldinger recently revealed his top three candidates for the 2025 Defensive Rookie of the Year (DROY) award in a segment on NFL.com, and among them was 49ers' first-round pick Mykel Williams. While Baldinger also named New York Giants edge rusher Abdul Carter... -
Baldy breaks down potential impact of key 49ers draft picks
NFL analyst Brian Baldinger recently shared his breakdown of key San Francisco 49ers draft picks, highlighting the team's effort to rebuild its depleted defensive line with several early selections. Baldinger provided detailed insights on four players from the 49ers' 11-man...