‘Brock Purdy Was Never a System Player’ — 2-Time Super Bowl Champion Gives Reality Check on 49ers QB Emerging Into MVP Candidate
‘Brock Purdy Was Never a System Player’ — 2-Time Super Bowl Champion Gives Reality Check on 49ers QB Emerging Into MVP Candidate
Arjun Bernardshaw Thu, October 15, 2026 at 4:08 PM UTC
0
‘Brock Purdy Was Never a System Player’ — 2-Time Super Bowl Champion Gives Reality Check on 49ers QB Emerging Into MVP CandidateBrock Purdy is giving his doubters fewer reasons to question his ability. The San Francisco 49ers quarterback has led his team to a 5-0 start to the 2026 NFL season, putting himself firmly in the early MVP conversation.
Brock Purdy is giving his doubters fewer reasons to question his ability. The San Francisco 49ers quarterback has led his team to a 5-0 start to the 2026 NFL season, putting himself firmly in the early MVP conversation.
Two-time Super Bowl champion Asante Samuel is among those who believe Purdy deserves more credit.
Asante Samuel Shuts Down Brock Purdy’s ‘System Player’ Label
Purdy has been productive through the first five games of the season, recording 1,196 passing yards, 13 touchdown passes, and just two interceptions. His 69% completion rate has also highlighted his consistency as San Francisco continues its unbeaten run.
His performance in the 32-29 win over the Seattle Seahawks was another example of why he deserves recognition. Purdy led a crucial 12-play, 74-yard touchdown drive in the fourth quarter before helping set up the game-winning field goal.
The victory strengthened his MVP case, while Purdy remains in the No. 1 spot in PFN’s NFL QB Impact metrics, with a grade of 92.9.
Despite his numbers, questions about how much of his success comes from Kyle Shanahan’s system have followed Purdy throughout his career. Samuel, however, has little time for that argument.
“Brock Purdy was never a game manager. Brock Purdy was never a system player. Brock Purdy is an elite football player,” Samuel said.
Advertisement
Purdy’s passing numbers tell only part of the story. His awareness in the pocket, quick decision-making, and ability to escape pressure have also played a significant role in San Francisco’s strong start.
He has been sacked just three times through five games, while his 2.07% sack rate is the lowest among qualified NFL passers. While the 49ers’ offensive line deserves credit, Purdy has also shown an ability to recognize pressure, move out of trouble, and keep plays alive.
NFL Analyst Chase Daniel Makes His MVP Case for Purdy
Samuel is not the only voice backing Purdy’s rise. Chase Daniel on NFL Network’s Good Morning Football also discussed whether his performance against Seattle has placed him among the league’s top quarterbacks.
“Oh, he’s the MVP without a doubt. You look at the first four games of the year, he wasn’t even sacked, he wasn’t touched,” Chase said.
Chase acknowledged that Purdy had a tough start against Seattle, as the defense put him under pressure and forced turnovers. However, he praised the 49ers quarterback for finding his rhythm late in the third quarter and in the fourth, using his legs more and making important plays, including a two-point conversion and a deep pass to Mike Evans.
The 49ers are now 5-0, making them one of only three teams yet to lose a game in the 2026 season. San Francisco will face the Washington Commanders on October 19, giving Purdy another opportunity to build on his impressive start.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.
Source: “AOL Sports”
