The San Francisco 49ers had a season to forget, finishing with a disappointing record of six wins and eleven losses, landing them at the bottom of the NFC West. With such a lackluster performance, fans and analysts alike are wondering what went wrong and how the team can turn things around. One voice of reason in this chaotic landscape is none other than 49ers legend Steve Young. The former quarterback, who led the franchise to three Super Bowl victories, has some pointed insights on how the team can better utilize their young star, Brock Purdy.
In a recent discussion on 95.7 The Game, Young expressed his frustration with the coaching decisions made throughout the season, particularly those of head coach Kyle Shanahan. He believes that Purdy’s skills could have been leveraged more effectively, especially when it comes to his mobility. Young stated, “I said during the season a couple of times, I think (Kyle Shanahan) should call RPOs for Brock. We should put him on the run out of the huddle where he’s going to carry it.” This approach could have opened up the offense and taken advantage of Purdy’s athleticism.
Young elaborated on his thoughts, emphasizing the importance of incorporating plays that allow Purdy to threaten defenses with his legs. He pointed out, “The threat that he needs to bring — look, we understand the processing power, but the game today is there are free first downs with your legs, free touchdowns, especially in the fourth quarter.” This insight speaks volumes about how modern NFL offenses are evolving, and how the 49ers might need to adapt to stay competitive.
Not stopping there, Young made a bold comparison between Purdy and one of the season’s standout quarterbacks, Jayden Daniels. “(Purdy) can do 80 percent of what Jayden Daniels can do with his legs,” he remarked. This comparison underscores the untapped potential that Purdy possesses, which could be a game-changer for the 49ers if harnessed correctly.
The 49ers are now in a crucial phase of restructuring their team, aiming to bounce back from last season’s disappointments. Shanahan is already taking steps to bolster his coaching staff, with the recent announcement that former Jets head coach Robert Saleh will join as the new defensive coordinator. This move aims to address the defensive struggles that plagued the team last year.
Shanahan himself acknowledged the need for change, stating, “I do think people adjust to schemes, and I think you have to adjust too depending on your personnel.” He reflected on the difficulties faced during the previous season, particularly with injuries that hampered the team’s performance. Shanahan emphasized the importance of having the ability to adapt strategies based on the players available, which could be vital for the team’s success moving forward.
As the 49ers look to improve, the focus will be on surrounding Brock Purdy with the right support to help him thrive. The franchise is not just looking to recover but to build a system that maximizes the talents of its players. With Shanahan at the helm, there is hope that the team can refine its approach and return to playoff contention.
Reflecting on the team’s goals, Young added, “You have to call plays for it. You have to threaten the line of scrimmage. If you’re going to go to the Super Bowl, into the future you have to have a quarterback that’s going to threaten the line of scrimmage every time they have the ball in their hands.” This statement encapsulates the urgency for the 49ers to evolve their offensive strategy to keep pace with the league’s best teams.
The 49ers’ journey to redemption is not just about fixing what went wrong last season; it’s about building a foundation for future success. With a new defensive coordinator in place and a commitment to better utilize their quarterback, the team is poised for a fresh start. Fans are eager to see how these changes will unfold and whether the 49ers can reclaim their status as a formidable force in the NFL.
As they prepare for the upcoming season, the 49ers must focus on creating a cohesive unit that can adapt and thrive under pressure. With Young’s insights and Shanahan’s leadership, there is a renewed sense of optimism surrounding the franchise. The question remains: can they turn potential into performance and rise from the ashes of last season’s struggles? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the 49ers are determined to make their mark once again.
