The 2024 NFL season is approaching, and San Francisco 49ers fans are eager to find out who will lead the team from the quarterback position. The performance of San Francisco's QB has been crucial to the team's success in recent years, and next season will be no exception. With roster changes and new acquisitions, the 49ers' quarterback situation in 2024 promises to be fascinating.
This analysis delves into Brock Purdy's development as the 49ers' starting quarterback and examines how new signings may affect the dynamic at this key position. The potential impact of these decisions on the team's aspirations for the 2024 season is also explored. Understanding these factors is essential to having a complete view of the 49ers' prospects in the coming year.
The evolution of Brock Purdy as a starting QB
Comparison with the previous season
Brock Purdy didn't get the chance to enjoy a healthy offseason as QB1 until this year. Heading into his rookie season, Purdy sat behind Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo on the depth chart. Following the 2022 season, he was rehabbing from season-ending elbow surgery. Entering this offseason healthy has allowed him to dive into his quarterback development without delay and be a full participant in all three phases of the 49ers' offseason training program.
Improvement areas
Despite his impressive numbers, there is one key area of improvement for Purdy. The bread and butter for San Francisco's passing attack is the midfield. For Purdy in particular, it's the intermediate area (10-19 yards beyond the line of scrimmage) in midfield where he struggled last year. On midfield throws, Purdy threw all six of his midfield interceptions and had 10 spin-worthy plays according to Pro Football Focus. This offseason will give him a chance to see what defenses were doing with him on those plays and start figuring out ways to counter them.
Relationship with coach Kyle Shanahan
"He's definitely ahead of where he was last year at this point. It's been really cool to be able to go through a whole year of cuts like we did last year and just start in Phase 1," head coach Kyle Shanahan said. Said Purdy: "Watching the game tape, coming to practice and running those plays now during OTAs for me is huge. Getting better with different concepts and feeling more comfortable and familiar with the phraseology." Griese said: "We can continue to improve on our progressions, footwork, how we manage games, situational awareness - the things that all quarterbacks have to continue to improve on."
The impact of new signings on the QB position
The arrival of Joshua Dobbs
Following Sam Darnold's free agent departure to the Minnesota Vikings, the undetermined quarterback hierarchy beyond Brock Purdy creates a crucial storyline heading into the team's first camp workout on Wednesday. Joshua Dobbs, a veteran with considerable NFL experience, enters camp vying to be San Francisco's most vital lifeline should Purdy be forced out at some point during the 2024 season.
Dobbs made a splash during the 2023 NFL season, starting 12 games between the Arizona Cardinals and Vikings, including an impressive audition for his future employer in a Week 4 appearance at Levi's Stadium. While the 49ers crushed the Cardinals, Dobbs fought valiantly until the end, posting more than respectable numbers in a game where his team was outplayed from the start. The 29-year-old quarterback completed 27 of 41 passes for 265 yards , two touchdowns and no interceptions in that loss to the 49ers, adding an additional 48 yards on the ground.
Dobbs also possesses something that immediately increases the value of any backup quarterback: a rushing floor. That is to say, Dobbs' ability to extend plays, steal cheap yards and even create explosive plays with his legs immediately offers hope to the 49ers' offense should it have to stay afloat without Purdy. Dobbs averaged 5.47 yards per carry on 77 rushing attempts in 2023, on par with dynamic dual-threat talents like Cardinals QB Kyler Murray (5.5) and Indianapolis Colts QB Anthony Richardson (5.4).
The return of Brandon Allen
Given Dobbs' recent run in the spotlight as a starter, it's easy to overlook Allen, although it wouldn't be wise to rule the 31-year-old quarterback out of the running as QB2. After spending a year in San Francisco's system behind Purdy and Darnold, Allen has the edge over Dobbs in experience in Shanahan's intricate offense. Allen has yet to take a single regular-season snap for the 49ers, but he showed promising flashes during the 2023 preseason that indicate he is more than capable of distributing the ball to San Francisco's stable of offensive weapons.
Internal competition and team dynamics
Even though Purdy has never missed a regular-season start during his NFL career due to an ulnar collateral ligament injury, and in an ideal world that trend continues uninterrupted, football is chaotic. Although you can never plan perfectly, you can certainly try. The 49ers are well stocked in all areas. If Purdy is forced to sit out the season, they don't necessarily need a quarterback who will win them games, they just need a player who won't make them lose. Right now, they have two viable candidates who fit that profile.
Conclusion 49ers quarterback 2024
The 49ers are in an enviable position heading into the 2024 season when it comes to their quarterback situation. Brock Purdy has a chance to establish himself as the team's undisputed leader, while the arrival of Joshua Dobbs and the return of Brandon Allen provide depth and healthy competition. This combination of talent and experience has a positive impact on the team's prospects for next year.
Ultimately, the 49ers' success in 2024 will largely depend on how the quarterback position develops. With a solid group of quarterbacks and a proven offensive system, the team is well positioned to compete at the highest level. Fans can look forward to seeing how this situation plays out as the new season approaches.
FAQs
Who is the 49ers starting running back? For the past two seasons, Christian McCaffrey has been the 49ers' starting running back, with Elijah Mitchell serving as the backup. McCaffrey, who recently won Offensive Player of the Year and signed a contract extension through 2027, will remain the starter.
Who is the 49ers tight end? For the 2024 season, George Kittle occupies the tight end position for the San Francisco 49ers, being considered one of the best at his position.
Who was Joe Montana's successor on the 49ers? Steve Young took over for Joe Montana at quarterback after Montana faced a series of injuries before leaving the 49ers.
Is Brandon Allen still in the NFL? Brandon Allen was signed by the San Francisco 49ers on May 8, 2023. During 2023, he occupied the team's third quarterback position, behind Brock Purdy and Sam Darnold. Allen renewed his contract with the 49ers on March 13, 2024.
コメント