49ers QB Brock Purdy’s performance remains elite in this category
Pro Football Focus unveiled a new subcategory to their quarterback evaluations this week, filtering quarterback performance specifically down to dropback type, specifically seven-step drops. 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, who has consistently received stellar grades from PFF, remains one of the league’s top quarterbacks at seven-step drops per the breakdown.
Through the first six weeks of this season, Purdy has the second-highest PFF grade on seven-step drops, trailing only Baltimore Ravens signalcaller Lamar Jackson. His performance is not a marked deviation from previous seasons either, ranking second in the league for the 2023 season as well, behind Bengals star Joe Burrow.
Seven-step drops have become less common in the NFL over the years as offenses have tended to lean more on shotgun and the quick game. After all, a longer drop puts more pressure on a team’s offensive line to hold up. However, it remains a sizable chunk of every team’s playbook.
While this is far from the only metric helping Purdy disprove a lot of popular narratives around him as a conservative game manager, it is another piece of evidence that showcases his ability to thrive as a downfield passer.
The 49ers’ early-season struggles in the win-loss column have seemingly overshadowed an excellent start to the season from Purdy. Despite missing Christian McCaffrey, the Iowa State alum has picked up right where he left off last season and has been even more aggressive in pushing the ball downfield. He currently leads the league in nearly every air yards-based statistic.
The San Francisco 49ers just had a practice squad spot open up. The New York Giants signed offensive tackle Chris Hubbard, who started 58 career games, including nine for the Tennesee Titans last season.
Head coach Brian Daboll confirmed the signing on Friday morning, as did multiple beat reports from the Giants. Now we know why Hubbard’s locker was cleaned out on Thursday.
While it’s unclear how much of an impact Hubbard has for the Niners during practice — experience matters for the scout team so that you can give the defense good looks — but he was not active for any regular season game. That’s telling, especially with Trent Williams coming into the season without a single preseason rep.
Hubbard has played guard in the past, but he only played left tackle for San Francisco during three preseason games.
Jaylon Moore is the swing tackle, and Spencer Burford has cross-trained at right tackle. So, the 49ers’ depth doesn’t necessarily take a hit with the loss of Hubbard, though they will need to sign another offensive tackle to the practice squad.
