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Steve Young urges the 49ers to unlock Purdy’s dual-threat potential with designed runs.
Young Advocates for a New Dimension in Purdy’s Game
San Francisco 49ers legend Steve Young has called for an important adjustment in quarterback Brock Purdy’s playing style. Speaking on 95.7 The Game’s Willard & Dibs show, Young emphasized the need for head coach Kyle Shanahan to incorporate more designed runs and run-pass option (RPO) plays into Purdy’s arsenal, believing that such a shift could elevate his game to the next level.
“I said during the season a couple of times, I think Kyle [Shanahan] should call RPOs for Brock,” Young stated. “We should put him on the run out of the huddle where he’s going to carry it. The threat he needs to bring, we understand the processing power.” Young added, “He can do 80 percent of what Jayden [Daniels] is doing with his legs.”
Young pointed to the importance of mobility for quarterbacks in today’s NFL, highlighting elite dual-threat players such as Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, Jalen Hurts, and Jayden Daniels. These quarterbacks exemplify how versatility can be a game-changer on the field.
Mobility: A Critical Factor for Success
Young went on to explain that modern NFL quarterbacks must pose a consistent threat to defenses with their legs. “You have to call plays for it. You have to threaten the line of scrimmage every time if you’re going to go to the Super Bowl,” he said. “It feels like, obviously, into the future, you have to have a quarterback that’s going to threaten the line of scrimmage every time they take the ball into their hands.”
Purdy has already shown flashes of his running ability. In the 2024 season, he recorded career highs in carries (66), rushing yards (323), and rushing touchdowns (5). His 4.9 yards per carry demonstrated his effectiveness on both designed runs and scrambles. However, his rushing stats pale in comparison to the impressive numbers put up by Jayden Daniels, who rushed for 891 yards on 148 carries. Young believes Purdy has untapped potential that can be unlocked with the right offensive strategies.
Injury Risks and Offensive Balance
A key concern in adopting a more mobility-focused approach is the risk of injury. Purdy’s 2024 season was cut short due to a right elbow contusion with nerve inflammation suffered in a game against the Detroit Lions. With durability already a factor, the 49ers will need to weigh the potential benefits of designed runs against the increased likelihood of contact.
Despite these risks, Young remains confident that Purdy’s mobility could add an invaluable dimension to the team’s offense. With star running back Christian McCaffrey returning for the 2025 season, Shanahan has the tools to creatively implement RPOs and other plays that maximize Purdy’s athleticism.
Unlocking Potential for Future Success
As the NFL evolves, Young believes the 49ers must adapt to remain competitive. He concluded, “It’s about risk more because the ball’s in his hands at the end of the play more often, and that’s risky. But I think it has to happen.”
For the San Francisco 49ers, adding this layer to Brock Purdy’s game could be the key to unlocking his full potential and positioning the team as a strong contender in the years to come.