The Real Test for Brock Purdy and Kyle Shanahan
Brock Purdy and Kyle Shanahan seem unstoppable together.
Shanahan sets up Purdy for success, and Purdy brings out all of Shanahan's best qualities as a head coach and a play caller. In the past, Shanahan had to work around Jimmy Garoppolo's limitations. Now, Shanahan is calling things he never called for Garoppolo, and the 49ers offense is scoring at least 30 points almost every game. Making it look easy. Cruisiung.
But Purdy and Shanahan won't cruise all season. At some point, each will face a test that will determine whether the 49ers win the Super Bowl. And each person's test will be different.
Purdy's test will come when he's down big in a game. Can he lead the 49ers all the way back? Joe Montana led any number of dramatic comebacks -- that's what defines his legacy. And that's who people are beginning to compare Brock Purdy to. But Purdy hasn't faced big deficits in his career. He almost always plays with the lead. His biggest comeback victory came last season when he was down 10 points to the Raiders, who are terrible. Eventually, Purdy will find himself down double digits against a much tougher opponent. Will he win?
Shanahan's test is different. We know Shanahan is great when everything is going well, like right now. The 49ers are one of the healthiest teams in the league and the season is young with not much at stake. The pressure is low.
Eventually, the pressure will be dizzying. Historically, that's when Shanahan has cracked and lost games he should have won.
How will Shanahan respond to the crisis moment this time? Will he finally be ready for it, or will he crumble like he has in the past?
We'll find out soon enough.
