Brock Purdy, the starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, is presently undergoing the NFL’s concussion protocol. This situation has the potential to elevate their backup quarterback, Sam Darnold, to prominence once more. In this piece, we’ll examine the past of the 49ers’ backup quarterbacks as well as their play under head coach Kyle Shanahan.
The San Francisco Quarterback Carousel
The 49ers have a long tradition of featuring their backup quarterbacks in key roles. Steve Young famously replaced Joe Montana, Colin Kaepernick replaced Alex Smith, and Brock Purdy most recently replaced Jimmy Garoppolo and Trey Lance. The devoted 49ers supporters experienced a unique mix of joy and challenges with each of these changes.
Sam Darnold: The Standby
Jimmy Garoppolo, the No. 2 quarterback from the previous season, signed a free agent deal to join the Raiders, while Sam Darnold joined the team in the summer. This action made it possible for Brock Purdy, the 49ers’ third-string quarterback from the previous season, to take over as the starting quarterback.
In the NFL, quarterback injuries are a typical occurrence. But given their past, the 49ers’ situation is intriguing. It’s critical to evaluate Darnold’s possible performance now that Purdy is out, particularly if he has to start the next game against the Bengals.
Darnold’s Previous Performances and Preparation
There was hope during the offseason and training camp that Darnold could pick up Coach Kyle Shanahan’s offence. Nonetheless, there have been few revelations about Darnold’s potential throughout the regular season. He has only attempted and completed one pass for one yard. He demonstrated his abilities in three preseason games, going 22 of 33 for 282 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
Due to a severe ankle sprain, Darnold missed the first 11 games of his prior season with the Carolina Panthers. But he did manage to post a 4-2 record in Week 12, when he returned as the starter. He passed for 1,143 yards, seven touchdowns, and three interceptions with a completion percentage of 58.4%, although his QBR of 51.4 was around average for the league.
During the previous season, Darnold began the first nine games as Carolina’s quarterback; however, he lost the starting job due to a concussion. Despite suffering defeats on the road in New Orleans and Tampa Bay, he returned to the field in a Week 15 matchup against the Buccaneers, replacing an injured Cam Newton. He completed 61 of 100 throws for 541 yards during those three games, with two touchdowns and two interceptions.
A Look at the 49ers’ Backup Show Under Kyle Shanahan
It’s useful to consider the effectiveness of other 49ers backup quarterbacks under head coach Kyle Shanahan in order to estimate the possible influence of Darnold as a backup quarterback. Below is an overview of their complete season records and statistics:
2022 Timeslot:
Jimmy Garoppolo: 7-3 record, 2,437 yards, 67.2% completion percentage, 16 touchdowns, 4 interceptions, and 56.3 yards per attempt.
Brock Purdy: 5-0 record, 1,374 yards, 13 touchdowns, 4 interceptions, 67.1% completion percentage, and 67.5 QBR.
Postseason in 2022:
Purdy: 2-1 overall, 70.8 QBR, 3 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, 569 yards, and 65.1% throwing percentage.
Josh Johnson: 73 yards, 0 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, 14.3 QBR, 53.8% passing
Season 2021:
Trey Lance: 1-1 record, 603 yards, 5 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, 57.7% completion percentage, and 33.4 yards per attempt (38 carries, 168 yards, 1 touchdown).
2020 Term:
Nick Mullens: 14 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 2,437 yards, 64.7% completion percentage, and 36.3 QBR.
C.J. Beathard: 1-1 record, 787 yards, 6 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, 63.5% completion percentage, and 46.0 QBR.
Season of 2018:
Nick Mullens: 3–5 record, 2,277 yards, 64.2% completion percentage, 10 interceptions, 13 touchdowns, and 51.7 QBR.
C.J. Beathard: 0–5 record, 1,252 yards, 7 interceptions, 60.4% completion rate, 8 touchdowns, and 41.5 QBR.
Season of 2017:
C.J. Beathard: 1-4 record, 1,430 yards, 4 touchdowns, 6 interceptions, 54.9% completion percentage, and 53.4 QBR.
Jimmy Garoppolo: 5-0 record, 67.4% completion percentage, 1,560 yards, 7 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, and 82.7 yards per pass (acquired via trade and installed as a starter).
Finally, under Coach Shanahan, the 49ers have a history of successful backup quarterback play. Sam Darnold will have to step up and carry on this trend if he is asked to start because of Brock Purdy’s concussion. The fans of the 49ers will be eagerly observing as Darnold seeks to establish himself in the upcoming games.
