Dallas Cowboys coach says Brock Purdy ‘isn’t a rookie anymore in our eyes’
Jan 19, 2023, 1:38 PM
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 14: Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers looks to pass against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half in the NFC Wild Card playoff game at Levi's Stadium on January 14, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy is going from facing the oldest NFL quarterback Tom Brady to one of the youngest with Brock Purdy in the playoffs.
Through seven games, the 49ers‘ quarterback has thrown 1,640 yards for 16 touchdowns and three interceptions. Most importantly though, he has not lost a game since being inserted into the starting lineup.
When asked if there’s a way to exploit a rookie quarterback, McCarthy said he and the team have to trust the preparation.
“He’s got plenty of film now and he’s played at a very high level,” McCarthy said. “They do a great job with their diverseatility week in and week out as far as how they stress you, particularly in the shifts and motions and landmarks, the speed of it. He manages that very well. I mean he’s definitely not a rookie anymore in our eyes.”
McCarthy went on to say what’s impressed him the most about Brock Purdy is “his instincts, his awareness and his confidence.”
“For a young player, he definitely looks very confident and comfortable in the system,” McCarthy said. “He throws on time. You can see that in his instincts. The awareness of defensive versatility, it doesn’t seem to phase him.”
Elsewhere in the press conference, McCarthy was asked about containing Deebo Samuel and Christian McCaffrey and comparisons between Nick Bosa and Micah Parsons.
“This is a great matchup for both their offensive and their defensive because of their flexibility,” McCarthy said. “They challenge you extremely, it’s a well-oiled offense that’s very creative. I think Kyle [Shanahan] does an outstanding job and this will be a big challenge for us.”
