ESPN’s Nick Wagoner: Brock Purdy is playing at an MVP level

Brock Purdy has the San Francisco 49ers rolling at 3-0, and ESPN’s Nick Wagoner believes the quarterback’s decision-making will be the biggest factor when the team faces the Denver Broncos in Week 4.

Through three games, Purdy has completed 60 of 83 passes for 789 yards, nine touchdowns and just one interception.

His 133.1 passer rating ranks among the league’s best, while he has also added 93 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground.

Speaking with Sactown Sports’ Matt George and Kayla Anderson, Wagoner said Purdy has reached a different level in understanding when to attack and when to take what the defense gives him.

“I think the biggest thing is Brock Purdy has kind of really found a sweet spot in terms of when to use his legs to create and make things happen, and when to step forward in the pocket and deliver the ball,” Wagoner said.

Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after his rushing touchdown against the Miami Dolphins in the second quarter of a game at Levi’s Stadium on September 20, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

More on Brock Purdy & the 49ers

That balance could be especially important against Denver. The Broncos’ defense showed against the Los Angeles Rams that it can make life difficult for an offense, particularly when its pass rush gets going.

Wagoner believes Purdy’s ability to get the ball out quickly and consistently make the right decisions will be critical.

“It’s the decision making,” Wagoner said. “So much is made of, like, can you throw the ball 50 yards down the right sideline for a touchdown? Like those plays are great… But, like, can you make layups over and over and over?”

Purdy has done exactly that through the first three weeks, while also showing an ability to make plays when the pocket breaks down. Wagoner pointed to Purdy’s unusual off-platform throw against Arizona as evidence that the quarterback still has the ability to create something special when necessary.

The quarterback’s success has also been helped by an offensive line that has yet to allow a sack this season. Wagoner credited the unit’s continuity, noting that four of the five starters are entering their third year together.

“Brock Purdy will be sacked this year,” Wagoner said. “That will happen. It doesn’t mean that the person who got beat stinks. It just means the reality of the league.”

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 08: Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after a fourth quarter touchdown against the Chicago Bears at Levi’s Stadium on December 08, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

With injuries creating questions at wide receiver and along the defensive line, Purdy’s play has become even more important. Wagoner described the 49ers as more pass-heavy than they have been under Kyle Shanahan, saying, “This is Brock Purdy’s team now.”

That makes Sunday’s matchup with Denver an intriguing early-season test. If Purdy continues making quick decisions, taking the easy completions and creating when necessary, the 49ers will have another opportunity to prove their 3-0 start is no fluke.

Listen to and watch Sactown Sports’ Matt George and Kayla Anderson with Matt George & Kayla Anderson, airing weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT on Sactown Sports.

More 49ers content from Sactown Sports

• 49ers Improve to 3-0, Suffer More Injuries In The Process
• 49ers star DE Nick Bosa Expected To Miss Multiple Weeks
• Brock Purdy Earns NFC Offensive Player of the Week Honors
• Is Brock Purdy A Top-Tier Quarterback?

Upcoming San Francisco 49ers 2026 Schedule

• Sunday, October 4th – vs. Denver Broncos – 1:25 pm PT
• Sunday, October 11th – @ Seattle Seahawks – 1:25 pm PT
• Monday, October 19th – vs. Washington Commanders – 5:15 pm PT
• Sunday, October 25th – @ Atlanta Falcons – 10:00 am PT

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