Is Brock Purdy A Top-Tier Quarterback?

Kenny Caraway explains why Brock Purdy’s command of the 49ers offense has him among the NFL’s top quarterbacks.

Sep 22, 2026, 7:48 AM

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 20: Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after...

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)

(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

The San Francisco 49ers are off to a 2-0 start, and Brock Purdy’s play through the first two weeks has caught the attention of anyone who has been paying attention.

Kenny Caraway joined The Drive Guys on Sactown Sports and had high praise for Purdy after another strong performance in San Francisco’s win over the Miami Dolphins.

“Brock Purdy is one of the top quarterbacks in this league, hands down,” Caraway said.

What stands out to Caraway is not necessarily Purdy’s physical tools, but how well he understands and plays the position. He compared Purdy’s approach to former MLB pitcher Greg Maddux and NBA point guard Chris Paul as players who dominated through their understanding of the game rather than overwhelming physical advantages. Caraway said he believes Purdy’s approach to the game sets him apart.

“Sometimes you’re going to have 220 yards, and it’s going to be a dominating performance,” Caraway said. “Sometimes you’re going to have 320, but he understands whatever the position calls for that day. He understands that, and he’s ready to provide it.”

Purdy is surrounded by plenty of other offensive options who have also impressed up until this point.

George Kittle has quickly looked like himself again after returning from the Achilles injury that ended his previous season. Caraway acknowledged that he is normally cautious about declaring a player fully recovered from a major injury, but said Kittle already looks like the same player 49ers fans are accustomed to seeing.

Finding additional targets for him at wide reciever may be challenging with how many have gone down at that spot.

Another injury at the position has tested the 49ers’ depth, and Caraway said there eventually comes a point where even Kyle Shanahan’s offensive system can only overcome so much personnel loss. He pointed to Demarcus Robinson as the type of dependable receiver San Francisco could afford to lean on within the system, while the depth behind him creates more uncertainty.

Still, it’s on Shanahan and Purdy to keep the offense functioning while the 49ers wait to get healthier.

On the other side of the ball, San Francisco’s secondary has been one of the biggest early surprises. A position group that entered the season with questions has instead been among the most consistent areas of the defense through two games. Of course, Fred Warner is also reminding everyone that he’s one of, if not the, best linebacker in the NFL.

Caraway believes Warner’s versatility has elevated him beyond simply being one of the best linebackers currently playing.

“Fred Warner is one of the great players that we’ve ever seen in this generation in the league,” Caraway said.

Caraway put Warner in the same conversation as names like Ray Lewis, Patrick Willis, Luke Kuechly and Brian Urlacher, pointing specifically to Warner’s ability to defend well downfield in coverage as something that separates him.

Two games won’t answer every question surrounding the 49ers, especially with injuries continuing to pile up. But between Purdy’s command of the offense, Kittle’s return and an encouraging start from the defense, Caraway sees plenty to like about San Francisco’s early-season form.

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Is Brock Purdy A Top-Tier Quarterback?

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