Why Brock Purdy, 49ers offense struggled against Saints, per insider

The preseason is a time for an offense to iron out kinks. But it never feels good to see your starting quarterback struggle.

Such was the case for the San Francisco 49ers in their 16-10 preseason win over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. The 49ers may have emerged victorious on the scoreboard, but third-year quarterback Brock Purdy had a tough time under center.

Purdy was 2-for-6 for just 11 yards passing, and San Francisco managed just one first down in the three series Purdy played. He was under fire as well, taking one sack and one additional hit from New Orleans defenders.

It wasn't the prettiest showcase from Purdy in his first action of the 2024 campaign. But one insider believes it isn't yet time to sound alarm bells.

Nick Wagoner, the 49ers beat reporter for ESPN, said on Monday that the 49ers' lack of starting depth around Purdy in the Saints game was likely a primary cause for his struggles.

"(They used) QB Brock Purdy behind a patchwork offensive line missing three projected starters and without the services of any of their top four receivers, top three running backs or tight end George Kittle," Wagoner said. "Given all of that, it's perhaps no surprise that Purdy and the offense struggled to generate much."

Given that lack of talent around Purdy in this game, Wagoner also deflected the attention toward the 49ers' final preseason game on Friday, saying the team would likely get a better read of what to expect from their signal-caller moving forward.

"Even with the short turnaround, the Niners plan to give Purdy and the offense a longer look in that game, which should provide a more accurate read on the team's progress," Wagoner said.

Adding to the backdrop of the 49ers' uncertainty is the continued absence of star receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who is present at camp but not participating in football activities. The 49ers are attempting to work out a long-term extension with Aiyuk, but have thus far been unsuccessful.

On Friday, the 49ers will travel to play the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in their final tune-up before the regular season. Purdy can make his fans breathe much easier with a more productive stat line before the games start counting for real.

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