Watching Brock Purdy in San Francisco Reminds Dan Orlovsky of Tom Brady’s Patriots Days

Dan Orlovsky believes 49ers QB, Brock Purdy, is part of the Top 6 best quarterback group after three weeks of football.

Watching Brock Purdy in San Francisco Reminds Dan Orlovsky of Tom Brady’s Patriots Days

Brock Purdy and Tom Brady inside the circle (Image via IMAGO)

Brock Purdy went through the wringer after he capitulated in the playoffs last year. Analysts pointed fingers at the San Francisco 49ers for signing Purdy to a $55 million/year deal.

Kyle Shanahan and 49ers players stood by their quarterback, and Purdy has repaid that trust with a 3-0 start to the 2026 campaign. Purdy has performed remarkably, to the point that Dan Orlovsky launched a hot take on a recent episode of First Take.

I don’t think there’s anybody in the league that could be doing what Purdy’s doing in San Francisco right now…it is like watching Brady in New England.

Dan Orlovsky said

Orlovsky ESPN colleagues Marcus Spears and Stephen A. Smith were a little skeptical about his take. Spears in particular wasn’t too keen on comparing Purdy to a seven-time Super Bowl champion. But that didn’t deter Orlovsky from raving about the 26-year-old.

The six quarterbacks that are playing the best in the NFL right now through three weeks are [Brock] Purdy, Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Trevor Lawrence, and Kirk Cousins. Are there other quarterbacks that I’m taking over of Kirk Cousins? Of course, but when it comes to like the guys that are playing the best right now, that’s the six.

Dan Orlovsky said.

The Niners took part in Australia’s first-ever regular-season NFL game on opening day of the current campaign. They defeated rivals and contender Los Angeles Rams. Purdy threw for 205 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 1 interception.

In the following week, the Niners hosted the lowly Miami Dolphins at Levi’s Stadium. Purdy completed 90% of his passes for 287 yards, threw two touchdowns, and rushed for one touchdown.

Last week, the Arizona Cardinals visited sunny California for a big rivalry match. Purdy threw for 297 yards, 4 touchdowns, and zero interceptions. In the first three weeks, Purdy has accumulated 789 yards, 10 total touchdowns, and 1 interception.

According to ESPN, Purdy boasts +425 odds to win the league MVP—the second-best odds behind Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen with +260.

The Niners are also the least penalized team at the moment. They are also No. 1 in red zone scoring, third-down conversions, and yards per play.

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Former player compares Brock Purdy to Hall of Fame quarterback

Purdy went 29-17 at Iowa State in college. He flew under the radar and almost went undrafted in 2022 until the Niners selected him 262nd overall (last player taken). He was dubbed ‘Mr. Irrelevant.’

Watching Brock Purdy in San Francisco Reminds Dan Orlovsky of Tom Brady's Patriots Days
Brock Purdy (Image via IMAGO)

That title did not stop Purdy from leading the Niners to NFC glory and a Super Bowl appearance. Along the way, he edged out veteran Jimmy Garoppolo, highly regarded Trey Lance, and has kept former first-rounder and CFP champion Mac Jones on the bench.

Despite his pedigree, analysts and a section of football players refuse to rate him highly. They argue that anyone can play high-level football in Kyle Shanahan’s quarterback-friendly system. However, even the critics are starting to warm up to the idea that Purdy has played great football this year.

In a recent episode of Speakeasy, former players TJ Ward and James Jones compared Purdy to Niners icon and Hall of Famer Steve Young.

He’s starting to remind me of, dare I say, Steve Young. He looks like Steve Young. I’ve watched the Niners my whole life and this is pieces of Steve Young.

TJ Ward said via Coach Yac on X

James Jones, who shared a locker room with future first-ballot HOFer Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay, chimed in with his take.

Steve [Young] was throwing and running and he was making everyone around him better. When you turn the tape on of Brock, he’s throwing and running and he was making everyone around him better. Nobody can no longer say system quarterback with Brock Purdy.

James Jones said

Pro Football Focus rated Purdy a ridiculous 96.9 grade for his performance against the Cardinals on Sunday.

In Week 4, the Niners host the 2-1 Denver Broncos. It will be Purdy’s first appearance against the Mile High club.  

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