49ers HC Kyle Shanahan throws light on the kind of faith the team has in Sam Darnold in Brock Purdy’s absence

49ers are currently at 3 1/2 points in favour of beating the Bengals on Sunday.

49ers HC Kyle Shanahan throws light on the kind of faith the team has in Sam Darnold in Brock Purdy’s absence

Sam Darnold and Kyle Shanahan (Via San Francisco Chronicle/Los Angeles Times)

With the quarterback Brock Purdy going through the concussion protocol, there is a very slight chance that he would return to the San Francisco 49ers‘ next game against the Cincinnati Bengals. In that matter, Sam Darnold would play against the Bengals, scheduled on Sunday.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that Darnold is all set to play in Sunday’s game, in a radio interview with KNBR, last Thursday. The 49ers are all very excited for Darnold getting this opportunity, and so is he.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan said, via David Bonilla:

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I mean, Sam has done a lot of good things since he’s been here. He looks great on the practice field. Got to play with him in a couple of preseason games.

With Darnold’s first NFL game, Shanahan also highlighted that the team is nervous because of the newness in the whole thing. He said: 

But when you go into an NFL game with someone for the first time, there’s always some newness to both of us. Just feeling it out, feeling with the team.

However, they believe in Darnold as he has played many times and has great command and confidence in himself. This has helped them “believe in him [Darnold] a ton.” He further added:

And if his opportunity with us for the first time is this Sunday, he’ll be ready to go, and our guys will be excited to follow him.

Darnold was selected as the third pick in the 2018 draft. He has 60 appearances with 55 starts, in which he completed 59.7 per cent for 11,768 yards and 61 touchdowns, alongside 55 interceptions.

Can Sam Darnold lead the 49ers to victory without Brock Purdy?

The 49ers are currently at 3 1/2 points in favour of beating the Bengals, coming on this Sunday. The quarterback Purdy would not be there after sustaining a blow to his head on Monday Night Football Game. Even if he gets cleared, there is a very minute chance that he will appear this Sunday. In that reference, the 49ers all hope resides in Darnold.

Sam Darnold and Brock Purdy
Sam Darnold and Brock Purdy (Via San Francisco Chronicle/Los Angeles Times)

The 49ers already didn’t have some of its key players and now with Purdy also gone, when the team needed him the most. In the coming game against the Bengals, Darnold would have to protect the football and take whatever the defense throws at him. He can be a game-changer for the 49ers or could be a big charm.

Purdy’s performance lately wasn’t that valuable for his team as he was the main reason for the 49ers’ loss against the Vikings. In the long run, the 49ers would need to find a quarterback that leads the team, not only the team has to carry.

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