Steve Young Urges 49ers to Utilize Brock Purdy’s Running Ability

NFL Hall of Famer and legendary San Francisco 49ers quarterback Steve Young believes that quarterback Brock Purdy’s legs are an underused asset, and he’s calling for more designed runs in the future. Young, who was a dual-threat quarterback in his playing days, shared his thoughts on 95.7 The Game’s “Willard & Dibs” show, where he emphasized the importance of incorporating more running plays for Purdy to unlock his full potential.

Steve Young’s Bold Suggestion: RPOs for Brock Purdy

According to Young, Purdy’s running ability should be a larger part of the 49ers’ offensive strategy. He compared Purdy’s potential as a runner to that of some of the NFL’s most dynamic quarterbacks, such as Jalen Daniels. “I said during the season a couple of times, I think Kyle [Shanahan] should call RPOs for Brock,” Young said. “We should put him on the run out of the huddle where he’s going to carry it. The threat he needs to bring, we understand the processing power… he can do 80 percent of what Jaden Daniels is doing with his legs.” Young believes that adding RPOs to Purdy’s playbook would allow the 49ers to better capitalize on his mobility, making the offense even more unpredictable and difficult to defend.

Modern Quarterbacks and the Need for Versatility

Young noted that watching the playoffs this season further reinforced his belief in the importance of a quarterback who can threaten the line of scrimmage with both arm and legs. With quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, and Jalen Hurts excelling in designed runs, Young sees this as a vital part of a modern quarterback’s skill set. “Every time I watch the playoffs, it reminded me of that truth again,” Young explained. “And I think you guys are right, Brock can do that. But it’s about risk more, because the ball’s in his hands at the end of the play more often and that’s risky, but I think it has to happen.”

For the 49ers to compete for a Super Bowl, Young believes that having a quarterback who consistently threatens with both the pass and the run is essential. “It feels like obviously into the future you have to have a quarterback that’s going to threaten the line of scrimmage every time they take the ball into their hands,” he added.

Brock Purdy’s 2024 Season: A Step Toward More Mobility

In 2024, Brock Purdy showed more of his running ability than ever before. He finished the season with career highs in both carries (66) and rushing yards (323), including five rushing touchdowns. His ability to gain nearly five yards per carry shows that he can be a legitimate dual-threat quarterback, even though his rushing stats are still far behind those of quarterbacks like Jalen Daniels (148 carries for 891 yards). However, Purdy’s effectiveness when called upon to run proves that incorporating more designed runs could add an exciting new dimension to the 49ers’ offense.

The Risk of Using Purdy’s Legs More

One major concern about increasing Purdy’s running opportunities is his health. In December 2024, Purdy was forced to miss the rest of the season after suffering a right elbow contusion with nerve inflammation in a game against the Detroit Lions. His injury underscores the risks involved in putting more responsibility on a quarterback’s legs, especially when it comes to the potential for hits and physical tolls that could affect his long-term health.

However, with Christian McCaffrey set to return for the 2025 season, the possibility of more RPOs becomes even more enticing. McCaffrey’s return to a full health would create an even more dynamic offensive backfield, potentially opening up more options for Purdy to run and pass with increased confidence. The 49ers, who fell to 14th in scoring in 2024, could see a significant boost in production by adding this wrinkle to their offense.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Brock Purdy and the 49ers?

As the 49ers look toward the future, the possibility of more RPOs for Purdy could be a game-changer for the offense. While there are certainly risks involved, the rewards could be just as significant, giving Purdy the opportunity to showcase his full skill set and making the 49ers a more unpredictable and explosive offensive team. With a healthy McCaffrey and a more mobile Purdy, San Francisco could position itself for a deep playoff run in the seasons to come.

Joн Martiп, a seasoned sports journalist with over 20 years of experience, offers expert analysis and insight into the ever-evolving world of football. His extensive coverage has spanned everything from high school football to the Sugar Bowl, and his work has earned accolades from various sports writing associations.