Although he is a quarterback for the Pro Bowl and a potential MVP, is Brock Purdy really the 49ers offense’s leader?
When a club has a quarterback that has been selected to the Pro Bowl, that person usually leads the offense or the squad as a whole.
Without a doubt, Patrick Mahomes is the Chiefs’ leader. Without a doubt, Josh Allen is the leader of the Bills. Without a doubt, Lamar Jackson is the leader of the Ravens.
Purdy is the subject of a query. Nor is it about his leadership style. He is obviously a born leader. He has the highest expectations of both himself and his colleagues.
When he sees his teammates not paying attention in the huddle, he calls them out, like he did when he was a rookie and urged George Kittle to stop talking.
He also calls himself out after poor performances. That demonstrated leadership.
And Purdy showed leadership when he held himself responsible for the Super Bowl defeat even though he didn’t have to and wasn’t at fault.
Purdy is a leader the 49ers offense has been waiting for because he is responsible, sincere, and modest. However, he is not the offensive leader.
Until he relinquishes control and allows his Pro Bowl quarterback to assume the mantle, Kyle Shanahan will remain the leader.
Purdy isn’t even allowed to call audibles or alter protections at the line of scrimmage by Shanahan. Unlike Andy Reid, who permits Mahomes to call plays whenever he pleases.
The 49ers are still Shanahan’s club, but the Chiefs are Mahomes’ team. Until Purdy’s team wins a Super Bowl, he won’t have one.