Brock Purdy says training camp is the time to “experiment.” However, after throwing a bunch of interceptions, the experiment seems to be blowing up in his face.
The 49ers quarterback threw seven interceptions (three on Monday, four on Tuesday) during the first two days of the week. The picks – particularly four picks on his final five throws on Tuesday – alarmed writers and fans.
Even though it’s early in camp, those folks have the unrealistic expectation of flawless or near-flawless performances from Purdy.
Purdy said he’s stepping outside his comfort zone during camp. He’s trying to fit throws into tight windows, testing his ability on certain throws and seeing what his receivers can do.
“Right now is the time for us to go out and – you always hear the quarterback say experiment – but that’s really what it is,” Purdy said on radio staion KNBR in San Francisco.
“Can I fit it in this window on this hitch? Can I look off Fred (linebacker Fred Warner) or ‘Flan’ (linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles) or De’Vondre (linebacker De’Vondre Campbell) in a certain way and then make that throw backside?
“In the game and in the season, it comes down to protecting the ball every snap, every play. So you can’t necessarily try those things out. Right now, we can. My mindset right now is protect the ball, but let’s be aggressive. Let’s try this out. Let’s figure it out.
“…There’s a time and a place where I’m like, ‘Hey, you know what? This is practice, and I’m going to drop back and try this out.’ And then you figure out if it could be a part of your game or not for the season.”
Purdy’s approach is understandable during camp. But after so many interceptions, should he simply come to the conclusion the experiment has failed? It seems like he may have done so on Thursday.
Purdy produced a turnover-free performance and connected with tight end George Kittle and rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall for touchdowns during red zone drills.
