Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe didn’t hold back in his criticism of Brock Purdy after the San Francisco 49ers lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 58.
Sharpe pinned most of the blame for the loss on Purdy, noting that he wasted plenty of opportunities to score and put the game away from Kansas City. Instead, they were unable to take advantage of a dominant first half and found themselves losing in overtime.
Shannon Sharpe Goes Scorch-Earth on San Francisco 49ers’ Brock Purdy
During Monday’s episode of his Nightcap show with Chad Johnson, Sharpe completely obliterated Purdy and the 49ers for their performance in Super Bowl 58.
Sharpe took issue with their inability to put a sizeable lead in the first half when Mahomes and Co. struggled offensively and failed to score a touchdown. The 49ers built a 10-point lead early on and ended the half up by seven points 10-3, but Sharpe emphasized a one-score lead isn’t enough to beat the Chiefs.
The legendary tight end explained that such failure is on Purdy since he’s the leader of the offense. Sharpe added that it only proves that Purdy isn’t the “guy” that many make him to be.
“The 49ers had the momentum in the first half. And they only had a 10-3 lead. That’s not enough. You need to be 17-3. You needed to be 20-3. Because you really dominated the first half of the game. Because you let Mahomes…he can still see your tail lights. You needed to disappear. You needed to really disappear because you’ve got the momentum,” Sharpe exclaimed.
“So, Andy [Reid], they go in there at halftime, it’s like, you’ve heard this speech before. ‘As poorly as we’re playing, we’re only one score down.’ You have to put some separation between you. Did he [Purdy] answer all your questions, because there’s a couple throws, them money throws, you gotta make those. Y’all keep trying to build Purdy up because ya’ll wanted people to think he’s that dude. He’s not.”
Brock Purdy ain't him 🤷♂️ @ShannonSharpe @ochocinco pic.twitter.com/2vMMWVM9Dd
— Nightcap (@NightcapShow_) February 12, 2024
That’s certainly harsh criticism from Sharpe, though it’s not surprising since it was the moment when Purdy needed to step up. Unfortunately, he didn’t. Of course, he shouldn’t be blamed alone. The 49ers had plenty of miscues early on, from Christian McCaffrey fumbling the ball to Trent Williams costing them two penalties in the first quarter.
However, when you’re the quarterback and an MVP candidate, everyone expects you to be at your biggest on the biggest stage. Purdy just wasn’t.
Brock Purdy Takes Blame for San Francisco 49ers Loss
For what it’s worth, Brock Purdy didn’t run away from the responsibility. Right after their loss, he shouldered the blame and admitted it was his fault the San Francisco 49ers lost.
“We have the team and the offense to score touchdowns, and I failed to put our team in position to do that,” Purdy said in his postgame presser on Sunday, per Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports.
Purdy particularly noted that their inability to score a touchdown in overtime–during which they settled for a field goal–is something that he really regrets. After all, it gave the Chiefs the chance to win, which they welcomed very much and converted for the game-winner.
“That’s what hurt me… Mahomes is really good and you just don’t want to give them an opportunity to go down and win the game off a touchdown. When I wasn’t able to connect with him (Jauan Jennings) it hurt,” Purdy added, via KNBR.
Hopefully, Purdy learned his lesson from the loss. The 49ers are favorites to return to the Super Bowl next season and win it, but for now, they can’t look too far ahead.
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