Why John Lynch believes 49ers QB Brock Purdy is the “real deal”

Over the offseason, there has been significant talk surrounding the San Francisco 49ers and their quarterbacks, especially after the team signed Sam Darnold in free agency, providing them three capable options with starting experience in the former Carolina Panther, Brock Purdy, and Trey Lance.

Purdy is evidently the leader in the clubhouse, as stated by general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan several times this offseason, but many have pointed out his flaws, such as the inability to make throws downfield, as a reason why one of the other quarterbacks could win over the starting job with a strong performance in organized team activities(OTAs) and training camp.

What do the 49ers believe about Purdy’s downfield ability?

General manager John Lynch spoke on the radio on Wednesday, highlighting what the 49ers saw from Purdy during his rookie season, focusing on his ability to make plays outside of the system as a reason why he’s the real deal.

“Is it a flash in the pan or is it the real deal? As we’ve gone back and studied it, he played at a high, high level. Not only played within the system, he made a lot of plays outside the system by extending plays. He showed tremendous playmaking ability. He showed tremendous ability to run the system efficiently, effectively, ***push the ball downfield*** — he just had an incredible first year,” Lynch said, via The Athletic’s David Lombardi.