By Reice ShipleyShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberThe San Francisco 49ers moved to 8-4 after coming away with a 20-9 win over the Carolina Panthers on Monday night. However, the game may have left more questions than answers pertaining to the team's quarterback situation with Brock Purdy under center.
Purdy's second game back from his lengthy injury absence was far from ideal. The former Pro Bowler struggled with accuracy all night, throwing three interceptions in the first half of Monday's game.
Given Purdy's struggles and how well veteran quarterback Mac Jones played in his absence earlier in the year, many 49ers fans let it be known during Monday's game that they think Jones may give the 49ers the better chance to win at this point.
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On Monday, former 49ers quarterback Kurt Benkert, who was in San Francisco during Purdy's rookie season, shared his take on the growing starting quarterback debate.
Despite his prior relationship with Purdy, Benkert let it be known that he believes that the 49ers' offense has operated better under Jones thanunder Purdy this year.
"Oh man, that was tough to watch," said Benkert as he recapped Purdy's performance. "If you just watch the ball come out of his hand... Especially over the middle. The middle is a dangerous place to throw. If you are missing late, behind guys, or over the top of guys in the middle of the field. Every single one of these throws didn't have a great velocity on it. That's not his game. He knows it's not his game, they know it's not his game.
"When you watch Mac Jones in that offense, that is Mac Jones' game. Besides last week, the offense looked better in my opinion when Mac Jones was playing. Only because he is a true Shanahan-style quarterback. From the pocket, can deliver anywhere, flat-footed, guys in his face, doesn't matter. Brock brings more in the scramble game. But I don't love what I saw."
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Purdy is still rounding back into form from his lengthy turf toe injury. So maybe he will take strides on a weekly basis and return to the player who helped bring San Francisco to the Super Bowl in 2023.
Regardless, the 49ers certainly need to figure things out at the quarterback position in a hurry if they are going to stay in the mix at the top of the highly competitive NFC West.
Fortunately for Purdy, the 49ers' next two games come against two struggling teams in 2025. This will start with a Week 13 game against the Cleveland Browns, which could be a great opportunity to get his year back on track.
For more on the San Francisco 49ers and all things NFL, head over to Newsweek Sports.
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