Cam Newton hasn’t been shy about criticizing San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, even as the second-year wide receiver led the team to their first Super Bowl LVIII appearance of the 2019 season.
The former Carolina Panthers star called Purdy a “game manager” rather than a “game changer.”
He said on the latest episode of the “Fourth and First Podcast” that Purdy needs to be the best offensive player on the team to earn the “game changer” designation.
San Francisco 49ers No. 13 pick Brock Purdy celebrates during the NFL Championship NFL football game against the Detroit Lions at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara, California on January 28, 2024.
Newton passed that responsibility to Christian McCaffrey and said he’s far from it.”Look, I’m not giving anything up.
To be honest, if you combine his defensive ability and his offensive ability, Brock Purdy is the 10th best player on this team,” Newton said.
“So his game was great?” Yes. Did he play a madman? Yes. Is he a hot defender? Yes.
“But he’s still the 10th best player on the team.”Cam Newton at a Hawks gameFormer NFL player Cam Newton attends the game between the Detroit Pistons and the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on December 18, 2023.
Purdy, who became the first Pro Bowler this season, performed well in the playoffs and led San Francisco to the Super Bowl.
But having guys like McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, Brandon Ayuk and George Kittle around certainly helps a lot.
In two playoff games this season, he has 519 passing yards, two touchdown passes and one interception.
He wasn’t dominant, but he didn’t make too many mistakes to hinder the team.
After Brock Fury’s goalSan Francisco 49ers running back Brock Purdy #13 celebrates after kicking a field goal against the Detroit Lions during the fourth quarter of an NFL football NFC Championship game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on January 28, 2024.
He led San Francisco to a victory over the Detroit Lions in the NFC Championship this weekend. He now has 10 days to lead the 49ers to Allegiant Stadium.
