San Francisco legend Steve Young joined “Willard & Dibs” on 95.7 The Game and shared some insight on how the 49ers’ offense could improve in 2025.
Young wants to see quarterback Brock Purdy utilized in more run-pass options, likening his vision for the 49ers’ offense moving forward into some of what the Washington Commanders have been this season.
“I think Kyle (Shanahan) should call run-pass options for Brock. We should put him on the run out of the huddle where he’s going to carry it. He needs to bring that threat… He can do 80% of what Jayden (Daniels) is doing,” Young told hosts Mark Willard and Dan Dibley.
“I think Kyle should call run-pass options for Brock [Purdy]. We should put him on the run out of the huddle where he’s going to carry it. He needs to bring that threat…He can do 80% of what Jayden [Daniels] is doing.”
Steve Young on @WillardAndDibs
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Utilizing Purdy as a designed runner more often would certainly give defenses another wrinkle to think about. More run-pass options for Purdy could help create explosive plays as opposing defenses would be forced to account for his legs more often while also keeping downfield options in play.
It’s definitely an interesting idea and Purdy has shown himself to be a capable runner. Purdy tallied a career-high 323 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns this past season.
In the process, Purdy became the first 49ers quarterback since Colin Kaepernick to record five rushing scores in a season.
Of course, the 49ers have to balance the rewards of putting more run-pass options on Purdy’s plate against the risk of opening him up to more hits. Purdy’s availability is his best ability for the franchise and NFL seasons are longer than ever before now.
Plus, Purdy ended his 2024 season on the sidelines after suffering a right elbow contusion with nerve inflammation.
Statistically, the 49ers wound up as one of the league’s better offenses in 2024 in several key categories. San Francisco ranked fourth in total offense (376.3 yards per game), fourth in passing offense (249.1 yards per game) and 12th in rushing offense (127.2 yards per game).
The 49ers accrued those rushing marks minus star running back Christian McCaffery for all but four games.
But, San Francisco ranked just 14th in scoring offense (22.9 points per game). That was in large part due to turnover woes. The 49ers had the sixth-worst turnover differential in the NFL (-10) thanks to their 27 giveaways, which ranked as the sixth-most in the league.
As the 49ers look to improve upon those figures, maybe an uptick in Purdy’s ground game can help unlock more for San Francisco in 2025.