San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy has faced it his whole career: people who try to suggest that he is not fit to be the 49ers’ franchise quarterback.
That chatter has new legs after the 49ers lost their first game of the season to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Purdy’s return from injury.
Backup Mac Jones had led the 49ers to two wins in Purdy’s absence, and played decent football in both of those games as well.
In contrast, Purdy struggled against the Jaguars, turning the ball over 3 times (2 interceptions, 1 fumble).
So, with that very small recent sample size in mind, former Arizona Cardinals star cornerback Patrick Peterson went on the Up & Adams show on Monday September 29, 2025 and suggested that the 49ers could have a quarterback controversy in San Francisco.
“Yeah, I honestly think it can be, because if he goes out there and fumbles the ball twice and throws two interceptions, yes,” Peterson said.
Peterson was also very complimentary of Jones’s play against the New Orleans Saints and Cardinals in Purdy’s absence.
“He looked real good in the offense,” Peterson said. “Looked in control, had a great comeback against my Arizona Cardinals last week, and again, he’s one of those quarterbacks that’s very strong in the pocket and he was making those contested throws.”
How Do Their Numbers Line Up?
Through 4 games, Mac Jones and Brock Purdy have both spent the same amount of time as the 49ers quarterback (2 full games). So how do their numbers compare?
For one thing, Jones is 2-0 while Purdy is 1-1. Winning is important, but doesn’t tell the whole story.
Purdy has more yards (586) than Jones (563) on less completions (48 for Purdy versus 53 for Jones). They have thrown the same amount of touchdowns, but Purdy has thrown 4 interceptions while Jones has thrown only 1.
Jones also has a higher completion percentage and passer rating than Purdy.
However, Purdy also faced better defenses than Jones. The Jaguars are 10th in total defense and the Seattle Seahawks are 11th. In contrast, the Saints are 15th in total defense and the Cardinals are 24th.
Purdy’s injury has also directly affected him during his time on the field more than Jones, but Purdy has also had better receivers on the field than Jones has. Both have had to navigate playing behind a poor offensive line.
A Take Full Of Recency Bias
The fact of the matter is that Brock Purdy has the kind of resumé and history with the 49ers that demands respect.
Purdy was one of the best offensive players in the NFL just two seasons ago, in 2023. His two seasons since have been marred by injuries to himself and the rest of the 49ers offense.
The 49ers owe him the benefit of the doubt and should instill the kind of confidence in him that will allow him to become a great quarterback again.
Now, could the 49ers start Jones over Purdy against the Los Angeles Rams, especially since Purdy indicated that his toe is still bothering him on Monday September 29?
Absolutely they could. A healthy Jones is a better option than an injured Purdy.
But at 100% health, there’s absolutely no reason that a controversy between Brock Purdy and Mac Jones should exist.
What do you think about all of this, 49ers fans?