The schedule gets a little tougher for the 3-0 San Francisco 49ers. A lot will be learned in the coming weeks, especially the next two weeks against the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks. If they pass this test, the 49ers will have to be considered one of the league's elite teams. Of course, injuries will determine how far they go.
We opened the 49ers Webzone Mailbag to see what pressing questions you had regarding the team. As always, you came through with some good ones. Let's take a look.
How realistic are Brock Purdy's chances of winning NFL MVP? - Dave B.
I think Brock Purdy has a strong MVP case right now, but obviously it's still way too early. Through three games, he's completed 72.3% of his passes for 789 yards, nine touchdowns, and just one interception. His 133.1 passer rating is outstanding, and the 49ers are 3-0. He also just threw for 297 yards and four touchdowns in Sunday's win over Arizona.
The biggest thing for me is whether he can keep it going. The upcoming schedule against Denver and Seattle will give us a better idea of where this is headed. If Purdy continues putting up numbers like these while keeping the 49ers near the top of the NFC, there's no reason he shouldn't remain in the MVP conversation. He's already moved into the second spot in some current MVP odds, but it's just now October. A lot can change between now and December.
Do you see the 49ers bringing in another wide receiver after Mike Evans' injury against the Cardinals? - Shawniieboy
There's a bit of musical chairs going on with the 49ers wide receiver group. The team added veteran Brandin Cooks to the active roster only days after signing him to the practice squad. Taking Cooks' place on the practice squad is Malik Turner. He'll join Dante Pettis, whom the 49ers signed to the practice squad on Tuesday. To make room, the team released WR KhaDarel Hodge. He missed practice on Wednesday with a knee injury.
There's a chance Mike Evans plays on Sunday, even if it's unlikely. John Lynch told KNBR on Thursday, "He is old school in his mindset, and he doesn't want to miss." So, we'll see how Evans progresses.
I doubt they'll add anyone else anytime soon. The 49ers still have Will Pauling and Wesley Grimes on the practice squad. So, it's possible they don't see a need to add another receiver. Is your head spinning yet?
Be honest now. Before the season, did you have the 49ers at 3-0 on your bingo card? - Ed H.
No, I actually thought the 49ers would lose the week one game to the Rams. But I'm always happy to be wrong, especially when it's good for the 49ers.
The big question is what happens over the next two weeks. The Broncos and Seahawks will be much stiffer competition. As I already mentioned, we'll soon find out what Purdy and this team really are.
The sky is the limit for this team, but the amount of injuries is always going to bring us back to earth. I am hoping no one is on the shelf that got hurt yesterday for the Broncos game. Any word? - Lowbridge
It doesn't sound like any of the injuries from Sunday are long-term. Trent Williams, Dre Greenlaw, and Evans all left the game with injuries, but there's an outside chance all three play on Sunday. Evans is the least likely, and I'm sure Greenlaw will do everything he can. Williams should be good to go, but that isn't guaranteed.
I'll be honest: I think Jordan Watkins should have taken that long pass to the house. What's your honest opinion of him? And would Brandin Cooks be an upgrade? - Andy G.
I'm impressed that Jordan Watkins went to Kyle Shanahan and asked what he needed to do to improve and get on the field. According to Shanahan, he sat down with Watkins and pointed out some things the young wide receiver needed to improve. Watkins has been working hard on those things and took a nice step on Sunday to get more playing time.
I like seeing players, especially young players, ask how they can get better and then actually applying what they're told. Those things eventually pay off.
Some are concerned that the Pettis signing means the 49ers don't trust Watkins. I don't see it that way. They are getting thin at the position, and signing Pettis to the practice squad gives them someone else they can call on.
Cooks was solid last season, but he's a year older, so I'm not sure what to expect. If I had to decide whether to insert him or Watkins on a potential game-winning drive, though, I'm probably going with Cooks. I think he still has enough of what the 49ers need.
What'd you think of our practice squad call-ups this game? Looks like Kevin Givens did well. Do you think the Hulk earned a spot in the desperate DT rotation? - Andy G.
Kevin Givens and Sebastian Valdez did fine. But you need better players along the defensive line than those guys. Mykel Williams should return soon. That will help. And the 49ers added edge rusher Matthew Judon. Perhaps this is the week that McKinley Jackson gets elevated. We'll have to see how they juggle the roster moves.
For all of the roster gymnastics at wide receiver, I'm a little surprised there haven't been even more moves along the defensive line. But I guess you can only make so many moves.
Is it safe to start putting Brock Purdy on the level of the top NFL QB's? - Sasha R.
I believe Purdy has been one of the league's best QBs for a while. He'll never receive the recognition that Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Patrick Mahomes get, but all he does is win, so he deserves to be placed near the top. If not in that echelon, he should be in the tier just below them. Purdy is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. It's time for the national media (they have a very slow learning curve) to catch up and take notice.
That's all we have for this week's 49ers Webzone Mailbag. We'll be back with a new one next week.
More info on: Brandin Cooks, Mike Evans, Kevin Givens, Dre Greenlaw, Wesley Grimes, Will Pauling, Brock Purdy, Malik Turner, Sebastian Valdez, Jordan Watkins, Mykel Williams, Trent Williams
Comments